Premier Mathabatha visits Bapedi Paramount King Thulare III
MOHLALETSE – Limpopo Premier Chupu Mathabatha paid a courtesy visit to Bapedi King Thulare Victor Thulare III at his palace in Mohlaletse on Friday, 08 May 2020.
The courtesy visit by Premier Mathabatha followed King Thulare Victor Thulare III’s recognition as Bapedi Paramount King by President Cyril Ramaphosa recently after over three-decades protracted battle for recognition within Bapedi nation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a legal document recognizing King Thulare Victor Thulare III as Bapedi’s Paramount King following a Constitutional Court ruling against his uncle, then acting King Kenneth Kgagudi Sekhukhune.
Sekhukhune acted as Bapedi King in 1976 after Thulare’s father, Rhyne Thulare, did not ascend the throne due to family conflicts.
The legal battles dated back to 1991. Rhyne Thulare died in 2007 while the matter was continuing. Sekhukhune was deposed in 2010 after the Commission on Traditional Leadership found that he was not the rightful king, but took the matter to the Constitutional Court.
The Nhlapo Commission on Traditional Leadership ruled Thulare III as the King of Bapedi in 2019. Acting King K.K Sekhukhune took that decision to court.
King Thulare Victor Thulare will now have a full staff complement and other benefits fit for a king following his recognition.
Premier Mathabatha was accompanied by Coghsta MEC, Baiskopo Makamu, Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Social Development MEC, Nkareng Rakgoale, Treasury MEC, Charlie Sekoati and Provincial SAPS Commissioner, General Nneke Ledwaba.
“That chapter has been closed and Bapedi nation now have a king of their own,” said Premier Mathabatha.
