Former minister Ngoako Ramathlodi has confirmed that he has accepted the Bapedi royal family’s proposal for him to take charge of the position of the first-ever Bapedi nation prime minister.
The Bapedi royal family announced Ramathlodi, who is former Limpopo premier, during a media briefing in Sandton on Wednesday.
This despite critics within the royal council expressing their dissatisfaction, stating they were unaware of the announcement and had not been consulted about the selection of a prime minister.
However, speaking exclusively to The Star on Thursday, Ramathlodi dismissed their assertions, saying that they should consult with the royal family which is the only ones that would answer their questions.
“I am the prime minister of the Bapedi nation…Those that are saying they were not consulted must be answered by the royal family,” Ramathlodi said.
He said he was 100% consulted and he, his family, and everybody around him agreed that he should accept the role.
He added that during his tenure as Limpopo premier, he played a role in the Kingdom’s royal disputes and was even given the name “Ngoato Wa Bauba”, an indication that he was now part of the royal family.
“What happened was that when I was the premier of Limpopo, I had to deal with the conflict of the Bapedi Kingdom… I needed to establish who was the actual King… So it’s not an accident that I have been approached by the royal family.
“This does not start now… I was fully involved in resolving the conflict of the Bapedi Kingdom. I accepted because I want to serve my people once again,” Ramathlodi said.
His role will be the mouthpiece of the Bapedi nation, akin to Thulasizwe Buthelezi for the Zulu nation.
During the briefing, the royal family said that this strategic appointment was a testament to Ramathlodi’s illustrious career, marked by numerous achievements and contributions to South African politics.
Born on August 21, 1955, in Ga-Tauetswala, Ramathlodi’s impressive resume boasts an array of prestigious positions according to the family.
He served as the first premier of the Northern Province (now Limpopo) from 1994 to 2004 and was a member of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC).
“Ramathlodi’s academic credentials are equally impressive, with degrees from the National University of Lesotho, the University of Zimbabwe, and the University of Limpopo. He is also an advocate of the court in Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland, and SA.
“Throughout his career, Ramathlodi has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, serving as the former president of the SRC at the National University of Lesotho, commander of the Jackal Unit at the University of Limpopo, and special envoy of President Oliver Tambo to Lesotho,” they said.
They added that Ramathlodi’s appointment was a significant milestone for the Bapedi Kingdom, marking a new era of growth and development.
“As the mouthpiece of Her Majesty Queen Leganabatho II Manyaku Thulare, Ramathlodi will play a crucial role in advancing the kingdom’s interests and promoting its economic vision.
“The Bapedi Kingdom’s economic vision, devised by the late King Thulare III, aims to establish a university campus focused on mining and agriculture in the Sekhukhune region. Ramathlodi’s experience and expertise will be invaluable in driving this vision forward and ensuring the Kingdom’s economic growth and prosperity,” they said.
As the Bapedi nation celebrates this significant appointment, they also commemorate the 44th birthday of their late King, His Majesty King Thulare III Victor Thulare.
Pretoria News