The Customary Anatomy of the Traditional Governance of the Bafokeng Traditional Community: The Implications of the Constitutional Recognition of Hereditary Headmanship

The institution of the hereditary headmanship of the Bafokeng traditional community in the North West Province, South Africa has been in existence from time immemorial. It survived the calamities and vicissitudes of both the colonial and the apartheid regimes. The question asked here is whether the hereditary headmanship is relevant in the new constitutional dispensation or, to put the question differently, whether this customary practice is in line with the dictates and ethos of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (the Constitution). This article asserts that the customary practice of hereditary headmanship of Bafokeng is still apposite and fitting in the new South Africa. In particular, it is in accord with the Constitution, as is the customary practice of the Cala community in the Eastern Cape, which requires its headmen to be elected by members of the community from time to time.


Introduction
This article seeks to examine and discuss the customary practice of the traditional governance of the Bafokeng community in the North West province of South Africa with an emphasis on the community's custom of hereditary headmanship.Historical evidence indicates that the Bafokeng community has over centuries been ruled by hereditary chiefs and headmen in terms of their living customary law.The custom of the Bafokeng hereditary headmanship determines which of the sons of the incumbent headman should succeed. 1 In other words, the headmanship of the Bafokeng community is determined on the basis of hereditary succession in accordance with the genealogical seniority of the particular royal family of the headman concerned.
Although it is the practice among the Bafokeng community and many black communities in South Africa that a son of the community's headman succeeds his father, there are exceptions to this general usage.The customary law of the Cala reserve community in the Eastern Cape Province, for example, requires its headmen to be elected by members of the community. 2It is against this backdrop that this article aims to establish whether or not the Bafokeng customary rule of hereditary headmanship is consistent with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 3 and the applicable legislation on traditional leadership. 4

Background
Thornhill and Selepe posit that members of the Bafokeng community ("the people of the dew") are the descendants of the Sotho-Tswana people who travelled southwards from central Africa over a period of 200 years. 5F KHUNOU PER / PELJ 2017 (20)  3 Mbenga indicates that one version of the Bafokeng community's oral tradition asserts that in some distant period, possibly during the 17 th century, the Bafokeng people separated from the Hurutshe lineage and formed their own independent chiefdom. 6According to Bammann, the Bafokeng's kgosi 7 was Nape, who ruled with the support of the hereditary headmen at the time when the Bafokeng entered the territory which was later called the western Transvaal.It is possible to trace a chronologically accurate genealogy of the hereditary chiefs and headmen of the Bafokeng community, however, only from Kgosi Mokgatle (1834-1891) onwards. 8e Bafokeng community settled in Phokeng, its capital village (near the present modern town of Rustenburg), after they broke away from the Hurutshe. 9Enduring the vicissitudes of the difaqane or mfeqane 10 and the arrival of the voortrekkers 11 in the region of Phokeng in the first four decades 6 Mbenga Acquisition of Land 2. It is also recorded that the Hurutshe also broke away from the parent Kwena group under Chief Malope.According to Sepeng, Malope was regarded as the father of all of the different communities of the Kwena group.The larger Tswana chiefdoms of the Ngwaketsi, the Bakwena, the Ngwato, the Tawana (Botswana), the Bakwena ba Mogopa, the Bafokeng, the Baphalane, the Bakwena ba Mmatau, the Bakwena ba Manamela, the Bakwena ba Matlhaku, the Bakwena ba Maake, the Bakwena ba Moletse (North West province, South Africa), the Batsotetsi, Bamonaheng and the Bakwena (Free State province of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho) emerged from the parent Kwena tribe.Also see in this regard, Sepeng History of the Bakwena Ba Mogopa 27. 7 The Tswana word "kgosi" is used interchangeably in this article with the words "chief", and "senior traditional leader", depending on the context.However, the word "chief" is no longer used in the statute book of South Africa.On the other hand, the word "headman" (plural: headmen) is a term associated with government usage and "wardhead" with the anthropological literature.The word "headman" is used in this article to translate induna (Zulu), ibonda (Xhosa), morenana (Sotho) and kgosana (Tswana).
For more information on the issue of headmanship, see Bennett Customary Law 103.
Bammann The Bafokeng 10.Since Mokgatle's time, the following chiefs or dikgosi of the Bafokeng traditional community could be ascertained: Mokgatle (1834-1891), Tumagole (1891-1896), Molotlegi (1897-1938), Manotshe Molotlegi (1938-1956), Lebone Edward Molotlegi (1956-1995), Molelwane Molotlegi (Lebone Molotlegi II) (1995-2000), Leruo Tshekedi Molotlegi (2000-).It is of great importance to note that all the successive chiefs of the Bafokeng community together with their respective headmen were hereditary leaders.Also see Breutz Tribes of Rustenburg 68. 9 Manson and Mbenga 2003 JSAS 25.   10   The Zulu word "difaqane" or "mfeqane" refers to a period of dispersal and great turmoil in Southern Africa where chiefdoms and tribes (traditional communities) were displaced by Zulu warriors under King Shaka of the Zulu kingdom.Like many black communities in Southern Africa, the Bafokeng community was adversely affected by the difaqane and disintegrated in the process.See generally in this regard, Shaw State Formation 66. 11 The Afrikaans word "voortrekkers" literally means "those who go ahead".The word basically refers to any of the Boers (Dutch settlers or their descendants) or as they came to be called in the 20 th century, the Afrikaners, who left the British Cape Colony in South Africa after 1834 and migrated into the interior highveld north of the Orange River.The voortrekkers found the black communities in the interior.Later, this region evolved into the independent Boer states of the Orange Free State and the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek or the Republic of Transvaal.The "voortrekkers" label is SF KHUNOU PER / PELJ 2017 (20) 4 of the 19 th century, the Bafokeng community retained the institution of hereditary headmanship.The Bafokeng practice of hereditary headmanship also continued to be in existence during the turbulent years of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) 12 or the Republic of Transvaal (TVL), when the Boer government recognised their successive chiefs and headmen.In 1885 the TVL Volksraad enacted Law 4 of 1885, which recognised the laws and customs of the hereditary leadership of the black communities in the Republic of TVL.It also gave the State President power and authority over chiefs. 13However, despite the Boer government's ruthless oppression of the chiefs throughout TVL, the hereditary leadership of the Bafokeng and other black communities survived.
In 1910 the Tswana communities of the TVL became part of the Union of South Africa. 14Following the establishment of the Union government, the white authorities allowed, among other customs, the continued existence of the Bafokeng customary rule of hereditary headmanship.This recognition was confirmed in section 2(7) of the then Native Administration Act, 15 which therefore used to refer to the Boers who participated in the organised migration commonly referred to as the Great Trek.The voortrekkers invaded the land of the Bafokeng and other communities in the region, which was later called the Republic of Transvaal, with the subsequent effect of land dispossession.This Act was essentially related to the administration of the reserves (homelands) such as the Tswana homeland, where at that time the Bafokeng community resided.The Act was also designed to stress the need for blacks to be re-tribalised under a distinct system of law and government.The Union government's intention to consciously revive tribalism was presented as "traditional", even though it was not reminiscent of continued during the apartheid era. 16Despite the repressive nature of the apartheid system, the Bafokeng hereditary headmanship continued to survive and enjoyed the recognition of the apartheid regime, albeit subject to some forms of manipulation and the introduction of some control measures.On 6 December 1977, as a result of the implementation of the so-called homeland policy of the apartheid government, Bophuthatswana became an independent Tswana "country" through the enactment of the Status of Bophuthatswana Act. 17Accordingly, the Tswana people (including the Bafokeng community) became "citizens" of the newly created Bophuthatswana. 18 1978, the Bophuthatswana parliament enacted the Bophuthatswana Traditional Authorities Act 19 to recognise, among other customs, the system of hereditary headmanship of its Tswana traditional communities.Again the Bophuthatswana legislative enactment recognised the Bafokeng custom of hereditary headmanship.As it will be shown below, 20 in 1994, when the homelands and apartheid regime were abolished, 21 the democratic any pre-colonial traditional structure.The "renewal" of tribalism was crucial to the development of diverse African ethnicities which were brought to full fruition in the policy of the reserves under the authority of the chiefs.In fact, the renewal of tribalism reinforced the existence of traditional leadership in black communities which observed customary law.Also see government recognised the institution of traditional leadership throughout the new South Africa.It is against this backdrop that Molotlegi correctly stated that the Bafokeng community has been ruled according to the custom of hereditary leadership for many generations and they continue to do so even today. 22e Bafokeng community is currently led by Kgosi Leruo Tshekedi Molotlegi whom the Bafokeng commonly refers to as King rather than as chief or kgosi. 23The community is wealthy, having become rich as a result of the platinum deposits on its land.The community is referred to by the mining industry and mass media as "Bafokeng Inc" and sometimes as "the richest tribe in Africa."However, the community's preferred designation is the "Royal Bafokeng Nation". 24Kgosi Molotlegi relies on traditional structures such as hereditary headmanship to lead and govern the Bafokeng community.The system of hereditary headmanship and the traditional governance structure of the Bafokeng community are not unusual in the communities recognised as traditionally governed in South Africa.The patriarchal hereditary system of the Bafokeng community is common to Tswana communities in both South Africa and Botswana. 25 3 The political and traditional divisions of governance

The family group (kutle or kgoroana)
The Bafokeng community and other Tswana communities in South Africa and Botswana are divided into several different groups, which ultimately derive from the relationships established by blood and marriage.The smallest of these groups is the family, consisting of a man, his wife and their own or adopted children. 26Shaw wrote that the most elementary political and social unit of the Bafokeng community is the household. 27The Tswana customary family law is founded on the principle that family ties must be strengthened and are essential to the healthy development of the entire community.The Bafokeng believe that nothing must be allowed to weaken family ties.As a result, family affairs are largely left to the family itself to handle, while the headman of a traditional ward is merely notified of the events as they happen. 28e family head (or household head) has legal, social and religious authority over his family.Although every household is to some an extent a distinct legal and administrative group, the most effective social unit is the family group (kutle or kgoro).The family group consists of several different households usually claiming descent in the male line from a common grandfather or great-grandfather. 29The head of the family group is the mogolwane or "common elder", 30 who deals with matters concerning the whole group. 31e members of the family group are subjected to the administrative control of the mogolwane.This man occupies his position either by right of birth as the senior male member in line of descent or because he has himself founded the group.However, these days the Bafokeng practice permits a senior woman to act as the mogolwane of a particular family group.However, the mogolwane is not formally appointed or even formally recognised by the superior traditional authority. 32Instead, the mogolwane is entitled to respect from the members of his or her family group.He or she is expected to keep them in order and must be consulted by them in all their important undertakings. 33In turn, the family group has a family council which is a loosely organised body embracing in general all the adult members of the family group. 34amily heads".However, nowadays many Bafokeng women are also the family heads.
In this regard see Bennett Customary Law 103.

29
The Tswana word "kutle" (plural: dikutle) basically means a family group.According to the Bafokeng community, the kutle is also referred to as the "kgoro" (plural: dikgoro).
The accuracy of this observation is based on my personal experience as a member of one of the traditional divisions of the larger Tswana community such as the Bafokeng, the Bakgatla ba Kgafela and the Bakwena ba Mogopa in the North West Province of South Africa.

30
The word "elder" means an older, influential member of the family, tribe or community.On the other hand,"common elder" or "commoner" means one of the ordinary or common people as opposed to the aristocracy or royalty.In the same way, the Tswana word "mogolwane" (plural: bagolwane) literally means the elder or the head of the family group.In other words, the mogolwane is the senior man or woman of the family group.The gathering of the family group is held at the family kgotlana, 35 if there is one, or else in one of the homesteads belonging to the group, generally in that of its mogolwane, who also summons the people either at his own instance or on the advice or request of some other members.The adult members of the family group (the family council) meets to discuss matters such as betrothal and marriage negotiations, the arrangement of feasts, the settlement of estates, the disposal of property, the fate of a widow, or other matters concerning the family group. 36e family council also assist the mogolwane to settle disputes arising within the family group.Its right to deal with such disputes is explicitly recognised in the saying: fa gare ga bana ba mpa ga go tsenwe. 37However, the mogolwane has no means of enforcing his decision except through general domestic discipline or by handing the matter over to the higher authorities such as the kgotla 38 under the authority of the hereditary headman. 39

The traditional ward (kgotla)
The more inclusive political, administrative and social unit of the Bafokeng community is the traditional ward (kgotla). 40A number of family groups living together in the same village or part of a village make up a traditional ward, which is under the authority of a hereditary headman.Generally, the traditional ward consists of different family groups which are usually related by blood or marriage (kutle or kgoroana). 41 The Tswana word "kgotla" (plural: dikgotla) literally means in English a traditional ward.However, in Tswana context, the word kgotla has other meanings.For instance, it may be used to refer to a place where the affairs of the community are discussed.It may also be used to refer to the traditional court.See in this regard, Isaaks Guide to Botswana 39.However, according to Breutz, the well-known traditional wards in Phokeng include among others the Bakgosing, the Baratshwene, the Baphotsana, the Baphiring, the Bataung, the Bašiga, the Barakhudu, the Batlase and the Bamolapo.However, Breutz acknowledged the fact that these traditional wards exclude traditional wards of more recent origin.This is so because as it will be shown below currently the Bafokeng community has 72 traditional wards.See in this regard, Breutz Tribes of Rustenburg 68-69.

42
The word "tribe" is used in this article to refer to the Bafokeng traditional community.However, it must be emphasised that the word 'tribe' is no longer used in the statute book of the new South Africa.This word was mainly associated with the colonial and apartheid terminology.

SF KHUNOU
PER / PELJ 2017 (20) 9 family joining the Bafokeng community is placed within one of the traditional wards. 43The foreigners assigned to specific wards by the kgosi may be related to other members of the traditional ward by marrying into it.For this reason, members of the same ward regard themselves as a body of related people.As a result, a man calls the people of his traditional ward ba ga etsho.' 44 Accordingly, members of the same ward are regarded as friends and neighbours. 45e Bafokeng community is divided into 72 wards, each of which is under the authority of a hereditary headman.The headman is much more important than his counterparts at the family group and household levels.It is through the headman that all communication with the kgosi takes place. 46verything happening within the ward must come to his knowledge before it passes on to the kgosi.He is expected to see that members of his ward observe the customary law and customs of the community. 47 virtue of his office, the headman also acts as the recognised adviser to the kgosi.He must keep the kgosi informed of the grievances and the proposals of the people in his ward. 48To ensure that a headman of the Bafokeng community has his finger on the pulse of the ward, he is assisted in the execution of his duties by a minimum of four bannakgotla 49 and/or basadikgotla 50 and his wife (the mmakgosana). 51This system allows women to have representation in the process of decision-making and ensures that some form of democratic governance is practised.The Tswana word bannakgotla (singular: monnakgotla) essentially refers to men who assist the headman.They usually assist the headman to administer the kgotla or traditional ward.Although in most cases, the bannakgotla are related to the headman or the kgosi, generally they need not be from the royal family.In any event, it is not the requirement for one to have the hereditary title to occupy the position of the monnakgotla.All that is required is loyalty to the traditional authority and the requisite knowledge and experience of the traditional affairs of the ward and the community in general.

50
The Tswana word basadikgotla (singular: mosadikgotla) literally refers to women who assist the headman to administer the affairs of the kgotla or traditional ward.Therefore, a headman of the Bafokeng community does not discharge his functions with men only, but women are also part of the administration of the kgotla.In this context, the traditional governance or hereditary headmanship of the Bafokeng is in practice not patriarchal in nature.

51
The Tswana term mmakgosana (plural: bommadikgosi) literally means a wife of a headman.

SF KHUNOU
PER / PELJ 2017 ( 20) 10 The headman is also responsible for keeping the kgosi's office informed of births, marriages and deaths, and of the pressing issues or specific problems in the traditional ward.He is also required to supply character references for members of his traditional ward seeking jobs.According to Thornhill and Selepe, a headman of the Bafokeng community is expected to be a role model to the ward and a bearer of the community's traditions and customs. 53 addition, a headman has well-defined judicial powers, and his authority is compulsory and legal. 54Each traditional ward has its own kgotla (ward court) where cases are tried. 55If the headman is unable to resolve disputes, he refers the aggrieved party to the Royal Bafokeng traditional court, which sits at the Civic Centre in Phokeng. 56It must be stressed that in all instances, the court emphasises the need for reconciliation between the parties.However, if the aggrieved party is unable to seek redress in the traditional court, the party can then seek redress through the formal Magistrates' Courts. 57 It is also important to note that in most Tswana communities a kgosi decides cases with the advice of his council.However, the Bafokeng community follows a different tradition in the sense that the kgosi seldom decides any cases himself.This task is delegated to a number of judges (banna ba lekgotla) 58 appointed by the kgosi and his council. 59This practice is undoubtedly in line with the principle of the separation of powers. 60This is so, because the kgosi of the Bafokeng community does not have unlimited powers and is always sensitive to the need to refrain from undue interference in the functional independence of other branches of the traditional government.The doctrine of the separation of powers is a constitutional theory which means that specific functions, duties and responsibilities are allocated to distinctive institutions with a defined means of competence and jurisdiction.Basically, the principle of the separation of powers requires the separation of the three main spheres of government, namely the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.In this context, the kgosi of the Bafokeng, who is the head of the executive government of the community, does not interfere in the affairs of the judicial arm of traditional government.For more information on the principle of the separation of powers, see Mojapelo 2013 Advocate 37.

The village (motse)
The Bafokeng community is comprised of 29 villages (metse). 61As already noted above, each village is divided into the traditional wards under the authority of the respective hereditary headmen.Depending on the size of the village, various traditional wards are grouped together into a village, with their senior ward headman acting as the headman of the village. 62However, the Bafokeng community has introduced a system of councillors who were and still are elected democratically among the villagers.The traditional structure of the elected councillors constitutes the Executive Council (EC), which has the status of the local authority and is supported by the committees responsible for portfolios such as economic development, health and education. 63 is for this reason, among others, that Molotlegi maintains that the traditional governance of the Bafokeng community espouses the principles of democracy through the mechanisms of the system of electing the village representatives to the EC. 64It must be stressed that the Bafokeng community also elects women to the positions of the EC.This practice ensures that there is a gender representation in the EC and the traditional structures in general. 65

The community (morafe)
Finally, all the levels or local territorial divisions of the Bafokeng community are grouped under the hereditary kgosi, who has authority over all the constituent sections.All of these levels, namely the households, the family groups, the traditional wards and the villages, form the morafe or the setshaba 66 of the Bafokeng.Therefore, the Bafokeng traditional community is the largest political and administrative unit within which the kgosi exercises chiefly authority with the assistance of his hereditary headmen. 67e kgosi of the Bafokeng is the most senior traditional leader of the community.kgosi), hereditary headmen, other royal elites, the bommadikgosana, the bannakgotla, the basadikgotla and the elected members of the community. 68At the community level, there is also a Supreme Council (SC) which is made up of the EC, the headmen, the bannakgotla and/or the basadikgotla.The kgosi convenes the SC whenever important decisions affecting the community need to be discussed.However, the Royal Bafokeng Administration (RBA) manages the community's infrastructure and basic services.It is effectively the local municipality of the community.The Royal Bafokeng Holdings (RBH) manages the community's mineral assets and investment portfolios. 69e highest ranking decision-making body in the Bafokeng community is, however, the kgotha-kgothe. 70This is a general meeting of all the adult members of the Bafokeng community which is held twice annually, whenever there is an important matter to discuss and debate. 71This body also discusses major issues that affect the community and where the kgosi and his headmen have sought input from the community.The mandate of the kgosi and the headmen comes from consultation with the kgothakgothe.As a result, the input of the kgosi and the headmen on any given matter can be overturned by the people at the kgotha-kgothe. 72ite evidently, the kgotha-kgothe ensures that there is accountability, responsiveness and openness in the traditional governance of the Bafokeng community.It is in the Kgotha-kgothe that the community exercises its right to make political, social and economic decisions.The principle involved in decision-making in the Bafokeng community is usually one of inclusiveness and transparency.The Tswana word kgotha-kgothe literally means in English the "community assembly" or "community parliament".This assembly is usually attended by the adult members of the Bafokeng community.

71
A notice of the meeting is usually announced in a full page advertisement in major newspapers of the country.In addition to the newspaper advertisement, the headman of each traditional ward is required to announce the date of the meeting to the people residing in his ward.

The nature of customary law and hereditary headmanship
Before one can deal with the nature of the hereditary headmanship of the Bafokeng community, it is important to define what custom or living customary law is.Tobin cites Bekker defining customary law or custom as: 74 An established system of immemorial rules which had evolved from the way of life and natural wants of people, the general context of which was a matter of common sense, coupled with precedents applying to special cases, which were retained in the memories of the chief and his councilors, their sons and their sons' sons, until forgotten, or until it becomes part of the immemorial rules.
According to Rautenbach and Du Plessis, living customary law consists of various customs and usages traditionally observed among the indigenous African people of South Africa and forms part of the culture of those people. 75Essentially, the term "living customary" law is used to refer to the practices and customs of the people in their day-to-day lives.It is primarily based on their world view, which is largely influenced by the political, social and economic conditions of their lives. 76Equally so, the custom of hereditary headmanship of the Bafokeng community forms part of their day-to-day lives.
In the case of Pilane v Pilane, the Constitutional Court confirmed the recognition and existence of customary law of a traditional community as follows: 77 ... the true nature of customary law is as a living body of law, active and dynamic, with an inherent capacity to evolve in keeping with the changing lives of the people whom it governs ...However, the living customary law differs from community to community.It is against this backdrop that Jobodwana asserts that the customary law of a community (for instance, the Bafokeng community) is a body of customs and traditions which regulates various kinds of relationships between members of that particular community.Hence, the living customary law of the Bafokeng community is recognised as obligatory by its members.Jobodwana further argues that the acceptance of living customary law means that customs must conform to actual patterns of behaviour.In other words, living customary law derives its strength and validity from its acceptance by members of the community as being binding on them.For instance, members of the Bafokeng community have accepted the customary rule of hereditary headmanship as binding on them.For this reason, the living customary law of the Bafokeng community is an expression or a product of patterns of behaviour among its members and a mirror of accepted usage or practice. 79 terms of the customary practice of the Bafokeng community, the headman succeeds automatically to his office by right of birth.There is a Tswana adage that says kgosi ke kgosi ka a tsetswe. 80Equally so, this Tswana adage applies to the position of the headman who is also required in accordance with the customary rule of hereditary succession of the Bafokeng community to be born to the position. 81Breutz confirms the Bafokeng custom of hereditary leadership when he notes that the chieftainship 82 of the Bafokeng community is hereditary. 83ccession to the position of the headmanship of the Bafokeng community is also hereditary.As a rule, the headmanship is vested in a particular royal family and the headman according to customary law is appointed to the post. 84This means that a headman of the Bafokeng community is not elected but he acquires his position by virtue of birth in accordance with the customs and customary law of the community.It must nevertheless be stressed that even the hereditary headman must be acceptable to the ward.
precedents.It is therefore important to note that the practice of hereditary headmanship of the Bafokeng is primarily sourced from the living customary law of the community and confirmed in various pieces of legislation and court cases.In this regard also see Moodley Customary Law 9.

80
The Tswana idiom kgosi ke kgosi ka a tsetswe literally means that a chief is a chief because he is born to the traditional position.In other words, a kgosi is not elected.Equally so, a headman of the Bafokeng community is not elected.

82
The term "chieftainship" is used interchangeably in this article with the terms "traditional authority" or "traditional leadership".The term "traditional authority" or "leadership" has different connotations depending on its historical circumstances.The first connotation has to do with traditional leadership as an institution of traditions associated with the communal system of life of the community.Another connotation has to do with traditional leadership as an administrative institution according to the statutes and policies of government.Having a headman who is not acceptable to the ward could create an intolerable situation. 85erefore, generally the Bafokeng customary rule of hereditary traditional leadership is important to ensure the continued existence of the community, the welfare of its members and their relationship with the ancestors. 86As Olivier et al correctly observe, a kgosi is a direct link with the ancestral spirits of the traditional community.It is for this reason, among others, that his position is inherited.The same rule applies to the position of a headman of the Bafokeng community.Generally, a headman of the Bafokeng community is also regarded as a direct link to the ancestral spirits of a traditional ward.This belief is ingrained in the living customary law of the Bafokeng community. 87

The scope of antagonism and protagonism
There is much confusion and controversy surrounding the role of the traditional leaders, especially the hereditary headmen and chiefs, within the new democratic order in South Africa.The role and status of hereditary traditional leadership (such as the hereditary headmen of the Bafokeng community) is judged to be inherently undemocratic as it is hereditary. 88The fault-finders with the institution of traditional leadership contend that the customary rule of hereditary traditional leaders is undemocratic since they are not elected.As a result, some of the critics suggest that hereditary traditional leadership should be allowed to die and propose that chiefs and headmen should be elected. 89The sceptics further argue that the institution of traditional leaders is a patriarchal organisation that has no place in an open and democratic South Africa founded on human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms. 90wever, despite these concerns and misgivings, there is ample justification to support and recognize customary law and traditional structures and even to grant them an elevated status.For instance, Nicholson holds the view that the distortion of traditional leadership in the legal and political discourse is a consequence of a lack of understanding of customary law and the system of traditional authority on the part of the colonialist and apartheid politicians, combined with attempts to establish traditional structures within a modern westernised legal context. 91According to Ozoemena, customary law was distorted and the version that was observed and applied by the courts was not based on the living law of the black people but on precedents and texts.As a result, customary law was interpreted and applied from the perspective of British and Roman-Dutch law principles. 92say expresses the opinion that democracy as a concept and system of government is perhaps the most commonly used, "abused" and misunderstood word in political discourse.Hence, traditional structures such as the hereditary headmanship of the Bafokeng community may be construed to be undemocratic just because the word "democracy" is misunderstood. 93It is against this background that the proponents of traditional leadership argue that instead of looking at the institution as undemocratic perhaps it would be more appropriate to look at it from the African perspective.In this context, they maintain that it is crucial to balance tradition and modernity in a way that does not denigrate one structure in comparison with the other. 94aditional leaders are seen as the custodians of the morals, values and cultural systems of the traditional communities in South Africa.Therefore, the institution of hereditary leadership remains important in the preservation of African life and good traditional governance.For instance, as already indicated above, the Bafokeng system of traditional governance embraces a range of mechanisms for ensuring that people's concerns, opinions and ideas are an internal part of policy-making.There are also checks and balances so that no hereditary headmen or any other branch of traditional government of the Bafokeng community can act on its own.Thus, the hereditary headmen of the Bafokeng community are answerable to the kgosi, traditional wards, village, community (kgotha-kgothe), the EC and the SC.Hence, Molotlegi contends that democracy is not a new or revolutionary concept to the Bafokeng community.As a result, he laments that it is a pity that the traditional leaders and democratically elected officials are often perceived to be at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of the forces that legitimise their power.6 The constitutional recognition of hereditary headmanship

The 1993 constitutional design of hereditary headmanship
Despite the criticisms levelled against the institution of traditional leadership (including the Bafokeng hereditary headmanship), the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 200 of 1993 (Interim Constitution) 96 took a different direction and recognised the role and status of the institution.This constitutional recognition was entailed in the Constitutional Principle XIII of the Interim Constitution, which provided that: 97 The institution, status and role of traditional leadership, according to indigenous law, shall be recognized and protected in the Constitution.Indigenous law, like common law shall be recognised and applied by courts, subject to the fundamental rights contained in the Constitution and the legislation dealing specifically therewith.
Section 181 of the Interim Constitution reinforced Constitutional Principle XIII by providing for the recognition and continued existence of the traditional leadership and indigenous law (customary law) of all the traditional communities in South Africa.This constitutional provision endorsed the recognition of the traditional leadership as follows: 98 (1) A traditional authority which observes a system of indigenous law and is recognised by law immediately before the commencement of this Constitution, shall continue as such an authority and continue to exercise and perform the powers and functions vested in it in accordance with the applicable laws and customs, subject to any amendment or repeal of such laws and customs by a competent authority.

96
Interim Constitution.The Interim Constitution was the supreme law of the land.Its Preamble provided among other matters that: "In humble submission to Almighty God, We, the people of South Africa declare that-WHEREAS there is a need to create a new order in which all South Africans will be entitled to a common South African citizenship in a sovereign and democratic constitutional state in which there is equality between men and women and people of all races so that all citizens shall be able to enjoy and exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms."These fundamental rights and freedoms include those conferred by customary law of the traditional communities such as the Bafokeng community.
97 Schedule 4 of the Interim Constitution.

98
In addition to s 181 of the Interim Constitution, which provided for the recognition of traditional leadership and indigenous law, ss 182 to 184 provided a framework for traditional leadership.For instance, s 182 provided for the traditional authorities and local government and stated that the traditional leader of a community observing a system of indigenous law and residing on land within the area of jurisdiction of an elected local government referred to in ch 10, shall ex officio be entitled to be a member of that local government, and shall be eligible to be elected to any office of such local government.S 183 provided for the establishment of the provincial house of traditional leaders while s 184 made provision for the establishment of a council of traditional leaders.
In the context of the above, the recognition of traditional leadership also extended to the recognition of the living customary law of the traditional communities in South Africa.For this reason, the Bafokeng custom which recognizes the system of hereditary headmanship was guaranteed and protected by the Interim Constitution.The Interim Constitution in fact affirmed the continued existence of the hereditary headmanship of the Bafokeng community.

The 1996 constitutional structure of traditional leadership
The final Constitution 99 is compatible with Constitutional Principle XIII of the Interim Constitution. 100Section 211 of the Constitution gives effect to the continued existence and the recognition of the traditional leadership and customary law as follows: 101 (1) The institution, status and role of traditional leadership, according to customary law, are recognised, subject to the Constitution.
(2) A traditional authority that observes a system of customary law may function subject to any applicable legislation and customs, which includes amendments to, or repeal of, that legislation or those customs. (3) The courts must apply customary law when that law is applicable, subject to the Constitution and any legislation that specifically deals with customary law.
According to Bank and Southall, 102 the Constitution is based primarily upon notions of liberal and constitutional democracy.South Africa's constitutional democracy simultaneously provides a framework for the recognition of legally constituted traditional authorities, which include the hereditary headmanship.The final Constitution therefore did not abolish the custom of the hereditary headmanship of the Bafokeng community.In fact, the Constitution endorses the practice of the hereditary headmanship of the Bafokeng community.As I will demonstrate later, although the Constitution recognises the hereditary institution of traditional leadership, the 99 The Constitution is the highest law in the country and everyone is bound by the Constitution.Any laws that go against the Constitution will be changed or set aside.This means that customs and practices of the Bafokeng community which are inconsistent with the Constitution will be set aside if challenged in court.In view of the above, the Constitutional Court enjoined that the institution of traditional leadership (and its concomitant hereditary headmanship) are protected and its continued existence is guaranteed in the Constitution.It follows that the founding fathers and mothers of the Constitution realised the importance of the institution of the traditional leadership within the new constitutional order.In addition, through section 211(2) the Constitution envisages the continued existence of traditional authorities, which may perform functions subject to any applicable customs.
Therefore, the Constitution acknowledges the originality and distinctiveness of customary law as an independent source of norms within the legal system of South Africa.It is through the Constitution that the status of customary law in South Africa is constitutionally entrenched.This means that the Bafokeng hereditary headmanship is constitutionally permitted to perform its functions in terms of the applicable customs of the community, but always subject to the Constitution. 105ction 211(3) of the Constitution has the effect of raising customary law to the same status as common law.Therefore the courts are enjoined to apply ...while in the past indigenous law was seen through the common law lens, it must now be seen as an integral part of our law.Like all law it depends for its ultimate force and validity on the Constitution...
One of the inferences to be drawn from the above conclusion of the Constitutional Court is that no particular culture, and thus no particular system of personal law, is to be given preference over any other.In other words, customary law must be accorded the same respect as common law.
As such, the practice of hereditary the headmanship of the Bafokeng, as an essential component of the customary law of the community, should also be treated with respect.
In recognising the significance of customary law the Constitutional Court went further to state that: 108 ...in applying indigenous law, it is important to bear in mind that indigenous law is not written.It is a system of law that was known to the community, practised and passed on from generation to generation.It is a system of law that has its own values and norms.Throughout its history, it has evolved and developed to meet the changing needs of the community.And it will continue to evolve within the context of its values and norms consistently with the Constitution...
In actual fact, the Constitutional Court emphasises the significance of the customary law and practices of the traditional communities such as the Bafokeng community within the framework of the new constitutional scheme.According to Ntlama, 109 Langa DCJ (as he then was) substantiated the importance of the constitutional protection of customary law values and principles in the new South Africa in the case of Bhe v Magistrate, Khayelitsha, where he pointed out that: 110 Quite clearly the Constitution itself envisages a place for customary law in our legal system.Certain provisions of the Constitution put it beyond doubt that our basic law specifically requires that customary law should be 106 The Law of Evidence Amendment Act 45 of 1988 echoes the same message as s 211(3) of the Constitution in one way or another.S 1 of this Act provides that any court may take judicial notice of the law of a foreign state and of indigenous law in so far as such law can be ascertained readily and with sufficient certainty, provided that indigenous law shall not be opposed to the principles of public policy and natural justice and provided further that it shall not be lawful for any court to declare that the custom of lobola or bogadi or other similar custom is repugnant to such principles.In order to determine the content of living customary law, the Constitutional Court in the Shilubana case set out factors to be considered.These factors must be taken into account by the court when there is a dispute over the legal position under customary law.The first factor entails a historical enquiry into the past practice and the traditions of a particular community.In this particular case the traditional leadership was conferred on a woman, as that was the wish of the specific community.
On the basis of the historical enquiry of the living customary law of the Bafokeng community, it seems that the traditional wards of the Bafokeng community have from time immemorial being under the authority of hereditary headmen. 113It is also a historical fact that in the Bafokeng community the headmanship passes from father to son.The court must also consider the current practice of a particular community.The practice of the Bafokeng hereditary headmanship is evident from the fact that even at the present juncture the headmen of the community are still the hereditary leaders.The second factor which the court must consider is the fact that it is important to respect the communities that observe the system of customary law as they develop their law. 114 stated above, the Bafokeng community has developed its custom of hereditary leadership by including the bommadikgosana and the elected councillors into the traditional governance of the community.democratic representation in traditional governance and advances the cardinal principle of gender equality in all the branches of the traditional government of the Bafokeng community.
The third factor enjoins the court to weigh up the application of the custom of the community against any negative impact that it may have on the people who live in it and against the value of legal certainty.It is apparent that the custom of the hereditary headmanship of the Bafokeng community is certain, has no negative impact on the community, and has been accepted and legitimised by the individual members of the community.The Bafokeng community has never rejected the practice of the hereditary succession of the headmen and there is no evidence to suggest that it may do so in future.
Section 2 of the Constitution provides that the Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic, that law or conduct inconsistent with it is invalid, and that obligations imposed by it must be fulfilled.As a result, a crucial question which cannot be avoided is whether the customary rule of the Bafokeng community, which requires headmen to be appointed from a particular royal family, is consistent with the Constitution?The answer to this question must be sourced from the Constitution itself.
As indicated above, the constitutional recognition of the traditional leadership in South Africa demonstrates without any shadow of doubt that the founding fathers and mothers of the Constitution acknowledged the role and the status of traditional leadership within the new constitutional dispensation.Therefore, it may be assumed that they did not consider the institution of traditional leadership to be inconsistent with the Constitution.
Section 211 of the Constitution unequivocally recognises and places traditional institutions such as the Bafokeng institution of hereditary headmanship, its leaders and their system of customary law within the protective purview of the Constitution.This constitutional recognition is intended to restore the dignity of the traditional authorities that define not only the Bafokeng community but many black communities which rely on hereditary headmanship and traditional governance to run their affairs.That is why the Constitutional Court in Pilane v Pilane 115 went further and described such a traditional institution as fragile and emphasised that matters concerning it must be treated with sensitivity.

Hereditary headmanship and the Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is a cornerstone of democracy in South Africa.Moreover, the Constitution enshrines the rights of all people in the country and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedoms. 116The recognition of the institution of the traditional leadership (including the hereditary headmanship of the Bafokeng community) is subject to the Constitution and the provisions of the Bill of Rights. 117For instance, section 8(1) of the Constitution makes the Bill of Rights applicable to all law (including customary law) and binds the legislature, the executive, the judiciary and all organs of state.
In this context, the Bill of Rights applies to the traditional authorities because they are deemed to be organs of state in terms of section 239 of the Constitution. 118In addition, the Bill of Rights also applies to the customary law of the Bafokeng community.For this reason, no law (including the customary law of the Bafokeng community) ought to limit any right enshrined in the Bill of Rights.The Bill of Rights is based on the premise that a person has rights because he or she is an individual human being.
On the other hand, the underlying principle of customary law is social solidarity. 119r this reason, the group plays a prominent role in customary law.This means that any individual of the Bafokeng exists as a member of a community.According to Bekker, under customary law individual rights are subject to the interests of the group.However this customary arrangement does not mean that individuals do not have rights.Hence, the family and community form a framework within which individuals exercise their political, economic and social rights within the broader scheme of traditional governance. 120116 Section 7(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.117   Vorster "Institution of Traditional Leadership" 130. 118 The Constitution defines "organ of state" as meaning-"(a) any department of state or administration in the national, provincial or local sphere of government; or (b) any other functionary or institution-(i) exercising a power or performing a function in terms of the Constitution or a provincial constitution; or (ii) exercising a public power or performing a public function in terms of any legislation, but does not include a court or judicial officer".This definition is in line with the decision of the Bophuthatswana Supreme Court in Baloro v University of Bophuthatswana 1995 4 SA 197 (BSC), where the court held that the term "an organ of state" is to be given an extended meaning to include inter alia statutory bodies; parastatal bodies; bodies established by statute but managed and maintained privately, such as universities, law societies, etc; bodies supported by, and operating in co-operation with structures of state authority; and private bodies fulfilling key functions under supervision of organs of state.Since the traditional authorities are "clothed" with state authority and perform public functions, they fall squarely within the definition of organs of state.If this analysis is correct, then the institution of the hereditary headmanship or traditional authority of the Bafokeng community is to be deemed to be an organ of state.
SF KHUNOU PER / PELJ 2017 ( 20) 24 On the other hand, government is obliged to respect African culture and tradition.The Constitution further provides for the recognition of customary law and respect for South Africa's diverse cultures.This obligation is met by two sections in the Bill of Rights, which protect a right to culture.In particular, sections 30 and 31 of the Constitution make provisions for the recognition of language and culture. 121For instance, section 30 of the Constitution recognises the right to culture and provides that: 122 Everyone has the right to use language and to participate in the cultural life of their choice, but no one exercising these rights may do so in a manner inconsistent with any provision of the Bill of Rights.
This provision is reinforced by section 31 of the Constitution, which also protects the right to culture by providing that: 123 (1) Persons belonging to a cultural, religious or linguistic community may not be denied the right, with other members of that community-(a) to enjoy their culture, practise their religion and use their language; (b) to form, join and maintain cultural, religious and linguistic associations and other organs of civil society. (2) The rights in subsection (1) may not be exercised in a manner inconsistent with any provisions of the Bill of Rights.
Although the state is obliged to treat all cultures equally, a group's right to practise its culture may not be used as a reason for depriving an individual of his or her fundamental rights.Hence, both sections 30 and 31 expressly provide that the right to culture may be exercised only in a manner consistent with the Bill of Rights.In view of the above, the issue to be discerned is whether the customary rule of the Bafokeng community, which permits the practice of hereditary headmanship, is consistent with the Bill of Rights?Sibanda cites Bennett asserting that from a constitutional point of view the recognition of the Bafokeng custom of hereditary headmanship is central to the right to culture.Traditional leaders, including the hereditary headmen of the Bafokeng, are the custodians of culture.Therefore they are expected and obliged to protect the individual's and the community's right to culture.
In addition to sections 30 and 31 of the Constitution, the importance of the Bafokeng customary law of hereditary headmanship is further reinforced by section 39(2) of the Constitution.This constitutional provision requires a court when developing customary law to promote the spirit, purport and object of the Bill of Rights.Quite evidently, the courts are constitutionally obliged to develop and promote the right to culture, which means, among other things, the Bafokeng community's right to practise their cultural life of traditional governance.In addition, section 39(3) of the Constitution states that the Bill of Rights does not deny the existence of any other rights or freedoms that are recognised or conferred by common law, customary law or legislation to the extent that they are consistent with the Bill of Rights.
The Bafokeng community transformed its custom and practice of hereditary headmanship to comply with the Bill of Rights in preventing unfair discrimination, promoting equality and seeking to progressively advance gender representation in traditional governance.The system of the bommadikgosana, the basadikgotla and the elected councillors introduced more women into traditional governance than ever before.The participation of women in the traditional governance of the Bafokeng community is clearly in line with section 9 of the Constitution 124 and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act. 125These changes did not affect the position of hereditary headmanship, though.
The Bafokeng headmen are, however, not above the law and their powers are always subjected to checks and balances reinforced by various 124 Section 9 of the Constitution provides as follows: (l) Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.(2) Equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms.To promote the achievement of equality, legislative and other measures designed to protect or advance persons, or categories of persons, disadvantaged by unfair discrimination may be taken.
(3) The state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.(4) No person may unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds in terms of subsection (3).National legislation must be enacted to prevent or prohibit unfair discrimination.(5) Discrimination on one or more of the grounds listed in subsection ( 3) is unfair unless it is established that the discrimination is fair.In view of the above, it is evident that the Bafokeng community has created a framework which allows women participation and representation in traditional governance in line with the Bill of Rights. 125 Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 4 of 2000, herein referred to as "the PEPUDA."As far as gender discrimination is concerned, the prohibition in s 9 of the Constitution and the PEPUDA is reinforced by South Africa's obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).This treaty places the government under a duty to amend any of its laws that may infringe the principle of gender equality.There is no doubt that the participation of women in the traditional governance of the Bafokeng community complies with the dictates of the CEDAW.For more information on gender equality, also see the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Amendment Act 52 of 2002.
mechanisms of traditional structures.For example, they are bound by customary law of the community to follow the advice of the bannakgotla, the bommadikgosi, the councillors and the community at the kgotha-kgothe.This approach is based on the fundamental Tswana adage that says: Kgosi ke Kgosi ka morafe. 126This wise saying binds the hereditary headmen of the Bafokeng community.I would argue that the customary law protects the principle of gender equality within the institution of hereditary headmanship without tampering with the institution itself.This form of traditional governance organises community life on the foundation of basic human principles such as respect, sense of community and a sense of commitment to one's neighbours as well as oneself. 127Hence, the Bafokeng community has a robust system of traditional structures which promote the individual fundamental rights within the entire community.It is within this context that the Bafokeng community system of traditional governance may be said to have developed in a democratic manner.It is therefore consistent with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
7 The legislative environment of the traditional leadership

Legislation and the recognition of hereditary headmanship
Section 212(1) of the Constitution stipulates that national legislation may provide for a role for traditional leadership as an institution at local level on matters affecting local communities.In line with this constitutional imperative, the national parliament enacted the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 128 which is intended to regulate traditional institutions at the national level.This piece of legislation entrenches and guarantees the customary role and the powers of the traditional leaders within the new constitutional order. 126 The Tswana adage Kgosi ke Kgosi ka morafe is literally translated to mean that a kgosi is a kgosi by the people.In other words, a kgosi cannot be a kgosi without a traditional community.His leadership resides entirely on the wishes and will of his people.Similarly, the headmen of the Bafokeng community are enjoined by the Tswana idiom kgosi ke kgosi ka morafe to listen to the members of their wards and give effect to their wishes.The Preamble to the Framework Act records, among other things, that the state must seek to restore the integrity and legitimacy of the institution of traditional leadership in line with customary law and practices; and that the Constitution recognises the institution, status and role of traditional leadership according to customary law, and a traditional authority that observes the system of customary law.The Preamble to the Framework Act enjoins that the institution of traditional leadership must derive its mandate and primary authority from applicable customary law and practices and strive to enhance tradition and culture.
It is against this background that the Framework Act empowers the royal families of traditional communities to identify candidates for headmanship and the Premier to recognise headmen or headwomen in a particular province. 129The royal family of the Bafokeng community is therefore empowered to identify a suitable person for the position of hereditary headmanship and it can therefore be inferred that the customary rule of hereditary headmanship of the Bafokeng is in compliance with the Framework Act.The Framework Act consciously requires the state to respect, protect and promote the institution of traditional leadership and will therefore be statutorily obliged also to respect, protect and promote the hereditary headmanship of the Bafokeng community. 130 provincial level, each province is mandated to enact its own provincial legislation in line with the Framework Act and the Constitution.In the North West province, where the Bafokeng community is found, the provincial legislature has enacted the North West Traditional Leadership and Governance Act, 131 which recognises traditional leadership and the institutions of the headmanship of the traditional communities throughout the North West province.
In so doing, it echoes the spirit and the object of the Framework Act in a direct manner.operate, subject to the Constitution and the Framework Act. 132It is evident that the North West Legislation did not abolish any of the current practices for the appointment of headmanship and does not preclude hereditary headmanship.The Act does, however, include the possibility that women may be appointed as headmen.
In line with the Framework Act and the North West legislation, the Bafokeng community established the Bafokeng traditional council.According to Cook, this statutory body is made up of eleven community members, five elected by the community and six appointed by the kgosi.The Bafokeng traditional council together with the SC chaired by the kgosi debates and ratifies all major financial and policy matters for the community. 133e creation of the Bafokeng traditional council represents the fusion of democracy and tradition.Therefore, it is quite manifest that the entire traditional leadership of the Bafokeng community complies with the Constitution and the Framework Act read in conjunction with the North West Legislation.

The cultural dichotomy between the Bafokeng and Cala Community
The Bafokeng and the Cala reserve community in the Eastern Cape Province are divided not only by language and geographical locations but also by their traditions and customs.For instance, contrary to the custom of the Bafokeng community, which permits hereditary headmanship, the custom of the Cala reserve community allowed and still allows them to elect a candidate to be a headman.This customary right was confirmed in the case of the Premier of Eastern Cape v Penrose Ntamo. 134e facts of this case are briefly as follows: 135 In 2013, the headman of Cala reserve community, JH Fani, who had served since 1979, tendered his resignation.As had been their custom, the residents of the Cala reserve called a community meeting and elected Mr Gideon Sitwayi (a subheadman and Fani's de facto deputy) as their new headman.However, the amaGcina traditional council rejected their choice because Sitwayi was not a member of the royal family.Court found in favour of the Cala reserve community and declared that the customary law of the Cala reserve community requires its headman to be elected by the members of the community in accordance with the community's customs and customary law.Subsequently, the Premier appealed against the decision of the court of first instance.
However, the appeal was dismissed by a full bench of the Eastern Cape High Court, which found that the practice of the Cala reserve community was reasonable in that it is not in conflict with the applicable legislation or the Constitution, and it was consonant with the values of democratic governance aimed at the achievement of accountability, responsiveness and openness.The court further held that the practice of the Cala reserve community was consistent with various fundamental rights such as the right to dignity, the right to freedom of opinion, the right to freedom of association and the right to make political choices. 138sed on the above decision of the full bench of the Eastern Cape High Court, the question which immediately arises is whether the practice or custom of hereditary headmanship of the Bafokeng community negates the community's right to freedom of opinion and the right to make political choices?It is quite evident that the Bafokeng community has chosen to be governed by hereditary headmen from time immemorial.Therefore, the question of election does not arise in the case of the Bafokeng. 139Much as the Cala Reserve community has chosen to be ruled by elected headmen, the Bafokeng community has chosen to be governed by hereditary headmen.
It can be argued that the Bafokeng community has already exercised its right to make political choices and the right to freedom of opinion by accepting and legitimising the customary rule of hereditary headmanship.The Cala judgment does not apply to the custom of hereditary headmanship of Bafokeng community and other communities in South Africa which follow a similar custom or practice.The Eastern Cape High Court ruling does not have a general application, but it was meant specifically for the Cala reserve community and other communities which follow customs similar to those of the Cala community, as the court decided on living customary law and living customary law that applies only to a specific community at a specific time. 140his case again illustrates how important it is that the courts should establish what the particular living customary law of a specific community is before arriving at a decision, incuding in a dispute relating to the appointment of headmen and traditional leaders.

Conclusion
It is cogently evident from the above that the headmen of the Bafokeng community rise to power through birth-right, and that this practice is entrenched in the custom of the community.On the other hand, the elected headmen in the Cala reserve community get their authority by means of a popular vote which also is based on custom and usage.It has been demonstrated that the powers and the authority of the hereditary headmen of the Bafokeng community are sourced from the living customary law of the community, the Constitution, the Framework Act and the North West Legislation.
Critics of the institution of traditional leadership must take care not to rush to the conclusion that traditional structures such as that of the Bafokeng hereditary headmanship are undemocratic and therefore inconsistent with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.The Bafokeng system of traditional governance has proved that hereditary headmen are subjected role over their traditional authority.It was further been indicated that the structures provide for democratic elections and provide a role for women.It is hoped that other traditional communities which practise the system of hereditary headmanship will take a leaf out of the book of the Bafokeng democratic model of traditional governance and adjust their structures to also provide a role for women within the structure, for example, even though it may not necessarily be within the institution of headmanship.

136
Traditional Leadership and Governance Act 4 of 2005 (Eastern Cape), herein after referred to as the "Eastern Cape Legislation."This Act provides among other matters for the recognition of traditional communities; the establishment and recognition of traditional councils; a statutory framework for leadership positions within the institution of traditional leadership; the recognition of traditional leaders (including headmen); the removal from office of traditional leaders; and the functions and roles of traditional leaders.137 Premier of the Eastern Cape v Ntamo 2015 6 SA 400 (ECB) para 12. 138 Suttner 2015 http://www.polity.org.za/article/eastern-cape-courts-affirm-communitysdemocratic-right-to-elect-headman-2015-08-21.Also see Premier of the Eastern Cape v Ntamo 2015 6 SA 400 (ECB) para 49.
to checks and balances by means of the traditional structures which play an oversight 139 Holomisa Double-Edged Sword 54.
Tswana communities including the Bafokeng became part of the Union of South Africa, when it was created through the promulgation of the South Africa Act of Edward VII C of 1909.The Union of South Africa was basically an amalgamation of the former Boer republics of Orange Free State and Transvaal, and the British colonies of Natal and Cape.
In this regard see Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Date Unknown http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/632827/Voortrekker.12TheDutchname Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) often referred to as the Republic of Transvaal was an independent Boer republic from 1852 to 1902.The ZAR defeated the British in what is often referred to as the First Boer War of 1880 and remained independent until the end of the Second Boer War (the Anglo-Boer War) on 31 May 1902, when it was forced to surrender to the British.From 1852 to 1902, the Bafokeng and other black communities were under the authority of the Boer Republic of TVL.See in this regard Tummala Politics of Preference 143.13Article 13 of Law 4 of 1885 (Transvaal) provided that: "the State President as paramount chief shall exercise over all chiefs and natives in the Republic all the power and authority which is in accordance with native laws, habits and customs...He is hereby empowered with advice and consent of the Executive Council, to depose from his chieftaincy any chief found guilty of an act whereby the peace of the Republic is endangered, to remove him from the place where he resided, to place him under supervision and in such safe custody as may appear expedient and to appoint some other suitable person in his place.A decision of this nature shall not be capable of revision in any court in this Republic".14 In 1910, the 15 Native Administration Act 38 of 1927.The Native Administration Act was later renamed the Bantu Administration Act and the Black Administration Act successively.
In most cases, the President of Bophuthatswana (Lucas Manyane Mangope) relied on this Act to recognise, appoint and depose traditional leaders.This Act was to a very large extent the replica of the Black Administration Act 38 of 1927.Despite the fact that the President of Bophuthatswana meddled with the traditional affairs of the Bafokeng community and subjected its traditional authority to a severe treatment, the institution of hereditary headmanship survived the despotic regime of Bophuthatswana.
Khunou Legal History of Traditional Leadership 108-109.16Apartheid is an Afrikaans word which literally means "apart" or "separate".It was a system of legal racial separation which dominated South Africa from 1948 until 1994.However, as will be demonstrated below, the mechanisms of apartheid were set in place long before 1948.Under apartheid, various races were separated into different regions and discrimination against other races such blacks, Coloureds and Indians was legally entrenched with whites, among others, having priority over housing, jobs, education and power.See in this regard Bujo African Theology 237.17 Status of Bophuthatswana Act 89 of 1977.This Act declared Bophuthatswana to be an independent state and no longer part of South Africa.However, the "independence" of Bophuthatswana was not accepted and recognised by the majority of the black people and any country other than South Africa.This Act further provided among other matters that: "Bophuthatswana is hereby declared to be a sovereign and independent state and shall cease to be part of the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of South Africa shall cease to exercise any authority over Bophuthatswana".18Bophuthatswana belonged to a group of four black homelands which obtained their so-called "independence" from the Republic of South Africa during the period 1976 to 1981.Known as the TBVC states, the group comprised of Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei.19 Bophuthatswana Traditional Authorities Act 23 of 1978.21 In terms of section 230(1) read with Schedule 7 of the Constitution of Republic of South Africa 200 of 1993 (the "Interim Constitution") the status of the homelands such as Bophuthatswana was abolished.On the other hand, s 124 read with Schedule 7 of 52 43 Schapera Handbook of Tswana Law 21. 44 The Tswana phrase ba ga etsho literally means the people of my home or our people.45Schapera Handbook of Tswana Law 22. 46 Schapera Handbook of Tswana Law 22. 47 Schapera Handbook of Tswana Law 91-92.48Schapera Handbook of Tswana Law 93.49 To this end, the Bafokeng traditional authority is invariably vested in a nuclear group, consisting of the senior traditional leader (the 61 The Tswana word metse (singular: motse) literally means villages or settlements of groups of the community.Usually each settlement or village is made up of the traditional wards, which are under the authority of the headmen.
83Breutz Tribes of Rustenburg 68.84Anon Bantu Authorities and Tribal Administration 9.
Bafokeng is still required to be in line with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights such as the right to equality.Most importantly, the recognition of the institution of traditional leadership and customary law took centre stage in a number of the Constitutional Court cases which put the constitutional status and role of traditional leadership and customary law beyond doubt.For example, in Ex parte Chairperson of the Constitutional Assembly: In re Certification of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 103 the Constitutional Court recognised the institution, status and role of traditional leadership.In so doing, the Constitutional Court further stressed that:104In our view, therefore, the NT [the Constitution] complies with CP Xlll by giving express guarantees on the continued existence of traditional leadership and the survival of an evolving customary law.The institution, status and role of traditional leadership are thereby protected.They are protected … by means of entrenchment in the NT and any attempt at interference would be subject to constitutional scrutiny.
merely tolerated, as part of South African law provided the particular rules or provisions are not in conflict with the Constitution...In Shilubana v Nwamitwa, 111 the Constitutional Court held that customary law is protected by and subject to the Constitution in its own right: 112 ... Customary law, like any other law, must accord with the Constitution.Like any other law, customary law has a status that requires respect ... It is a body of law by which millions of South Africans regulate their lives and must be treated accordingly...
Nwamitwa 2009 2 SA 66 (CC) para 43.The court began its historical enquiry into the customs of the Valoyi tribe by referring to the classical test for the existence of custom as a source of law, as set out in Van Breda v Jacobs 1921 AD 330, in which it was held that to be recognised as law, a practice must be certain, uniformly observed for a long period of time, and reasonable.The requirement of reasonableness would now, of course, be applied in a way compliant with the Constitution.Quite evidently, the Bafokeng customary law of hereditary headmanship is a reasonable practice in the sense that it is not in conflict with the Constitution and the values of democratic governance.Most importantly, the Bafokeng custom of the hereditary headmanship has been in practice from time immemorial.
Koyana 2000 Speculum Juris 145.preclude that a woman may one day challenge the position of hereditary headmanship in terms of s 9 of the Constitution.The courts will, however, then have to apply the living customary law of the community as espoused in the Shilubane case.Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act 41 of 2003, herein after referred to as the "Framework Act".Also see the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Amendment Act 23 of 2009.This Act recognises among others the traditional positions of the kingship, queenship, principal traditional leadership, senior traditional leadership and headmanship.In terms of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Amendment Act, "headmanship" means the position held by a headman or headwoman.In other words, this piece of legislation recognises the hereditary headmanship of the Bafokeng community.
127It does not 128 The North West Legislation favours the recognition of diverse customary law and practices.For instance, it provides that customs, traditions or customary laws relating to traditional leadership will continue to North West Traditional Leadership and Governance Act 2 of 2005, herein after referred to as the "North West Legislation".Ss 19 to 23 deal with the identification of kgosana (headman or headwoman) by the royal family in accordance with customary law and customs, the recognition of a person identified as kgosana by the premier, the removal of kgosana, the recognition of an acting kgosana, the recognition of a deputy kgosana and the functions of kgosana.The statutory function of kgosana include, among others, to perform the functions entrusted to him or her in terms of customary law and customs. 131 Gecelo cited the Eastern Cape Traditional Leadership and GovernanceAct 136 which, he said, instructs the royal family to elect the headman and told the Cala reserve community that: Nokuba niyathanda okanye anithandi na, yiroyal family ethata izigqibo ngokubekwa kwenkosana (whether you like it nor not, it is the royal family that decides on the headman).The community made various complaints about the council's appointment to the Premier of the Eastern Cape, the Member of Executive Council (MEC) for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, and the Qamata Regional Traditional Council.137When they were unsuccessful, they approached the Legal Resources Centre (LRC), which launched an application on their behalf in the Eastern Cape High Court against the decision of the MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs (acting on the delegated authority of the Premier of the Eastern Cape province) to recognise Yolelo as the headman of the community.On 9 October 2014, the Eastern Cape High 135Premier of the Eastern Cape v Ntamo 2015 6 SA 400 (ECB) paras 7-14.Also see UCT Communication and Marketing Department 2015 https://www.uct.ac.za/usr/press /2015/MassiveBlow_27Aug2015.pdf.

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