DITHAKWANENG, NORTH WEST – The community of Dithakwaneng village, under the Batlhaping Ba ga Phuduhutswana ba ga Mahura clan, gathered in large numbers on Saturday, 28 February 2026, to celebrate and honour their traditional leader, Kgosi B.K. Mahura, following years of legal battles over his legitimacy.

The historic celebration marked not only a cultural moment of unity, but also a symbolic closure to a prolonged period of uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the Mahura clan. The occasion was attended by several prominent traditional leaders, including Kgosi Gasebakwe Mankuroane, Kgosi Sam Mankuroane, Kgosi Lebogang Mahura, and Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane, and many others alongside members of the local traditional council.

The event comes after a long-standing legal dispute over the chieftaincy, which spanned nearly two decades. Court rulings ultimately affirmed Kgosi Mahura’s legitimacy, paving the way for the community to formally recognise and celebrate his leadership.

Speakers throughout the event reflected on the hardships endured during this period, describing the celebration as a long-overdue moment of unity and appreciation.

Delivering welcoming remarks, Mr. David Motlhoiwa, Acting Director for Corporate Services and Administration at Naledi Local Municipality, highlighted the importance of collaboration between traditional leadership and local government.

He acknowledged the strong partnership between the municipality and the Mahura clan leadership, encouraging continued cooperation for the development of Dithakwaneng village. Motlhoiwa also commended the community for honouring Kgosi Mahura in a dignified and meaningful way.

Local traditional council member Mr. Moarabedi Mokgweetsi paid tribute to historical figures who shaped the community, including former President Nelson Mandela and the late Kgosi Modisakoma Mahura, father of Kgosi B.K. Mahura.

Mokgweetsi reflected on the humble beginnings of Dithakwaneng, describing how residents settled in what was once open veld, building shacks and forming the foundation of today’s community.

“We built this village from nothing, and throughout that journey, Kgosi has always stood with his people,” he said, urging younger generations to learn about their history and preserve their heritage.

Representing the Batlhaping Kingdom, Ms Gomolemo Mankuroane-Mahura emphasised that chieftaincy is not a position of privilege, but one of service that requires the support of the community.

She also highlighted the role of family in leadership, praising the unity between Kgosi Mahura and his wife, Ms. Segopodisho Mahura, describing their relationship as a pillar of strength within the community.

Speaking on behalf of the Mahura family, Ms Betsy Mahura reflected on the challenges faced during the prolonged chieftaincy dispute, which she said had been foreseen by the late Kgosi Modisakoma.

She described the family as a “3 footed pot” made up of Bogaleboile, Osiamang and Matlhogonolo—firm and resilient despite years of hardship.

“The fires have been raging for years, but we have never lost a leg of the pot,” she said, thanking the community for standing firmly behind Kgosi Mahura throughout the legal challenges.

Community representative Ms. Lillian Bome provided historical context, recalling the forced removals of Dithakwaneng residents to Deerward during the apartheid era. These removals were part of broader policies that displaced black communities from their ancestral land.

She highlighted a significant milestone in the community’s history, noting that on 15 June 1998, the people of Dithakwaneng received their title deed, marking their return and formal recognition as rightful landowners.

The celebration of Kgosi B.K. Mahura marks a turning point for the community, signalling a renewed era of unity, cultural pride and development.

With traditional leadership now firmly established and recognised, community members expressed hope that Dithakwaneng will continue to grow, guided by its history, strengthened by its resilience, and united under the leadership of Kgosi Mahura.

-The VIP Team