Who they are:
The Bakoena Royal Council in Matatiele is a prominent traditional leadership body representing the Bakoena (Bakwena) communities in the Eastern Cape’s Alfred Nzo District. Operating under traditional leadership, the council plays a central role in local governance, cultural preservation, and the mediation of traditional affairs. It spearheads ancestral land restitution and environmental stewardship, advocating for agricultural development, land rights, and ecosystem preservation while navigating historical territorial disputes and boundary tensions with neighbouring communities.

Services offered:
The council maintains a formal partnership with the UFS through a signed Memorandum of Understanding, which strengthens leadership and governance within traditional structures. This relationship provides researchers with direct access to the community for land preservation initiatives and positions the council as an active stakeholder in regional development. The partnership includes specialised executive training delivered by the UFS Business School, equipping senior leaders with financial management and governance skills to improve accountability and service delivery. Guided by Morena e Moholo Moremoholo Motebang Mopeli, the initiative underscores a commitment to lifelong learning and ensures that traditional councils are better prepared to manage resources and drive sustainable community development.

Contact

Teboho Thubela

T: +27 82 679 1380
E: tthubela@yahoo.com
A: 102 Main Street, Matatiele, 4730
C: -30.34272975436336, 28.807694883129198

There is a signed MoU between the UFS and the Bakoena Royal Council (Matatiele).