PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT CALLED TO AWARD LAND TO THE BATLOKOA BA MOKGALONG COMMUNITY
By: Neo Ntsele
On Tuesday, 06 October 2026, the Executive Council (EXCO) of the Free State Provincial Government visited the Batlokoa Ba Mokgalong Traditional Community, led by Kgosikgolo Nkgahle Tsotetsi, in Vrede, Thabo Mofutsanyana District.
The visit to the traditional authority occurred two days before President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to officially oversee the Free State Industrialisation Launch in Phuthaditjhaba, QwaQwa, on Friday, 9 October 2026.
During the visit, Kgosikgolo Tsotetsi urged the provincial government to fulfil its promise to grant land to the Batlokoa Ba Mokgalong community, who have suffered land dispossession for decades under the previous regime. Kgosi Kgolo reminded Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and her Executive that it has been over 30 years since the Batlokoa kingship was formally recognised.
“We have long raised the issue of land. We hope this administration will treat our requests with urgency. The lack of land seriously hinders the work of the Batlokoa Council. The government should not only assist us during disasters but should remain engaged with communities at all times,” stated Kgosikgolo Tsotetsi.
The Premier and her executive did not arrive empty-handed.
They honoured the King and the community by presenting him with five full-bred cows and other undisclosed gifts.
Addressing the Batlokoa community, Premier Letsoha-Mathae reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Batlokoa Ba Mokgalong Community.
“Let’s rebuild the foundation and restore the dignity of this beloved community,” she remarked.
She added, “We are not here for lengthy speeches but to pledge our support to Batlokoa. The 7th Administration aims to forge a path together and ensure we achieve the aspirations of this community and the province.”
The Premier expressed her gratitude to both the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, Saki Mokoena, and the MEC for Agriculture, Elzabe Rockman, for their ongoing support of traditional communities.
In the State of the Province Address, the Premier highlighted land as one of the key challenges facing traditional authorities, the business sector, and ordinary citizens.
She stated that this challenge requires a collective effort from all levels of government.
She also mentioned recent policy directives focused on the protection and safety of traditional leadership.
MEC Saki stated that they plan to support the Batlokoa and have already engaged Public Works and Infrastructure to consider refurbishing some unused buildings for traditional councils' use.
He also raised concerns about illegal initiation schools and the high mortality rate at these schools.
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