The plan will also be aimed at creating employment for the jobless in Kgatleng and to feed the needy. According to Bakgatla royals, the fields have been lying fallow since the 1920s when the traditional food security system died out as the country moved towards independence and magosi lost their status as centres of power. At a press conference addressed by Bakgatla royals, in Moruleng, South Africa yesterday, Kgosi Bana Sekai, Kgosi Segale and Kgosi Nyalala Pilane, revealed that seven farmlands belonging to Bakgatla regiments had been identified for the resumption of the communal agro-system.
Kgosi Segale said the seven farmlands were awarded to regiments of seven wards of Bakgatla ba ga Kgafela that used to operate them until 1920 under the leadership of Kgosi Molefi. Kgosi Segale said masotla farm produce was held by the magosi in storage silos at the Kgotla on behalf of the community, especially in times of need. He explained that the regiments had been busy clearing the farmlands in preparation for the coming ploughing season. Thankfully, no one had attempted to acquire the farmlands during their long years of non-use mainly because their purpose was well established, Kgosi Segale said. Kgosi Nyalala added that the farmlands were divided among 10 regiments of this year's intake, even though tribesmen who did not go were welcome to join their fellow Bakgatla in reviving the spirit of Ipelegeng. Meanwhile, the press also heard that this year's regiments were used in a clean-up campaign in the principal town of Bakgatla, Mochudi.
