This photo is one that immediately brings home just how extensive that change has been. It shows those who attended what is thought to be the last Bakgatla tribal council meeting which was held at the now abandoned Community Centre in Mochudi in 1965. Seen here are left to right standing - Matshubele Seleke (tribal police), M. A. Maribe, x, x, Bassi Mokone, Norman Molomo, Kgosi Linchwe II, P.W. Reardon (District Commissioner), Bogatsu Rankae Pilane, x (partly obscured) Sefako Pilane, Ratsela Mogotsi, and in front standing, Reuben Kgetse Setshwane, x, Solomon Kasale, Ramogotse Ntshole (headman of Morwa). Sitting left to right middle row - Francis Phirie, Amos Pilane, Mabodisa Mabodisa, C.K. Matlhaga, x, x, Moremi Rammala, Sitting l to r – Frank Boakgomo (District Officer), T.E. Modibedi, Kenneth Molefi, Mothei Rammala (headman of Morema), x, x.
Let us assume that with one or two exceptions this group did represent the core of Mochudi’s leadership in the period immediately before the first election. It provides a reminder that communities at that time were remarkably self-contained. All the schools, for instance, were staffed by locals or by immigrants who were rapidly absorbed into the community, and the same applied to the admittedly small tribal administration. Then try and imagine taking a comparable photo today. Who would be in it?
