Condolences continue to pour in for former Bophuthatswana “homeland” President – Kgosi Manayane Lucas Mangope. Mangope died on Thursday at the age of 94 in his home village of Motswedi near Zeerust in North West.
Mangope effectively ruled over the former homeland, which stretched across the former Cape Province, Transvaal, and Orange Free State, as well as areas bordering Botswana, for almost two decades.
He was removed from office in 1994 after refusing to give up sovereignty to the South African government and allow democratic elections in the homeland.
After ruling the homeland for almost two decades and surviving multiple coup attempts, Mangope was forced to consider relinquishing his power and conceding Bophuthatswana to the new South African dispensation.
Despite not participating in the country’s first democratic election, the former statesman returned to local politics as the president of the leading opposition party in North West.
However his glory was also short-lived as the aging Mangope was later forced out of the United Christian Democratic Party (UCDP).
Since his passing condolences continue to pour in for the 94-year-old Mangope.
North West Premier’s office Lydia Sebego says, “The government of Bokone Bophirima shall work together with the family to ensure that Kgosi Manyane Mangope gets a dignified send off as it befits his contribution towards the livelihood of the people of Bokone Bophirima.”
Kgosi Mangope is survived by his wife and seven children.
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