The project, which commenced in 2017 as an implementation of Kgosi Kgafela Kgafela II’s wish, was opened by Kgosi Nchaupe Makapan III of Bakgatla Ba Mosetlha from South Africa.
The shelter, believed to be one of the biggest in the region, has multiple offices, a boardroom, and an auditorium where kgotla meetings will be held. Leobo has always played a significant role in the kgotla and tribal administration since ancient times. According to Bakgatla ba Kgafela Mothusa Kgosi, Kgosi Bana Sekai, the project was delivered thanks to members of the community, who contributed generously to the project. According to Kgosi Sekai, the project was a demonstration that when morafe is on to something, anything is possible.
He said the construction of the leobo was made possible by contributions from the government, former Members of Parliament, councillors, companies and members of the public. Sekai added the contributions were either financial or in kind. Kgosi Makapan III said being invited as a guest to perform the opening of the leobo in Mochudi demonstrated that Bakgatla are indeed united.
He stated that his tribes can learn a lot from Bakgatla ba Kgafela, especially about mephato, as he wants to reintroduce it back home. Besides the opening of the leobo, the occasion was fun-filled as the culture of Bakgatla ba Kgafela was on full display. Bakgatla regiments were the main feature of the day, singing different songs of the regiments. Perhaps the only missing link was Kgosi Kgafela II, who addressed the gathering virtually from his base in South Africa. He announced at the gathering that he would return to live amongst his tribe in 2030. Despite leobo being officially opened, the chairperson of the steering committee, Lesedi Seitei, said the project is not fully complete. He appealed to members of the community to continue making contributions towards its completion.
