We are a traditionally governed community living in Phokeng – Rustenburg, owning over 1200 km2 of land in the North West Province of South Africa, below which lies part of the world’s largest platinum reserves. Our exposure to mining has brought substantial income to our community. This income is held in a Trust on behalf of the Nation as a whole and our investments are managed through a wholly owned investment company, Royal Bafokeng Holdings, possibly the most successful community-owned investment company in the world. This means that no individual has decision-making power in how our collective resources are used, as we follow all the institutional, legal and auditing requirements for trusts and corporate management. Finally, and most importantly, the Royal Bafokeng Administration, which implements the development programmes to improve the living conditions of Bafokeng, employs around 400 people and has spent over USD 700 million on roads, utilities, schools, clinics and other public amenities in the last decade.
Who We Are
Our Governance Structure
Our governance structures reflect both long-term continuity and adaptive innovation. They combine hereditary traditional leadership with elected village and regional representation and direct community consultation at many levels, all aimed at generating a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable rural community true to its African heritage and traditions. Our governance structure comprises of Kgosi, as our traditional leader and various councils namely the Supreme Council, Council of Digkosana and Traditional Council.
Where are we Going
The RBN is an innovative traditional community, driving social change in our communities. Our vision for our people is to promote our culture and economic self-sufficiency.
See the depiction of Plan 35, our developmental roadmap, with targets, policies, and initiatives to achieve our vision.
