His Majesty Kgosi (King) Leruo Tshekedi Molotlegi, King of the Royal Bafokeng Nation
Kgosi (King) Leruo Tshekedi Molotlegi is the leader, since 2000, of the 150,000 strong Royal Bafokeng Nation in Phokeng, North West Province of the Republic of South Africa. The Royal Bafokeng Nation covers some 1000 square km, and located approximately 100 km northwest of Pretoria. Kgosi Leruo is the 36th King of the Bafokeng and the 15th direct descendent of a long lineage of the Bafokeng kings.
Under Kgosi Leruo’s leadership, the Royal Bafokeng Supreme Council has embarked on a mission to create a socially and economically enabling environment by the year 2035. Vision 2035 was derived from a Masterplan launched in 2006 in consultation with Singaporean planners. Under Vision 2035, education is the primary focus of the Bafokeng development plan. Other fundamentals of Vision 2035 are: Good governance and leadership; Stewardship of resources, being land, financial assets and infrastructure; Entrepreneurship and economic opportunity; Educated and healthy individuals.
Kgosi Leruo served as the Chancellor of North West University for 10 years. He graduated from Hilton College in Natal and was awarded the Victor Ludorum medallion for best athlete. He holds a degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from the University of Natal. Kgosi Leruo is a fixed wing and rotorcraft pilot and served as an honorary Colonel in the South African Air Force.