Lebowa People’s Party

political party, South Africa

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July 16, 2026

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The Lebowa People's Party was a political party in Lebowa, a former nonindependent Bantustan in South Africa's Transvaal region. Designated for the northern Sotho people, Lebowa was granted self-government in 1972. The Lebowa People's Party, led by Chief Minister C.N. Phatudi, controlled the legislative assembly, while the Lebowa National Party served as the opposition. By 1978, over half of South Africa's northern Sotho people resided in Lebowa and were legally its citizens. Lebowa was reincorporated into South Africa in 1994 as part of the newly created Northern (now Limpopo) province, following the abolition of apartheid.1

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Lebowa
The Lebowa People’s Party, under Chief Minister C.N. Phatudi, controlled the legislative assembly, while the Lebowa National Party, led by M.M. Matlala, constituted the opposition. By 1978, Lebowa was the actual residence of more than half of South Africa’s northern Sotho people, all of whom were…
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The Lebowa People’s Party, under Chief Minister C.N. Phatudi, controlled the legislative assembly, while the Lebowa National Party, led by M.M. Matlala, constituted the opposition. By 1978, Lebowa was the actual residence of more than half of South Africa’s northern Sotho people, all of whom were…
Read More