Cedric Phatudi

Dr Cedric Namedi Phatudi (27 May 1912 – 7 October 1987) was the Chief Minister of Lebowa, one of the South African bantustans.

Early life

Phatudi was born in Limpopo, Ga-Mphahlele, Seleteng, the son of the chief of the Mphahlele tribe. He earned his basic education in mission schools.

Education

Phatudi initially worked as a teacher and educational administrator before attending the University of Fort Hare, gaining a BA in 1947 and a teaching diploma in 1950 at the University of the Witwatersrand, and graduating with a BEd in 1965. It was during this time that he made his contributions to the Sepedi language. He authored and co-authored a few books in Sepedi. He is also known to have translated some of Shakespeare's works into Sepedi.

His books include the Lehlabile Series, co-authored with G.O. Mojapelo , published by Educum.

He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of the North in 1973, after which he encouraged others to use the "Dr" title wherever possible when referring to him.

Phatudi served as president of the Federation of Inspectors of Schools in South Africa from 1958 to 1969.

Chief Minister of Lebowa

Phatudi became involved in the nascent Lebowa nation-building exercise and rose in prominence to the point that, when Lebowa was granted self-government on 2 October 1972, he was appointed Minister for Education before his election as Chief Minister on 8 May 1973.

Economic problems continued to plague Lebowa, and Phatudi struggled to maintain control over the increasingly disgruntled homeland population throughout his rule. He died in office in 1987.

He was succeeded by Noko Nelson Ramodike from Tzaneen. Lebowa itself lasted only another seven years before its reintegration into the Transvaal.