BBK stand for Bontate Ba ha Keele

Hosted every year (AGM) between provinces

Themes & Topics

A family men's conference is a great opportunity to address the issues and opportunities that men face in their roles as husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers. Here are some possible themes for such a conference.

👉🏽 The Future of Family:

- Adapting to a Changing World. This theme explores how men can cope with the social, economic, and technological changes that affect their families. It could include topics such as: how to balance work and family life, how to support their spouses and children in their education and career choices, how to deal with the challenges of Family Tree, and digital parenting, and how to foster a culture of innovation and creativity in their families.

👉🏽 Health and Wellness for Men: - Strategies for Success.

This theme focuses on the physical, mental, Cultural / Traditional and spiritual well-being of men and their families. It could include topics such as: how to prevent and manage common health issues for men, such as heart disease, diabetes, and prostate cancer, how to reduce stress and improve mental health, how to cultivate healthy habits and lifestyles, such as exercise, nutrition, and sleep, and how to grow in faith and spirituality, and share it with their families.

👉🏽 Leadership and Influence:

- Breaking Barriers and Empowering Change.

This theme emphasizes the role of men as leaders and influencers in their families, workplaces, and communities. It could include topics such as: how to develop and demonstrate effective leadership skills, such as communication, collaboration, and decision-making as well as Know your Lineage links, how to overcome the obstacles and stereotypes that men face in their leadership roles, how to inspire and motivate others to achieve their goals and potential, and how to use their influence to make a positive impact on the world.

👉🏽 Relationships and Connections:

- Building a Strong Family Bond. This theme highlights the importance of nurturing and strengthening the relationships and connections that men have with their families and friends. It could include topics such as: how to communicate and resolve conflicts with their spouses and children, how to express and receive love and appreciation, how to spend quality time and have fun with their families, and how to build and maintain friendships and networks with other men.

BBK was celebrating its 7th Anniversary on the 29 July 2023. Amongst other things that were discussed here was the agenda below.

Agenda:

• Attendance Register

• Apologies

• Minutes of the previous meeting & matters arising

1. Savings plan / contributions

2. Meetlo:

a) Thapo

b) kgutsana

c) Ho hlapiswa sesila

d) Lebollo

3. Family tree (our origin)

4. Family Legacy (What is it that we want to build as an emperor for this family)

5. Elders structure participation

6. Way forward: next gathering

7. Closure

We also wish to extend the invitation to all other Men's forming the part of Keele & Kele clan to join this big family movement.

Key Takeaways from the BBK AGM 2024 Meeting

BBK 2024 Minutes PDF download

Meeting Information

- The BBK Annual General Meeting (AGM) occurred on July 27, 2024, in Bethlehem and was planned as a hybrid event, with both physical and virtual participation. However, the virtual meeting was canceled due to a lack of funding, and only 13 attendees were physically present for the meeting, hosted by Mr. Mahlabe Kele at 15:00. Rev Kele led the meeting proceedings and emphasized discipline and proper behavior.

Attendance and Apologies

- An attendance register was circulated and signed by the 13 attendees. Apologies were received from several individuals due to various reasons such as attending a funeral, business operations, and financial constraints.

Financial Penalties and Development

- Some members were fined due to unfulfilled mandates and failure to execute tasks. Rev Keele and Mr. Mpai Kele were each fined R200 for three consecutive years of failure, while other fines were imposed for additional unmet obligations.

Recognition Awards and Honors

- Recognition award categories were proposed, including Most Active Participants, Best Motivators, Funniest Member, Health and Fitness Awareness, and more. Rev T.J Kele was honored with the Mahlabe Prestigious Award for Long Outstanding Performance & Commitment.

Financial Accountability and Contributions

- There were no contributions or savings because of the absence of a family bank account. It was planned for the remaining funds to be transferred to a new account, with a task team formed to open the new account.

Discussion of Benefits and Family Origins

- A discussion paper titled 'Building a Sustainable Legacy' was discussed, which included plans for Kele Village, a bursary scheme, and social benefits such as medical aid, legal aid, and a burial scheme. The 'Lesika LA Kele' document was read, highlighting the origins of Keele, and other supplementary documents on traditions and culture were distributed.

Introduction of Family Website

- A family website named BahlaKoana Keele Online was introduced.

www.bahlakoana-keele.com

Family Challenges and Concerns

- Family challenges included late payments for registration fees and the need for earlier starting times for meetings. Rev Keele expressed concerns about chat groups focusing on irrelevant topics and urged the prioritization of family values and meaningful discussions.

Executive Committee Decision

- The decision was taken against the need for a new standing committee, with a reaffirmation of delegations of powers with the main executive committee members continuing their roles.

These are the key takeaways from the BBK AGM 2024 meeting, highlighting various aspects of the event, penalties, awards, financial accountability, discussions of benefits, family challenges, and decisions regarding the executive committee.

 Hosted by Papiki Keele, the Family Recognition Awards, originally initiated in Frankfort, Free State to celebrate family achievements, did not take place as planned due to the ill health of the National Secretary, who was hospitalized at the time. The event has since been rescheduled for the 2025 family gathering.

BONTATE BA KEELE (BBK) FAMILY GROUP

 *ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING REPORT* 

Date: 02 August 2025

Venue: Bophelong, Vanderbijlpark

Host: Reverend T.J Keele

1. Attendance

We express our sincere gratitude to all members who made time to attend this important gathering despite the challenges. The following were in attendance:

1. Mr. Mpai

2. Bishop Lekgoko

3. Mr. Pule

4. Rev. T.J Keele

5. Mr. Winza

6. Mr. Ricky

7. Mr. Thabo Dodo (left before the meeting commenced)

8. Mr. Tefo (left before the meeting commenced)

9. Ms. Sethunya  (left before the meeting commenced)

2. Apologies

We also acknowledge the following members who sent apologies for their absence:

• Mr. Oupa
• Mr. Tsotang, who cited car mechanical issues as the reason for his absence.

3. Acknowledgements

On behalf of the BBK leadership, we extend heartfelt appreciation to:

All contributors who supported the event financially, spiritually, and logistically.

Everyone who traveled and made the effort to attend in person.

The host, Rev. T.J Keele, for opening his home for this important occasion.

Those who continue to support BBK initiatives despite personal and logistical challenges.

4. Challenges Experienced

Transport Difficulties: Delegates from the Free State (Mahlabe, Julius, Disema, and others) were unable to attend due to unforeseen transport issues on the day.

Power Outage at Venue: A cable transformer incident left the venue without electricity. Alternative energy sources (generator, UPS, and gas heater) were utilized to ensure comfort and continuity. However, this contributed to time delays.

Late Contributions: Delays in contribution payments affected the shopping schedule and event preparation.

Custom and Traditional Documentation: The discussion document regarding "Ho Tshela Mobu" was not printed in time due to the late arrival (01 August at 19:41) of information from Mr. Julius (Traditional Affairs representative).

5. Meeting Proceedings

Due to low attendance, a formal quorum was not established. Consequently, the meeting could not proceed as an official AGM.

Despite this, members in attendance engaged in valuable discussions. The meeting unofficially started around 11:00 AM.

No formal minutes were taken due to the nature and late start of the gathering.

6. Agenda and Discussion Documents

The following documents were prepared and printed for the gathering:

1. BBK 2025 Agenda

2. Bahlakoana Funeral Plan Discussion Paper

3. BBK Land Repatriation – English Version

4. Pampiri ya Puisano BBK Lefatshe – Sesotho Version

7. Previous Meeting Minutes

Deliberations

Cultural Observance – Ho Tshela Mobu: Members discussed the inconsistency in observing this cultural rite at burials. This issue remains unresolved and will be followed up.

Building Young Married Men: Rev. T.J Keele and Bishop Lekgoko shared marital advice and biblical principles to guide young married men within the family.

8. Finances

Contributions Received: R2,400

Expenses:

• Refreshments
• 9kg Gas Refill
• 5 Litres Petrol

Remaining Balance: R75

9. 2026 Gathering

The house agreed that the next BBK AGM (2026) will again be hosted by Rev. T.J Keele, co-hosted by Bishop Lekgoko. This follows the general consensus that the 2025 meeting did not fully materialize as intended. The co-hosts will handle logistical arrangements and communicate details in due course.

10. Conclusion

While this year’s AGM faced several logistical and attendance-related challenges, the spirit of unity, dialogue, and cultural preservation remained strong. The BBK family continues to build on a foundation of faith, culture, and togetherness. We look forward to a more effective and fully representative gathering in 2026.

Compiled by:

Rev. T.J Keele

Secretary General – BBK Family Group

Date: 05 August 2025

Coming soon save the dates!!!