Former nonindependent black state, northern Transvaal , South Africa.
It was designated by the South African government as the national territory for northern Sotho people, including the Pedi, Lovedu, and Kanga-Kone. It was granted self-government in 1972 and held its first election in 1973. After the abolition of apartheid in 1994, it became part of the new Northern province.