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"Bafokeng Ka Bakwena" Tribe Membership Ceremony

Date confirmed in “Associated Press” (archived) (“Saturday [October 11, 1997]”)

“Associated Press” (October 13, 1997) (archived)

The King of Pop is now an African tribesman.

Michael Jackson, with ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley and her two children nearby, was made an honorary member of the Bafokeng Ka Bakwena (People of the Crocodile) tribe Saturday.

Dressed in a military-style jacket adorned with gold badges, Jackson walked slowly as Lisa Marie clutched his arm and ululating women lined a path in the South African town of Phokeng, 90 miles northwest of Johannesburg.

Jackson's parents, Joseph and Katherine, met the tribe several days before and also got "citizenship" certificates.

“The New York Times” (October 14, 1997) (archived)

Michael Jackson has a new title to his credit. He was made a member of the Bafokeng Ka Bakwena (People of the Crocodile) tribe in Phokeng, South Africa, on Saturday, The Associated Press reported yesterday. His former wife, LISA MARIE PRESLEY, and her two children were on hand for the ceremony.

Dressed in a military-style jacket with gold badges, Mr. Jackson walked slowly as wailing women lined a path in Phokeng, 90 miles northwest of Johannesburg, where Mr. Jackson has been performing.