The Northern Cape House of Traditional Leaders was established in terms of Section 43, 44 (1)(2)(3)(4)(6)(7) of the Northern Cape Traditional Leadership, Governance and Houses of Traditional Leaders Act (Act 2/2007), which came into operation on 18 February 2008.

During the consultation process between the Premier and the eight Senior Traditional Leaders who constitutes the Electoral College it was resolved that the Provincial House will consist of 12 members.  The elections took place on 27 June 2008 under the auspices of the IEC.