The Bakgatla Boer War

Previously we observed that at the outset of the 1899-1902 Anglo Boer War, the British feared the Bakgatla bagaKgafela might favour the Boer side. But, Kgosi Linchwe saw no purpose in allying his people with those who had forced them to flee to Mochudi three decades earlier.

Instead the Bakgatla went to war against the Boers of the South African Republic (Transvaal). In so doing they became part of the wider Anglo-Boer or South African War of 1899-1902. In this respect they did not accept a supporting role in the “white man’s war”. They acted for themselves.

The Bakgatla-Boer war provoked when Boer commandos raided Kgatleng cattle posts. In response Linchwe agreed to dispatch the Makoba, Majanko, and his own veteren Matlakana mephato, under the command of his brother Ramono, to assist British forces in an assault on Boer laager at Deerdeport.

Editor's Comment
Routine child vaccination imperative

The recent Vaccination Day in Motokwe, orchestrated through collaborative efforts between UNICEF, USAID, BRCS, and the Ministry of Health, underscores a commendable stride towards fortifying child health services.The painful reality as reflected by the Ministry of Health's data regarding the decline in routine immunisation coverage since the onset of the pandemic, is a cause for concern.It underscores the urgent need to address the...

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