Sekgoma And The Amandebele

The rise of Sekgoma I, great grandfather of Sir Seretse Khama, to Bogosi jwa Bangwato was as much a product of his personal drive and circumstance as birth. His mother, Dibeelane, was a junior wife to Kgosi Kgari, whose Mogumagadi-mogolo, Bobjwale (MmaMogokong), had two sons, Khama II and Macheng.

After Kgari was killed in battle with the Bakalanga-Banyayi, his brother Sedimo ruled the Bangwato as Khama II’s regent. During this time Sedimo, in accordance with the old custom of seantlo, entered Bobjwale’s house to “raise seed” on behalf of Kgari. This resulted in the birth of Macheng.

Khama II succeeded Sedimo, but died shortly thereafter without leaving an heir. Macheng was still an infant making it necessary to appoint a regent. Many initially feared installing Sekgoma, who they suspected might try to usurp Macheng. With Sedimo now dead, a faction installed Bobjwale to rule as Motswareledi-Mohumagadi.

Editor's Comment
Inspect the voters' roll!

The recent disclosure by the IEC that 2,513 registrations have been turned down due to various irregularities should prompt all Batswana to meticulously review the voters' rolls and address concerns about rejected registrations.The disparities flagged by the IEC are troubling and emphasise the significance of rigorous voter registration processes.Out of the rejected registrations, 29 individuals were disqualified due to non-existent Omang...

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