Kgosi Kgamane given his flowers
Larona Makhaiza | Tuesday September 23, 2025 14:09
He was ousted from chieftaincy under the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) regime at the height of former presidents Mokgweetsi Masisi and Ian Khama’s animosity.
It was then that in 2022, Kgosi Kgamane was dismissed from his duties by the then late Local Government minister, Kgotla Autlwetse.
Now three years down the line and under the second Republic, Bangwato got the chance and opportunity to officially bid farewell to their chief, who was forced into retirement.
With many thronging the main kgotla from fellow tribespeople, dikgosi, the acting President, and Cabinet members, Kgamane was defined as a 'selfless leader who had the best interests of people at heart'.
Opening up the farewell ceremony, Kgosi Peter Khama said it was evident enough that the Bangwato had been longing for this day.
“It now seems that most of you here were eagerly waiting to bid farewell to Kgosi (Sediegeng) Kgamane, and I want to say that the day has finally arrived, and we are gathered today,” Peter said.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Local Governance and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, defined Kgamane as a selfless leader and noble despite his title.
“We stand here today to celebrate the regent of the Bangwato tribe, who was holding brief for Khama, Kgosikgolo of Bangwato, and it was a noble duty which he carried with great diligence, wisdom, and integrity to the sufficiency of both the authority and morafe,” Motshegwa said.
“It is for these reasons that we stand here today united in appreciation and celebration of this remarkable event. This is a man of great leadership, wisdom, and integrity, and for more than three decades, you kept the tribe united.”
Chairperson of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi, Kgosi Malope II of Bangwaketse, complemented what was said about Kgamane. Malope stated that he has worked with Kgamane before, and he has never ceased to amaze him with his humbleness as he served with diligence for his people.
“I have worked with Kgosi Kgamane, and what I can really say is this is a man who cared for his tribe and always made sure that he spoke on behalf of them every chance he got,” Malope said.
The Minister for State President, Moeti Mohwasa, held the same perception of Kgosi Kgamane as being an exemplary leader who did an impeccable job during his 34 years of service as the regent of the Bangwato chieftaincy.
However, the minister took used the opportunity to appeal to Bangwato to forgive the transgressions of the past and move on, as it is now a new dawn in government.
“As the new government, we want to lead a united nation that will work towards a common goal, and we should not be angry.
“I have appealed to Bangwato for us to forgive each other. Let us spread the spirit of forgiveness, love, and unity,” Mohwasa said.
As plaudits continued pouring in, Kgosikgolo Ian Khama of Bangwato also expressed gratitude to Kgamane as he said he remained loyal to him in trying times despite attempts to turn them against each other.
“Kgosi Kgamane is truly a remarkable leader with a lot of humility, as he has been defined by many people. I won't forget that in the past they tried to remove him by transferring him to the Court of Appeal, and he said he won't do that without my approval; that was until they ended his contract and chased him out of the house,” Khama recalled.
Meanwhile, the man of the moment expressed gratitude to all the people who came to bid him farewell. “I want to thank everyone who came to celebrate with me, and this means a lot. I will now go back to Shoshong to rest as I have now retired,” Kgosi Kgamane said.