President celebrates independence at Khama ruins

MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE
Staff Writer | Monday October 4, 2010 00:00

 

There were not many public appearances this time by the president, except the message written to be read at kgotlas across the country on Independence Day.

Little known Mosu used to be the headquarters of the Khamas and villagers claim that the rock used as their throne used to be at the ruins in the 80’s, although it appears to have been stolen.  Khama III’s mother is also said to be buried at Mosu.

Senior private secretary to the president, Duke Masilo, says the President decided to celebrate the Independence holidays quietly at Mosu.

The Mosu Khama ruins also happen to be the birthplace of Khama III (837-1923), under whom the birth of the current republic started as he built a strong nation from various tribes that made up GammaNgwato hegemony.

Along with Sechele II of Bakwena and Bathoen of Ngwaketse, Khama III, revered as Khama the Great and Khama the Good by the missionaries who settled in his territory, he was instrumental in persuading Britain to protect Botswana against the South African Boers, who at the time had a plan to incorporate Botswana into South Africa.

Like Ian Khama, the king became the first local ruler to hate alcoholism and under his reign, Khama III is said to have hidden behind the guise of Christianity to ban alcohol in his territory. His anti-alcoholism policy was to be adopted later by Ngwato regent, Tshekedi Khama (1926-1959).

Like Ian, Khama III was also the commander of the Bangwato forces, and led them against Mzilikazi invasions during the Mfecane period, although some historians claim that the Mzilikazi forces, whom Batswana gave the name, Ndebele, had it easy.

What is also clear is that the Bangwato paid tribute to the Mzilikazi people for years even after moving to Old Palapye.