Batalaote tribe origins remain unknown

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Wednesday November 30, 2011 00:00

This came to light during the unveiling of Batalaote totem monument in Sefhophe over the weekend.

Kgosi Gabobakwe Diloro of Diloro village said it is not clear where the tribe originated from indicating that they can be traced back to Zimbabwe.

He explained that it is also not clear why the tribe has adopted a heart (pelo) as their totem. Diloro said that there is an old story which suggests that a child ate some meat that had heart in it and died.

He also related another tale that there was conflict between two traditional doctors. One traditional doctor used an owl and another was using a heart and the latter ended up being victorious, hence adopting the heart as their totem. He stated that the Batalaote do not eat the heart and when an animal is slaughtered, the organ is thrown away.

He explained that the Batalaote-ba-Mokobi settled in Sefophe, while those who were led by Ntema ended up settling in Maitengwe in the North-East District. Diloro also explained that they met with Bangwato during the Ndebele wars.

Speaking at the event, Vice-President, Mompati Merafhe explained that Batalaote were nomadic. He said that the Batalaote originated from the Congo and they moved to Democractic Republic of Congo before settling in Angola.

He added that the tribe also stayed in Namibia and consequently settled in Zimbabwe. He stated that the famous Zimbabwe ruins belong to the Batalaote. He said that the tribe had strict cultural practices such as not piercing their ears.

Merafhe said despite being from different tribes, Batswana must remain united. He noted that the government has of late encouraged celebrating of cultures, 'their loyalty remains building a united country.'

'Constitution of Botswana recognises different practices and religions hence people are at liberty to practice them.

Batswana must not allow themselves to be divided along tribal lines. People must also not use their tribes to seek political power,' said VP.

Giving vote of thanks, Mmadinare MP who is also the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Ponatshego Kedikilwe said it is difficult to trace the roots of Batalaote because of lack of documentation. He suggested that the tribe's history be gathered and written for future generations.