BOOK REVIEW

His ability is praised but his name is not loved

Little Giant of Bechuanaland is the story of pioneer missionary Reverend William Charles Willoughby (1857 to 1938) and his dedicated wife Bessie Willoughby. He is most famous for his role with the "Three Chiefs" when they went to London in 1895, something that has been written about extensively, but not completely. Professor Neil Parsons called Willoughby a "pathfinder" in his book King Khama, Emperor Joe, and the Great White Queen (1998) and the Three Kings (the Dikgosi Khama III, Bathoen I and Sebele I) his "reluctant followers".

Willoughby is remembered by many older Batswana for a number of other significant contributions he made to Botswana over the 24 years he lived in Southern Africa as a missionary, an educator, a linguist, a researcher, writer and author of five significant books, and a photographer.

Editor's Comment
Justice delayed is trust denied

Batswana who marched peacefully for 'Justice for Tshepi' demanded answers. They have now received a detailed account of police investigation and a promise that the file is with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The real test is whether the state now keeps its word without further prodding. In his address, the minister asked the nation to trust the process. He spoke of rigour, not neglect, and pointed to 10 months of...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up