Kgosi Makaba II

Our last episode concluded in about 1790, if not somewhat earlier, with Kgosi Moleta being succeeded on the Bangwaketse throne by his son, Kgosi Makaba II, who initially established himself at Sebatleng.

The second Makaba continued to build on his father’s military legacy, earning for himself the praise name “Rramaomana”. During his long reign, he fought against almost all of his neighbours, with his mephato usually prevailing.

Makaba II’s reign, however, began inauspiciously, after his raids on Bakwena cattle posts touched off a sustained and mutually destructive conflict. Seeking to recoup their initial losses, the Bakwena raided Bangwaketse cattle posts at Gapeana in the vicinity of Lobatse. But, their coming had been anticipated, resulting in a bloody Bangwaketse victory.

Editor's Comment
BPF should get house in order

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dithapelo Keorapetse, has this week rightly washed his hands of the mess, refusing to wade into a party squabble that has no clear leadership and no single version of the truth.When a single party sends six different letters to the Speaker’s office, each claiming to be the authoritative voice, it is not just confusion, but an embarrassment.Keorapetse is correct to insist on institutional boundaries. Parliament...

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