The Orphan And The Ants Part 3 The Sons Of Kwena & Ngwaketse

At the beginning of last century (c. 1910) two indigenous accounts of the Bakwena Royal lineage were produced, an unpublished manuscript by a Molepolole kgosana named Kgabo Tebele and a short narrative by Kgosi Sebele I that was posthumously incorporated into the 1913 publication Dico tsa Secwana (edited by the Rev. A.J. Wookey).

In his more detailed work, Kgabo Tebele observed that notwithstanding the tales he had been taught about such ancient and legendary figures as Matsieng and his sons Masilo and Masiloyana, the earliest Bakwena Kgosi whose lineage could be traced was called Kwena, who was followed by Monageng, Kwena II, Masilo, Mogale, Mfheta, Kolobe and Raadira. The Bakwena royals were then said to have split between the descendents of Raadira’s sons Magope (Mogopa) and his brother Mamagana. The Bakwena at Molepolole are descendents of Mamagana’s lineage.

According to Sebele, and consistent with Kgabo Tebele, Mamagana was followed by Motone who was followed by Phokotsea, who was followed by Masilwe the father of Kwena III. The latter figure begat Phokotsea II the father of Malope II, who also is also said to have been the father of Mohurutshe, Ngwatwe, Ngwaketse and Khutwe.  From Malope II the line passed to Kgabo I, and then to Tebele, who was the father of Mogope II and a junior brother named Kgabo. It was the latter who founded the Bakwena baga Kgabo morafe in Botswana.

Editor's Comment
Gov't must guard against cadre deployment

As the Botswana National Front (BNF) discusses a policy to place suitably qualified members in strategic positions, the guiding consideration should remain whether an individual is the best person to serve the country. There is nothing wrong with qualified party members applying for public positions. Political affiliation should neither disqualify a capable candidate nor give them an advantage over others. Every Motswana deserves a fair...

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