Sechele’s Baptism

Among his community's concerns was the fate of the Kgosi's four junior wives, whom he had agreed to put aside in keeping with the Christian injunction of monogamy. There was also a widespread fear that Sechele's conversion would compromise his royal role as the initiator of regiments, rainmaker, and practitioner of other forms of medicine, magic, and ritual associated with his high office. As has often been the case in local indigenous politics, women initiated grassroots resistance.

The day after Sechele announced his intention to convert, the morafe's females collectively downed their hoes, refusing to tend to their gardens. Faced with the protest, men gathered at the Kgotla, with the women watching from outside, in what became a week-long attempt to try to convince Sechele to alter his decision.