Sechele I: founder of the nation :: Mmegi Online

The year 2012 marks the 120th year since the death of Kgosi Sechele I of Bakwena. Sechele was a visionary leader, brave warrior and a moderniser who not only consolidated the Bakwena morafe but also laid the foundation for this nation (Batswana) as we know it today. To recognise the achievements of this great leader a committee has been formed to coordinate the construction of a monument park in Molepolole in his honour. Dr JEFF RAMSAY profiles Sechele I.

"All the Boers are still in laager, they have been in laager a long time. They dare not venture on their farms for fear of Sechele. Their cattle are dying fast being too many together, and disease is amongst them." - Diary of James Chapman, November 1852

Our eastern border with South Africa, from Mashatu to the Barolong Farms is a product of armed struggle. In 1852-53 Batswana merafe rallied under the leadership of Sechele I to defeat the Transvaal Boers. On this basis alone Sechele can rightfully be seen as having laid the foundations of modern Botswana.

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Sechele I: founder of the nation

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