The missionary legacy: how the LMS helped build Botswana :: Mmegi Online

Although Botswana cannot be said to be a strictly Christian country, there is no doubt that the Christian faith has played a pivotal role in nation building. The church that outclasses the rest in this regard is undoubtedly the London Missionary Society (LMS) now known as the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA).

Since the church emerged in Botswana in 1799, its contribution to politics, education and the economy is unprecedented.

Robert Moffat was an LMS missionary who came to Botswana around 1817 and worked amongst the Tswana group called the Batlhaping in Kudumane (then known as Kuruman) in South Africa. The presence of this celebrated missionary amongst the Batlhaping came at an opportune time because he helped them and others of the Tswana stock during the Difaqane era. According to historians, when the Batlhaping were attacked by marauding tribes, he asked the Griquas who were better armed and expert horsemen to help repel the attackers. This made Moffat a revered missionary among the Batswana, and he was permitted to stay in Kudumane as long as he wished. From Kudumane, Moffat spread his influence to other areas occupied by the Batswana and it can be said that he was a pioneer who opened the way for other missionaries like Dr David Livingstone.

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