The Orphans And Ants Part 21: Sebego, The Rod Of Moleta

Last week’s episode focused on Kgosi Sebego’s decisive 1833 victory over the Amandebele at Dutlwe. Sebego, who served as the regent of the Bangwaketse from 1825 until his death in 1844, was certainly one of Southern Africa’s most formidable early 19th century military leaders.

Yet when people speak of notable ‘Difaqane’ era figures, his name is more often ignored in favour of such peers as Mzilikazi and Sebetwane, despite the fact that Sebego decisively defeated both of the latter figures in battle. It was his celebrated martial prowess that earned him the enduring praise name ‘Thupa a Moleta’, referring to his grandfather Moleta who is credited with having first established the Bangwaketse as a regional power.

Sebego’s relative anonymity among this region’s past who’s who is certainly not due to any dearth of historical evidence about his deeds on, or for that matter off, the battlefield. This is especially true his storming of Sebetwane’s fortified settlement at Dithubaruba on the August 28, 1826, which is the best documented of any Difaqane era battle.

Editor's Comment
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