Sebego Crosses The Molopo

In the aftermath of his August 1826 expulsion of the Sebetwane’s Makololo, the Bangwaketse Kgosi Sebego moved his own headquarters from Selokolela to Lwale hill north-west of Moshupa and west of Kakalashwe, where he was briefly able to enjoy undisputed dominion over south-eastern Botswana.

Like his late father Makaba II, Sebego was now determined to further secure his position by promoting contact with the British ruled Cape Colony for the direct export of his karosses and ivory. The effect of firearms during his assault on Dithubaruba reinforced the Mongwaketse in his determination to acquire guns through the game products trade.

Travellers’ accounts from the period confirm that southern Botswana was at the time teeming with game, including elephant and rhino. With no immediate military challenge Sebego’s disciplined regiments were free to exploit the abandoned hunting grounds of Kweneng, as well as Gangwaketse.

Editor's Comment
Routine child vaccination imperative

The recent Vaccination Day in Motokwe, orchestrated through collaborative efforts between UNICEF, USAID, BRCS, and the Ministry of Health, underscores a commendable stride towards fortifying child health services.The painful reality as reflected by the Ministry of Health's data regarding the decline in routine immunisation coverage since the onset of the pandemic, is a cause for concern.It underscores the urgent need to address the...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up