Sekgoma And The Amandebele

The rise of Sekgoma I, great grandfather of Sir Seretse Khama, to Bogosi jwa Bangwato was as much a product of his personal drive and circumstance as birth. His mother, Dibeelane, was a junior wife to Kgosi Kgari, whose Mogumagadi-mogolo, Bobjwale (MmaMogokong), had two sons, Khama II and Macheng.

After Kgari was killed in battle with the Bakalanga-Banyayi, his brother Sedimo ruled the Bangwato as Khama II’s regent. During this time Sedimo, in accordance with the old custom of seantlo, entered Bobjwale’s house to “raise seed” on behalf of Kgari. This resulted in the birth of Macheng.

Khama II succeeded Sedimo, but died shortly thereafter without leaving an heir. Macheng was still an infant making it necessary to appoint a regent. Many initially feared installing Sekgoma, who they suspected might try to usurp Macheng. With Sedimo now dead, a faction installed Bobjwale to rule as Motswareledi-Mohumagadi.

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...

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