The 1909 Peoples' Delegation :: Mmegi Online

In our last episode, we left off in March 1909 with the Batswana struggle to remain outside of South Africa entered a new phase when Kgosi Sebele, on behalf of Kgosi Bathoen as well as himself, recruited Joseph Gerrans (1850-1915) who was going to Britain for his health to represent them while in London. Described in his obituary as “a man of firm conviction [who] had a large sympathy for the native and coloured people who regarded him as a staunch friend”; Gerran’s relationships with indigenous Africans made him exceptional for his age.

In his letter to Gerrans, Sebele had observed: “Knowing that you are always desirous to help the natives in any just cause, we desire you if possible to speak for us to the English people and ask them not to give us and our country over to the South African Government. We are still happy and well contented under the Imperial government and we have no desire to be under any other.”

Based on the above Bathoen and Sebele each provided Gerrans with letters accrediting him to represent on their behalf the “chiefs and people” of the BP while in London.

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