General Sechele is Botswanas number one forgotten hero

Botswana government has not for a single time during the independence celebrations remembered to honour General Sechele, the magnificent ruler of Bakwena. Had it not been for the Dithubaruba Festival, which is coming this weekend, his name would have not featured anywhere as we celebrate our year of jubilee.

As a writer with extensive military experience and knowledge, I am often astounded by the way Gen Sechele conducted himself as King of Bakwena and Commander-in-Chief of his vast army. None of the European writers has ever ascribed the title of general to this noble man, but through the study of the Kweneng history, I do with fear and shuddering direct the term to this mortal.

Beginning with the days of his youth, it is clear that this man was destined to the pedestal of heroism. Though his father was assassinated before his eyes as tradition tells us, that did not breed fear into his heart. After years in self imposed exile, Sechele returned to his tribe and created a nation. He was never consumed by fear and trepidation when the time was ripe for him to return and assume his role of leadership regardless of the risks that went with his actions. He was no coward.

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