G

K
OS

II
L A
IK G FE
OLO KGA

PULO YA LEOBO
LA KGOTLAKGOLO
YA BAKGATLA BA KGAFELA

VENUE: MOCHUDI MAIN KGOTLA
DATE: 11th MAY 2024

HISTORY GUEST HISTORY LIST OF

PREFACE PROGRAMME
OF BAKGATLA SPEAKER OF LEOBO SPONSORS
     


 PREFACE BY
KGOSI BANA SEKAI LINCHWE
Today marks a significant milestone in the history of
Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela as we open our new leobo (shelter) of
our main kgotla. It is a realization of a dream we envisioned
for over a decade and evidence of what our morafe can
achieve. Our history is full of numerous examples of
successful projects built by men and women who were
determined to contribute to the development of
Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela such as the construction of the iconic
Bakgatla National School, now Phuthadikobo Museum, from
1821 to 1823 by various mephato under the leadership of
Kgosi Isang Pilane. The building remains one of the best
monuments in Botswana. The new leobo is going to
enhance our main kgotla through its attractive visual
attributes bringing to fruition our intent to turn it to a place
that you will identify with and value more in return enriching
our cultural heritage. As the country has embarked on the
development of heritage sites in the Development Plans 10
and 11 and to preserve our culture as echoed in Vision 2036,
you as Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela have taken it upon yourselves
to contribute to these by developing your kgotla through the
construction of the new leobo.
I am proud to remind you that the space we are gathered in
today is embedded with sacred sociocultural values from
the time we settled here. It is here that some of our dikgosi
are buried and every time we gather, we inherently pay
eternal homage to them. The installation of dikgosi also
occurs in this space such as that of Kgosikgolo Kgafela II in
PULO YA LEOBO LA KGOTLAKGOLO YA BAKGATLA
2008. Our different mephato have graduated and bestowed
with their new identities by Kgosikgolo in this kgotla the
latest being Matlotlakgosi in 2012. We therefore launch our
new leobo knowing that all the members of our community
are going to continuously return here to live their heritage. I
wish to indicate that our kgotlakgolo is part of the proposed
Phuthadikobo Cultural Precinct that will include heritage
spaces such as Phuthadikobo Museum, Ntsweng Royal
Palace, the Dutch Reformed Church, the dam and up to the
royal graveyard. We are proud that our new leobo will be a
significant monument of this trail.
Furthermore, this day is enriched by the presence of our
official guest speaker, Kgosi Nchaupe Makapan III of
Bakgatla ba Mosetlha. This royal gesture is a strong symbol
of collective unity of morafe wa Bakgatla across the
international boundaries of Botswana and South Africa. His
royal presence marks a permanent strong foundation of
where we are going and we proudly march into this future
together through the leadership of our Kgosikgolo Kgafela
II. I conclude with an emphasis that he is always with us and
we have succeeded today because of his strong leadership.
I invite each one of you today to celebrate our new leobo
and share its value with your descendants who will water the
seed and transmit it to multiple generations to come.
Pula Sedibelo!!!!
02
 HISTORY OF BAKGATLA
The Founding of Mochudi - Prof Fred Morton

On 11th September 1870 Kgamanyane A. Pilane abandoned Saulspoort farm (owned by Dutch Reformed
minister Henri Gonin), along with thousands of Bakgatla. The day before they heard that
Kommandant-General Paul Kruger planned to order his men to Rustenburg on the pretext of registering
their guns, disarm them, and allow Boer farmers to seize Kgatla children left behind unprotected. Over
the years, the BaKgatla had acquired hundreds of guns. After leaving Saulspoort Kgamanyane moved at
a steady pace. He knew where he was headed and the guns to safeguard his path. His first stopover was
the BaTlokwa settlement of Tshwenetshwene (inside today’s Madikwe Game Reserve), where
Kgamanyane was welcomed by kgosi Matlapeng, his malome. The BaKgatla spent the rainy season
there, and then in June 1871, after the harvest, Kgamanyane moved to Phuthadikobo Hill. Not all who had
left the Pilaneseberg followed him there. Some had returned to Moruleng/Saulspoort, others had
perished during the year’s hardships. Settling at Phuthadikobo would be hard. It was surrounded by
uncleared bush and infested with lions. But Kgamanyane, though with only a fraction to follow him,
KGOSI LINCHWE I chose to settle at the ‘grave of Motsodi’, an ancient Kwena Kgosi, below Phuthadikobo.

Mochudi, as we know it, was located
inside the Bakwena territory.
From Tswenetshwene, Kgamanyane
announced himself to Kgosikgolo
Sechele asking permission to enter
the Kweneng. Sechele was widely
known to harbor refugees from Boer
territory, and two of Kgamanyane’s
brothers, Letsebe and Kgabotshwene,
had recently moved there at Sechele’s
invitation. But Matlapeng cautioned
Kgamanyane to be wary of settling
close to Ntsweng, Sechele’s capital.
There was something about Sechele
that attracted people, then repelled
them. The Batlokwa, among others,
such as the Bamalete and Batlhako,
found living alongside the Bakwena
intolerable and eventually moved
away: to Ramotswa, Mabieskraal
and Tshwenetshwene. Sechele invited
Kgamanyane to settle near Ntsweng,
but when Kgamanyane asked
permission to settle at Phuthadikobo,
Sechele agreed. Sechele was worried
about Transvaal Boers on his borders.
Neither they nor the Bakwena
effectively occupied the area in which
Kgamanyane asked to settle, although
both claimed it. Sechele was pleased,
therefore, to allow Kgamanyane to
have his base there because it would
strengthen Sechele’s hold on the
plains between Phuthadikobo and
Tshwenetshwene and promise access
to the waters of the Madikwe.
Kgamanyane viewed Phuthadikobo
as the perfect spot for his people.
The surrounding area had excellent
physical qualities in abundance. The
Ngotwane flowed along Phuthadikobo’s
base and extended northeast towards
the Limpopo. Thirty-eight kms southeast
of Mochudi, the Madikwe flowed out
of the Transvaal, turned northeast
and ran parallel to the Ngotwane
before joining the Oodi (Krokodil) River
to form the Limpopo. The large
territory enclosed by these rivers had
extensive grazing. Prospects for
agriculture were also excellent. Good
soil stretched southeast from
Phuthadikobo in a wide band for more
than 30 kms. Phuthadikobo and the
adjacent hills and kloofs had their
own special attractions. Their rocky
slopes provided clear views of the
surrounding plains and protection for
the rondavels nestled against them.
Building the new capital would be
relatively quick work, too, as the
nearby Ngotwane and its feeder
streams made available the water,
mud, clay, grass and wattle needed
for house construction. Stones
gathered at ones feet made sturdy
compound walls and kraals. Guns
would see to the lions.
Kgamanyane recognised that this
territory, though perceived by others
as a no-man’s land, would give the
Bakgatla the security they needed and
a base from which to expand.
Phuthadikobo was close to two
main roads connected to northern
Bechuanaland and Matebeleland. One
came up from the Transvaal via
Saulspoort; the latter the so-called
‘Road to the North’ through the new
diamond fields of Griqualand West to
Sechele’s and Shoshong, capital of
the Bangwato. At Phuthadikobo the
Bakgatla would be far enough away to
avoid being dominated by more
powerful groups on either side, but
close enough to their resources to
gain ready access. Since the days of
Pilane and before, Kgamanyane’s
people had flourished by raiding other
people’s cattle, and settling at
Phuthadikobo would allow them the
perfect location to build up their herds
and, if possible, siphon cattle from the
BaKwena.
Among the rocks and slopes around
the western and northern base
of Phuthadikobo Hill, clusters of
rondavels and courtyards were
constructed, with the Kgosing section
and the main kgotla occupying
the central position. At least six
wards were soon established:
Malebye, Mabodisa, Makgopana,
Manamakgothe, Masiana and lastly,
built well up the slopes of Phuthadikobo
was the Kgosing, where Kgamanyane
and his brother Bogatsu were living
with their families.
For a time Kgamanyane considered
returning to the Transvaal. Apart from
Bogatsu, none of Kgamanyane’s
adult brothers had followed him.
Tshomankane remained at Bopitikwe,
and Mantirisi, Kgari and Moselekatse
stayed on farms near Saulspoort.
Remaining in Mochudi risked having
his bogosi being usurped or losing the
succession for his adolescent son,
Linchwe. Though only in his late 40s,
time was not on Kgamanyane’s
side. His health was failing. So
Kgamanyane opted to stay and induce
Kgatla in the Transvaal to accept his
authority. He accelerated bogwera
and made Mochudi rather than
Saulspoort the sacred location for
circumcision, drawing more Bakgatla
around him. In doing so, Kgamanyane
knew very well he was challenging
Sechele’s authority. Calling for
initiation was a kgosikgolo’s prerogative.
Rather than allow Bakgatla to be
incorporated into one of Sechele’s
mephato, Kgamanyane was making
the maTlakana his own, led by his heir
apparent.
Sechele bristled at Kgamanyane’s
move and more seriously convinced
himself that the Bakgatla were helping
themselves to his people’s cattle.
“From the time Khamajan came to live
in my country,” he later declared,
“many of my cattle got lost and could
never be recovered.” He had word
that they were being driven into the
Transvaal. In 1874 Sechele came to
Mochudi and confronted Kgamanya-
ne, who claimed innocence. By then
Sechele had decided the time soon
would come to expel the Bakgatla.
What he did not know was that the
Bakgatla were preparing for war. Their
kgosi Kgamanyane was dying, from
what some believed to be the effects
of the thrashings Harklaas Malan had
inflicted five years earlier in
Saulspoort. In May 1875 Kgamanyane,
about fifty years old, passed at
Mochudi. Before his death, preparations
for a conflict with the BaKwena had
already been put into place.
Kgamanyane’s corpse was whisked
away to Rhenosterfontein, the farm
where he had been installed as kgosi
in 1849, and buried secretly in the
old kraal lest their enemies dig up his
remains for the medicine that would
destroy the Bakgatla. The Bakgatla,
too, had decided to refuse tribute to
Sechele. Dikgafela had not been
rendered up after the previous year’s
harvest. When Sechele learned of
Kgamanyane’s death, he sent his
collectors to Mochudi as a test. The
Bakgatla regarded the timing and the
request itself as an insult. The wagons
were sent back empty.
In early August Sechele ordered all
his able-bodied men to assemble at
Molepolole and prepare for battle. On
the 9th of August 1875, a force of
2,000 men and 120 horses and riders
left Ntsweng and marched toward
Mochudi. The battle of Mochudi
that followed started an 8-year
war that ended with the Bakgatla,
under Linchwe Kgamanyane Pilane,
in control of the eastern lands
of Kweneng, since known as the
Kgatleng.

03 PULO YA LEOBO LA KGOTLAKGOLO YA BAKGATLA

GUEST
SPEAKER
Kgosi Nchaupe III has been successful in bringing partners
and potential partners for the development of the
community such as the partnership with Rebamoratiwa
Property for the development of the Makapan City precinct,
which includes a development of a mall, High rise
residential Buildings, Dibotswane Heritage Centre, Mix Unit
residential development, an Office Park and a Community
Hall and service delivery precinct, also a community college
in Makapanstad.

He has also collaborated with institutions of higher learning

such as hosting the All UNISA institute for dispute resolution
events in Makapanstad and neighboring villages.
Additionally, he also worked with UNISA office of the Vice
Chancellor to bring Chance to Advance training program in
Makapanstad where 1800 community members young and
old were trained in different programs including Organic
Farming, Health and Wellness, Constitutional Democracy,
Entrepreneurship and Gender based violence. The project
has also published numerous publications both local and
international and it is been used as a case study by different
Universities in Africa and South America. Some of the
KGOSI NCHAUPE MAKAPAN III academic agreements are with UNISA, the Thabo Mbeki
African School of International Affairs and the Bowie State
PROFILE University in Washington DC.

Furthermore, Kgosi Nchaupe III works with other Universities

Kgosi Nchaupe Makapan III, Kgosikgolo of Bakgatla ba locally such as Wits University for the numerous
Mosetlha, was born on 6th July 1983 in Makapanstad, South publications and research projects such as ‘The Customs,
Africa. He is the 6th child of Kgosi Tau Makapan who passed Beliefs and Christianity within the Life of the Bakgatla ba
away in the 1980’s. Due to his young age then, his uncle Mosetlha’ by Mr. MJ Letebele and various others.
Kgosi Mathibe held the reign for him until his passing in 2014.
Kgosi Nchaupe III then took over as Bakgatla ba Mosetlha a His commitment to Bakgatla merafe is evidenced by being
year later on 10th May 2015. He was coronated by the first Kgosi of Bakgatla to ever to bring together all the
Kgosikgolo Kgafela II of Bakgatla ba Kgafela on 8th July decedents and of Kgosi Matshego together under one roof
2023 in Makapanstad. since the split of Bakgatla over 600 years ago. All the Royal
families of Bakgatla (Ba Mosetlha, Ba Kgafela Ba Mocha and
Kgosi Nchaupe III received his Matric in 1999 and further Ba Kau were represented) at his coronation in July 2023. He
obtained numerous National Certificates in Technical has been tasked with unifying Bakgatla again into one
Studies at the Pretoria West Technical College from 2002 to Kingdom, a mandate he is fully committed to deliver.
2008. He was employed at the Man Trucking company in
Rosslyn as a Storeroom clerk from 2009 until 2015 when he
left to serve the Bakgatla ba Mosetlha as Kgosikgolo.
Besides being a King of the Bakgatla ba Mosetlha, Kgosi
Nchaupe III is an avid farmer and an entrepreneur with herds
of Cattle and chicken and he is also involved with vegetable
production. He lives by example by ensuring that he
donates to his people whenever a need arises. For example,
he donates cattle to various organizations in his villages
annually and also contributes to Bakgatla ba Mosetlha
community events such as their Cultural day, the Annual
Ditrupa Celebration and the National Science Week events
in and around his Kingdom.

PULO YA LEOBO LA KGOTLAKGOLO YA BAKGATLA 04

 PROGRAMME
For the Official Opening of Leobo la Kgotlakgolo ya Bakgatla ba Kgafela

Directors of Ceremony: 1. Christopher Metsi Lebekwe

2. Dineo Segametsi Seleke
0700hrs............ Arrival of Guests and Morafe
..............................................................................................................................................

0730hrs............ Arrival of Bahumagadi - Mephato ya Bomme

0745hrs............ Arrival of Mothusa Kgosi Kgolo ya Bakgatla, Kgosi Bana Sekai Linchwe and Guest Speaker, Kgosi
Nchaupe III Wa Bakgatla Ba Mosetlha, Republic of South Africa
0830hrs............ National Anthem
Prayer - Bishop Charles Koitsiwe
Lefoko - Bishop Moratiwa Tshukudu
Bakgatla Song
0840hrs............ Introductions - District Commissioner - Ms Koolobetso Sejakgomo
Leboko
0850hrs............ Welcome Remarks by Mothusa Kgosi kgolo - Kgosi Bana S. Linchwe
Dikoma
Official Handover - Architect - Contractor - Steering Committee - Kgosi Sekai - Guest of Honour
0910hrs............ Remarks by Representative - Baagi ba Leobo
Baikopanyi – Umbrella Body ya Dikopelo tsa Bakgatla
0920hrs............ Remarks by Chairperson, Official Opening Steering Committee - Mr Lesedi Seitei
0930hrs............. Brief History of Leobo la Bakgatla by Professor Christian Makgala
Baikopanyi – Umbrella body ya dikopelo tsa Bakgatla
0945hrs............ Remarks by Sponsors
Item by Thibe Nyepetsi (A folklore Guiteriste)
Leboko - Kabelo Maabong (Dikgosi tse tharo)
1000hrs............ Address by Kgosi Kgolo ya Bakgatla - Kgosi Kgafela II
Dikoma
Leboko
1030hrs............ Official Opening by Guest Speaker - Kgosi Nchaupe III wa Bakgatla ba Mosetlha, RSA.
Dikoma
1100hrs............ Unveiling of the Plaque, Guest Speaker
Dilomakwati Traditional Dance Troupe
1130hrs............ Vote of Thanks - Hon Mabuse Pule, Member of Parliament for Mochudi East Constituency
Closing Prayer - Bishop Segailele Bokole
1200hrs............ End of Programme

REFRESHMENTS REFRESHMENTS REFRESHMENTS

05 PULO YA LEOBO LA KGOTLAKGOLO YA BAKGATLA

HISTORY OF
LEOBO IN KGOTLA
Prof. Christian John Makgala
(University of Botswana)
The leobo (kgotla shelter) has always played a significant
role in the kgotla and tribal administration since ancient
times. Traditionally, the leobo was a simple structure made
of sturdy mapako/dikota poles of different shapes and
sizes, with a roof made from the same material. In some
cases, tree branches with leaves were used to provide
shade. It was an integral part of the kgotla setting, and in the
distant past, it was the only feature or structure at the kgotla,
alongside the lesaka la matimela (kraal for stray livestock).
During the colonial period, a tribal office was constructed at
the kgotla for administrative purposes. The leobo served as
a platform from which the Kgosi addressed attendees on
various morafe matters at the kgotla. It was from here that
the Kgosi announced the ploughing season (go bolotsa
letsema) and received presents of farming produce
(dikgafela). The leobo also played a vital role in the
enthronement (peo ya Kgosi) and funeral ceremonies of the
Kgosi. In the past, before communal or royal cemeteries
were established, some Dikgosi were buried in the kgotla
lesaka.
The Kgosi would also announce important cultural practices
such as the commencement of bogwera and bojale
(initiation schools for boys and girls into adulthood) from the
leobo. At the completion of bogwera and bojale, the Kgosi
would welcome the initiates and give them their mophato
(regiment) names from the leobo. The leobo also served as
a court where cases were tried, and judgments were given
by the Kgosi or his representative. The Kgosi would receive
visitors, including European traders, missionaries, and later
colonial government officials, in the leobo. After Batswana
converted to Christianity, prayers for rain were conducted
from the leobo. With the introduction of Western education,
some Dikgosi started kgotla schools where teaching and
learning took place in the leobo. During meetings, the leobo
featured a high table for the most important dignitaries.
Since Botswana gained independence in 1966, these
dignitaries have included the President of the Republic,
cabinet ministers, and local Kgosi and their entourage. The
PULO YA LEOBO LA KGOTLAKGOLO YA BAKGATLA
first head of state to visit Botswana after independence was
President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia. On 23 May 1968, he
visited the Mochudi kgotla accompanied by President Sir
Seretse Khama. They were hosted by Kgosi Linchwe II, and
both Presidents graced the leobo.
Over time, the construction of leobo underwent significant
changes. Metal or steel poles began to replace the
traditional wooden ones to support a larger, rectangular
thatched roof. This new design was likely influenced by
architectural drawings. Generally, the leobo had no walls or
had low walls to provide excellent ventilation. The new
design and construction of a leobo in Mochudi marked the
celebration of Kgosi Linchwe II's 20th anniversary as Kgosi
of the Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela in 1983. Similar designs began
to appear in other parts of Botswana and became the
standard for such structures. Nowadays, even dikgotla (pl.)
in urban areas have leobo. However, some dikgotla do not
have thatched roofs but instead use Harvey metal tiles,
corrugated iron, or concrete tiles. Nevertheless, the
thatched roof remains the popular choice. In recent times,
leobo designs have become more creative, incorporating
treated gum poles, more walls with glass windows, and
even doors for added security. It has also become common
for the thatched roof to display the name or totem of a
morafe in a creative manner. Another feature is the concrete
paving around the leobo. Needless to say, modern designs
are more expensive and require morafe leadership to raise
substantial funds in various ways to cover the construction
costs. Some maobo (pl.) have become so aesthetically
appealing that they can be considered a form of tourist
attraction.
Although many activities that were previously conducted in
the kgotla and leobo have now been relocated to venues
such as community halls and fairgrounds among others,
certain cultural practices such as go bolotsa letsema,
dikgafela, the naming and commencement of bogwera and
bojale, as well as the trial of some cases, continue to be held
in the leobo at the kgotla. These activities are carried out at
the kgotla to uphold their traditional dignity.
06
LIST OF
SPONSORS
CONSTRUCTION SPONSORS

Callie Holl Morafe

Crane
Mochudi

EVENT SPONSORS

Mame Refilwe
Churches Morafe
Filling Station
Phaphane

In the event that we may have indvertedly missed some of our valued sponsors, we sincerely apologise for the oversight.

07 PULO YA LEOBO LA KGOTLAKGOLO YA BAKGATLA

 APPRECIATION
Great people, great names and great events have graced the Kgotla ya Bakgatla
ba Kgafela. The triumphs, trials, tribulations of our past have given new shoots to
the existence of our presence.

As we put our modest stamp for posterity in the consecration of Leobo la

Bakgatla we also add an imprint on the History of Bakgatla.

Leobo La Bakgatla is an implementation of Kgosikgolo Kgafela II’ wishes. It is a

translation of the wish into shape by his Deputy Kgosi Bana Sekai Linchwe. The
community and business mobilised, have dug deep into their resources for the
wish to be rendered. Tribute goes to government for both the resources and
supervision of the project.

With the mighty pencil on paper, the Architects and Engineers have given form
shape, structure and strength to this structure. The hands of the able have
moulded soil, laid brick, thatch, and stone to give us a shade. The watchful eye
of the overseers with enduring patience have ensured delivery of this
magnificent piece of art.

The steers of the grand opening ceremony have bought multitudes to celebrate
and marvel this great day.

All who put thought, hand and time to this project are honoured in awe and invite
the great multitudes into celebration

.................................................................................................................................................................................................

Bagolo ba re gorositse fa, ba ba tlodisitsele dinoka, dithaba le dikgwa. Ba re file

boswa jwa lefelo le, le ditso.

Keletso le thotloetse ya ga Kgosikgolo Kgafela II le Mothusi wa gagwe Kgosi

Bana Sekai Linchwe di re gorositse fa. Morafe o dirile ka bonatla ka mabogo le
dithata tsa one.

Goromente o eme ka dinao ka ditsompelo tsa madi, le boitseanape go emisa

kago e ntle e.

Matsogo a bonokopila a takile loago, go le fa bontle, tshwanego, le boleng.

Moagi o bopile mmu, a baya setena, semente, tlhaga le legong go re fa moriti o.
Ka leitlho la itemogelo, le bopelotelele batlhokomedi ba kago ba re diretse
bontle. Dikgwebo tse dintsi di epile matlotlo a tsone go fa dithuso tsa kago le go
bulwa ga yone
.
Baeteledi ba pulo ya Leobo ba dirile ka bonatla go re fa letsatsi le.
Matswititshwiti a beng gae le baeng ba tlotlile boipelo ja ka jeno.

Malebo a a goroge go botlhe ba ba tsentseng mogopolo, letsogo le thotloetso

mo tirong e.

KGOTLA CONTACTS

Tel: (+267) 5777 415

Postal Address: P O Box 50, Mochudi

Designed by: Leads Media

Cell: +267 74 049 345