User talk:Mpho Mabule

history of Ba'Kgwedi ya Mabule a Mogakane.

Bakone and Makgema

((Nostalgia of the lost Kingdom, history of ba Kgwedi ya Mabule a Mogakane))

Who are ba kgwedi ya Mabule a Mogakane? Ba kgwedi are the bakone/early sotho tribe found at the land historically known as Bokone on the borders of Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

Ba’Kgwedi are the first sotho inhabitants who occupied the pre colonial midlands of Mpumalanga and parts of Limpopo from 1631. Ba’Kgwedi have footprints in the Nkomati river shores, Mbabane, emerlo bethal, Carolina, moxeteng, ga Mogakane, Selale sa Metsi matsweu (white vapour falls near badfontein macharsdorp and Lydynburg areas) etc.

The Ba'Kgwedi or bakone ba kgwedi were formed by various ba kgwedi clans and followers. The nation comprises of different ba Kgwedi clans, bakgoma le bakgomana with different totems from Kgabo, Phuti, Thamaga, Chuene, Tau, Noga, Kwena, Tlou who were the first bakone/sotho Tswana groups to settle in the present day Mpumalanga from 1631.

This group was made up of the rulling Kgoxi Kgwedi’s direct offsprings, ba Mabule, small group of baphuting, and other Sotho Tswana splinter groups in the main; Mmakgwedi’s followers and related autonomous sotho Tswana groups, formed by sons of Kgwedi from different houses of his Majesty Kgoxi Kgwedi son of Queen Mmakgwedi and Kgoxi Mabule, son of Kgoxi Mogakane’la whose origins point to the north East Afrika in gaMeroe, bogakala, Bokgalaka, Kgalagadi, makgabeng, shashe, and Limpopo river shores, Ntsweng, Madikwe, Lesotho etc.

The Main Branch of Ba’Kgwedi ba Sereka sa Malao, praises a figure named Kgabo in their clan praises “re bua Ntswe/ng le Kgabo”. Kgabo’s praise is followed by Seolo; “Re ba Seolo sefofa ntlwana safofa botshetshe seaila, bareng ke batho ba tshetsha ka lere la Leriyane ra kgwatha ra shupa boloi bja motho ba txeya ke Metsi”. Whereas Seolo is followed by Setlhare, “re ba Setlhare sebafala thito godimo ke mashegereke”. Seolo is in Sekone/sotho is an anthill in English, "re ba Seolo sefofa ntlwana/ntlwaneng safofa botshetshe seaila", forbidden to go out of the hut to avoid breaking custom.

The formation of Ba’Kgwedi nation was supported by followers of Mmakgwedi who aided her escape from ga Mabule with her only Son named kgwedi (ngwedi/moon) at birth, a name associated with ba Mabule’s ancient ruling ancestors associated with the moon star (ngwedi wa Mabule). The nation derive it’s name from Kgoxana “ngwana wa Kgwedi” thus identified themselves as “bana ba kgwedi ya Mabule a Mogakane” through praises and songs of unity and cohesion (the “moon people” of Mabule of Mogakane).

Ba”Kgwedi praises Mabule as the grandfather of the Ba’Kgwedi Nation and as the great Kgoxi associated with wisdom. Mabule is praised as “Mmina Kgomo ya naga mokone” also refer to themselves as ba “Mabulane”.

Mabule is described as being of the cattle tribe by Ba’Kgwedi in the clan praises and songs; Mabule Kgomo, “Mabule ke Mmina Kgomo, fela a reta Kgabo” (Mabule was of Kgomo but praised Kgabo), fela Kgwedi ke mmina kgabo (however Kgwedi is of Kgabo).

Ba’Kgwedi changed their Totem from Phofu to kgabo along the way around Ntsweng or mabjanamatshwana in place called ngweding 1 (ya pele). The name ngweding was reused by Ba’Kgwedi to name the present down of Graskop in Mpumalanga when Ba’Kgwedi established themselves in bolaodi in the 1700s.

The bakone capital of Selale sa Metsi Matsweu was also named Kutwane, thus Kgoxi Sereka’s Kgoxana was named Mokutwane who assumed the magana go hlolwa name after his father’s death, a name derived from the “ba magana go hlolwa war front post the catastrophic attack on bakone’s capital of Kutwane” when Kgoxi Mokutwane begun regrouping bakone ba magana go hlolwa madumela go retwa (those who refused surrender and demand praises), which forced Ba’Kgwedi into the life of cannibalism.

Ba Kgwedi maintained tribute to Kgoxi Mabule as the forefather of Ba’Kgwedi nation and acknowledging his ancient indentity. Whereas some ba”Kgwedi clans also put emphasis on “ba legola and ba rabore”, however all these groups describes themselves as ba “Mabule or ba Mabulane”.

This bakone/Early Sotho group became a independent nation when the different small houses of Kgoxi Kgwedi agreed to unite behind one common identity Ba’Kgwedi “re bana ba Kgwedi ya Mabule Mogakane” ( we are federation of houses of Kgwedi son of Mabule Mogakane).

This kone group one point known as ba”kgwedi (ba Mmakgwedi or bangweding or bailatsatsi (the night riders or those who forbid the sun), to distinguish themselves from their parent tribe ba Mabule as a independent nation “bana ba Kgwedi ya Mabule a Mogakane” (children/offsprings of Chief Kgwedi of Chief Mabule of Mogakane). Oral history says the houses of Kgoxi Kgwedi are more than six however not all are remembered and that some small clans broke away to form new identities or assimilate unto other tribes especially during succession battles and wars.

Ba kgwedi were initially under regent Mmakgwedi who plotted a successful escape from ga Mabule fearing assassination threats against her only Son Kgwedi. The few remembered houses are as follows: 1.	Ba Sereka (sa Malao a kgwedi (main Ba’Kgwedi Royal house). 2.	Ba Tsela’aNoka (a Malao a kgwedi) ba’Kgwedi Junior Royal House. 3.	Ba Molalaoduma Kgwedi (Father not known) 4.	Ba Tala Moroke Kgwedi 5.	Ba Mabu Kgwedi 6.	Ba Motswene Kgwedi 8  Ngwato (ba Mmangwato) etc

Bana ba kgwedi united and formed one united federation “bana kgwedi ya Mabule a Mogakane” / Ba” Kgwedi. At some point the nation was under Malao/u Kgwedi ll who succeeded in consolidating the ba’ Kgwedi independent polity.

The few remembered ba kgwedi ancestors and past Rullers are: Kgoxi Mogakane/la who begot Kgoxi Mabule, Kgoxi Mabule begot Kgoxana (ngwana wa Kgwedi ya Mabule), Mmakgwedi was at some point a regent queen until kgoxana ngwana wa Kgwedi was fit to lead.

Kgoxi Kgwedi assumed leadership of ba kgwedi after his Mother who acted as regent Queen before Kgoxi Kgwedi was fit to lead. Kgoxi Kgwedi successfully consolidated his nation. Kgoxi Kgwedi begot Malao l and Mabu (some not known), Kgoxi Malao 1 begot Kgoxana Sereka (Molao ll) and Kgoxana Tsela from his main wife. Kgoxana Sereka succeeded Kgoxi Malao ll after the death of Mabu kgwedi who was a regent Kgoxi at some point, then appointed his junior brother Tsela as his junior Chief as part of ba’Kgwedi expansion strategy in the position of Mabu who was Kgoxi Malao’s brother and thibela Chief under Malao l.

Oral history says, Mabu was killed by his brother’s sons on suspicion that he sought to consolidate himself as a paramount ruler following his brother death when he assumed the position of regent kgoxi at some point after the death of his brother Kgoxi Malao l who is said to have died in a war.

The sons of the rulling House of Malao in support of the rightful Heir Kgoxi Sereka plotted and killed regent Mabu and installed Kgoxana Sereka as a paramount ruler of bana ba kgwedi. Oral history says Mabu was wealthy in cattle and was a skilled trader and a typical statesman, his growing influence catapult by his rein as a regent Kgoxi threatened the rulling House of ba Kgwedi and the prospect of the young Kgoxana Sereka who was the known Heir to the throne.

Ba Sereka who accused regent kgoxi Mabu of being weak in military strength (often mocked him as sereka Mabu, ie he was a weak negotiator who preferred peace settlements), that he preferred truces over wars and worse making peace with the killers of Kgoxi Malao. The Kgoxana Sereka faction perceived Regent Mabu as greedy and for enriching himself with Kgoxi Malao’s estates and being boastful. Regent Mabu praised himself as “Sereka Mabu ledi Kgomo txa gona” (I buy land with it’s livestock). oral history say Regent Mabu acquired land from a Baroka Kgoxi somewhere around pilgrimsest towards the border of bokone and stealport. Mabu trekked to as far the present town of Hoedspruit to expand his influence and established kraals around thaba ya bagologolo and present day matibidi near ga Motswene near (Leroro).

Mabu built a kraal at gamankoporo dam (swadini dam) and left a man called Sengkara sethole who helped grow his kraal to multitudes of livestocks. a man from sofala who Mabu killed near Mankoporo dam when the man demanded his due payment, little did Mabu know of plans to asisinate him by followers of Kgoxana Sereka who sought to install Sereka as Kgoxi. His tomb is not known except he was buried in a forest.

followers of Sereka planned and succeeded in ambushing Mabu and killing regent Mabu leading to some of his followers fleeing bokone. followers of Sereka accused him of being weak and buying peace instead of engaging in conquest wars even when the enemy were weak, and promoting only trade not military power post the death of Malao 1. additionally, that he sought to use Malao’s international trade networks and wealth to cement himself as King. After the plot succeeded, Kgoxana Sereka sa Malao assumed the position of Kgoxi, appointed his junior brother in the position of Mabu as junior Chief of ba”kgwedi a position likened to Prime Chief Minister of the entire bokone land.

Tsela was known as Tsela'noka a Malao (sometimes referenced as Tsela'aNoga a Malao) during his junior years, a name referencing Tsela's proximity to his father Kgoxi Malao. Tsela'noka a Malao (Noka ya Malao), Tsela's was always besides his father Malao (his favorite), noka'a Malao (always on his father's hip). Noga'a Malao is mistaken understanding by some family historians however used interchangeably with "Noka a Malao".

Kgoxi Sereka was praised as “Sereka sa Malao”, acknowledgement of Kgoxi Sereka as Malao ll (rightful controller of Malao’s estate and trades), whereas Tsela became kgoxi Sereka's right hand man. Kgoxana Sereka earned his name Sereka sa Malao at his junior age as a skilled trader of Malao when he assumed leadership of a military role of Ba’Kgwedi war bands. Kgoxana Sereka was well raised and trained as Kgoxana by his uncle’s who were senior war generals, historians and royal council members bakgoma le bakgomana ( followers of Mmakgwedi and kgwedi), who acted as custodians or keepers of ba mabule traditions and customs.

Sereka begot Mokutwane, whereas Tsela begot Marangrang, both Mokutwane and Marangrang were of same age, raised by Sereka who entered the wife of Tsela after Tsela’s death. Molalaoduma who was of same age with Mokutwane and Marangrang but the oldest in the group assumed leadership of war band early than the two under Sereka who was his uncle.

When Kgoxi Sereka died Molalaoduma sought to install himself as Kgoxi however Mokutwane army was too strong for him, thus defended Mokutwane’s rise to the throne and undermined Molalaoduma’s uprising leading to Molalaoduma escaping Ba’Kgwedi’s capital living behind his children kubjane etc. Molalaoduma was equally a strong warrior and lead one of the biggest armies of Ba’Kgwedi as Ntuna ya ntwa.

Molalaoduma earned his nickname molwaoduma, maduma ntweng go hlabangwa (the one who hymns during a battle, he who hymns during an ensuing exchange of Spears). Post the Molalaoduma uprising, Mokutwane attacked Molalaoduma’s kraal in retailiation forcing Molalaoduma to accept defeat and to pay tribute to Mokutwane thus he was banished to guard against encroaching enemies further at boundary of Ba’Kgwedi at magorabjang pligrimrest on the border line of bolaodi “ke ba Molalaoduma Kgwedi, bare mohlang rethupa dikgomo txa sekwati, be re thupa re kgafela moreneng” (when we steal Sekwati’s cattles, we stole them to pay tribute to the paramount kgwedi Kgoxi/Moreneng) ie ga Mokutwane.

Molalaoduma was praised for successfully bridging strong armies and expropriate cattle believed to belong to bakone in Tubatse and boroka, a practice associated with cannibalism.

Molalaoduma provoked Arab traders who came to thaba ya bagologolo for trade and got lost to his ward. The Arab traders bought horns and other things from Molalaoduma, after which there was a misunderstanding, without a translator the misunderstanding lead to Molalaoduma killing most of the Arab traders but few fled.

The Arab slave traders later retaliated with guns which forced him to flee (his tomb is not known) living his children who fled to ga Mokutwane at Ntswe le kgabo and pledged tribute to Kgoxi Mokutwane. Respectively Kgoxana Mokutwane who succeeded his father Kgoxi Sereka consolidated his independent polity ba”kgwedi “ba Magana go hlolwa madumela go retwa” who became known nown as Makgema, whereas Marangrang later installed himself as the successor to Tsela thus reclaimed Tsela’s past capital which was initially known as khullong (grazing land).

However due to cattle and population growth khullong became more populated and the kraal grew given the natural resources around khullong.

Ba’Kgwedi Main House moved their main Capital to Selale sa Metsi matsweu, khullong became shakoana la bakone (ba”Kgwedi small kraal), which was ba’Kgwedi sub capital when Kgoxi Sereka appointed Tsela as the controller (thibela of ba’kgwedi sub capital ie “shakoana” (small kraal).

Shakwana is derived from the Sekone/sotho term lexaka (a kraal), xakwana la di Kgomo (a small cattle kraal). Later used to describe a person who was induna of ba kgwedi cattle headers after kgomo, from being used as xakwaneng ga Kgomo. Kgomo was Tsela’s headman, and head of cattle headers.

kgomo was associated with high knowledge of cattle breeding and producing milk. Hence khullong was known as ga Kgomo from “madixong adi Kgomo txa bakone” khullong, or xakwaneng la bakone, ga Kgomo. The name khullong is derived from Kone/sotho term "gofula" (associated with cattle grazing), thus khullong ( animal grazing land).

Shakwana (small kraal), which later became known as shakoaneng (at the small kraal or sub capital). Shakwana kraal was initially a sub kraal of  ba’kgwedi, a place of animals grazing and breading cattles initially under Mabu as a thibela (Mabu was a famous cattle breeder). Kgomo l was a great cattle header as a young man and became induna of Tsela at khullong (ba kgwedi small kraal).

Oral history says Kgomo l produced and sold the best milk etc. ba kgwedi used this thibela settlement strategy and division of cattle kraals as an expansion and defensive strategy, known as go thibela. This expansion allowed ba kgwedi to divide cattles in various kraals to avoid total loss of cattle wealth in case of ambush.

Another great cattle care giver under Kgomo, nicknamed xakwana (the one from the small kraal), a named associated with controllers of The Xakwana. Xakwana was nicknamed Kgomo ll associated with cattle breeding and care skills he accumulated from Kgomo 1. Xakwana who grew up taking care of cattle and assisted Kgomo became a leader of cattle guards, induna (Magoroxa) of Shakoaneng/khullong after Kgomo l, khullong now famously known as shakoaneng meaning “shakwaneng la bakone” (bakone’s sub kraal).

When shakoane Kgomo ll assumed thibela role he was nicknamed Kgomo le motho go phalang, thus shakwaneng was called “ga Kgomo le motho go phalang”. Shakwaneng was called “ga Kgomo le motho go phalang” by the bakone especially Tsela’s offsprings and other arriving sotho tribes who settled around the Shakoaneng shores under shakoane later in the 1700s who had no memory of the history of khullong but do recognise that shakwaneng was historically bakone/ancient sotho grazing land.

Shakoane was appointed as bakone thibela during the “ba magana go hlolwa madumela go retwa war after Kgomo 1 died very old, thus the Ba’Kgwedi sub-capital/kraal “shakoana la bakone” became known as shakoaneng and attracted new travelers given shakoaneng’s flexible living unlike the bokone capital of Selale sa Metsi Matsweu which was in constant state of wars.

Ba”bakgwedi had earlier moved their capital to the new capital of bokone at Selale sa Metsi matsweu near present day Marchadosdorp and Lydynburg, living behind Tsela as thibela chief under Kgoxi Sereka. Tsela policed the entire area thus grew in trade influence and military strength which earned him the nickname “dimankwe” (Derived from Kone/sotho term Nkwe/leopard) possible related to his war skills likened to a mother leopard.

When Tsela died, the elderly Kgomo l was the controller of the then khullong which was now growing shakwana la bakone (bakone small kraal), Kgomo is praised as “Kgomo magoroxa”, ba Sereka Kgwedi likened the white vapour falls near macharsdorp or badfontein to kgomo’s milk in their clan praises, “re bua Selale sa Metsi Matsweu ekago ke mpetla wa lebese, lebese la Kgomo, Kgomo magoroxa dingwe txa shala khullong le badixi ba txona” (we are from the white vapour falls, from the white river which is like Kgomo’s milk, Kgomo the header, who delivers cattles and live others at khullong”.

The Ba”kgwedi naming of the bokone capital of “Selale sa Metsi matsweu” and “Noka a matsi matsweu” (white vapour falls and the white river ) was corrupted to English thus used to name the town of white river found in the lowfeld of Mpumalanga.

The name white river originate From Ba’Kgwedi naming of ( Noka a Metsi matsweu) white river. The name was used by whites to name the town of “white river” situated in Mpumalanga near Nelspruit, whereas the Selale sa Metsi matsweu falls was recorded by historians as (White vapour falls) in English.

Kgoxi Mokutwane later appointed shakwane Kgomo ll (known as Kgomo le motho go phalang) who was induna of Tsela and head of cattle headers at ba”kgwedi sub kraal (shakoaneng ). Thus the place later became famously known as shakoaneng, ga Kgomo (initially madisong adi Kgomo txa bakone ie khullong, to building a successful kraal which became known as shakwaneng).

Tribes who later settled at bokone, settled along the shakoaneng areas, shakwane who was now the thibela chief became known as Kgomo ll, Kgomo le motho go phalang ( the head of shakoaneng). Shakoaneng ga Kgomo, ga Kgomo le motho go phalang, bare go phala motho kagore gaile Kgomo re lla reija le mala a teng. A law associated with paying tribute to ba magana go hlolwa military front or face cannibalism at bolaodi after ba kgwedi abondoned their capital of Selale sa Metsi matsweu during the devastaing attacks at the bokone capital living behind shakwane as the controller of the shakoaneng corridor (magoroxa).

Tribes which later settled around shakwaneng, praised Shakoane whereas shakoane praised and paid tribute to ba’kgwedi under “Magana go hlolwa madumela go retwa” and later Marangrang installed himself as the chief of shakoaneng when he left Thaba ya bagologolo to phiring, a position he believed was his Father Tselayanoga a Malao a Kgwedi ya Mabule a Mogakane, thus begun to rebuild his distinct polity, which became known as bakone ba Marangrang, whereas Mokutwane consolidated his “makgema polity at bolaodi when he established his new capital at Thaba ya bagologolo known as “tlapa la tlhodi Ntswe le kgabo”, named after the majestic table rock Mokutwane discovered above the mountain which was used as spotting point to spot encroaching foes from Miles always given it’s strategic position from which makgema could spot attacking enemies from as far central Bushbuckridge and the entire ngweding escarpment.

Ba”kgwedi abandoned Selale sa Metsi matsweu post a devastating attack and constant Swazi armies offensive in the war of resistance known as “ntwa ya ba Magana go hlolwa madumela go retwa” (the war of resistance against surrender, the war of those who resist surrender and demand praises”.

Ba”kgwedi were forced into a defensive settlement in bolaodi (bush, sabie, Graskop, Lydynburg, orighstaad and Thaba ya bagologolo), living in caves and deep forest out of reach. They main group initially settled around thabana ya Sereka near drwasloop where they buried they’re Kgoxi and quickly moved to a more defensive settlement above thaba ya bagologolo where Chief Mokutwane built his last capital “tlapa la tlhodi Ntswe le kgabo” at thaba ya bagologolo where is tomb is. He Kgoxi Mokutwane was buried seating down a bakone/sotho tradition associated with honor of Paramountcy.

Mokutwane’s new capital of Ntswe le kgabo was situated near present day Salique industrial near Moholoholo mountain which bakone named Txayelaneng (derived Txailane grass which bakone used to make bakone brooms). Under Mokutwane at bolaodi, Ba’Kgwedi became known as makgema maja batho, praised as makgema a Mankoporo thus wagged war of resistance and survival in which they were forced into a siege, forced to eat dead corpses etc.

Mokutwane’s rebuilding efforts involved the use of cannibalism, attack Small clans, wards and subjugated them, forced into cannibalism to build a powerful army. Ba Tsela were still with ba Mokutwane before Marangrang retreated back to shakoaneng. The defeat of Ba’Kgwedi at the bokone capital of Kutwane forced Ba’Kgwedi to live in defensive settlements, under a siege and in constant State of wars, forced to live in caves and slops amidst the Swazi pursuit and the ferocious campaign against bakone under the false pretense of war against cannibalism, which was in actual fact a war against bakone who refused submission and fought against encroachment on their boundaries.

Ba’Kgwedi who had earned themselves a reputation as a resilient Army, their ability to take on mighty armies is well documented. Their resilience made them a force to be reckoned with during bakone’s height of development and trade hegemony in bokone. This achievement positioned Bakone as an existential threats to emerging hegemonic powers in which bakone found themselves at the epicenter of two malevolent powers from Swaziland and Tubatse.

Ba’Kgwedi often got caught in the middle of wars on their shores with other bakone and roka groups, whereas constantly evading Nguni offensives from Swaziland and amaroding passing war mongers on their own corridors, enroutes to Maputo, lekwa or Musina.

Ba’Kgwedi survived many wars for over 300 years, fought wars against the strongest armies, conquered small clans and forced them to submission thus succeeded in building an independent polity which gave birth to two different powerful Chiefdoms Ba’Kgwedi “ba Magana go hlolwa madumela go retwa” and “bakone ba Marangrang” which respectively rebuilt bakone and cemented two powerful paramount independent bakone Chiefdoms in different epochs post bakone’s partial collapse at the bokone capital of Kutwane. The two powerful Chiefdoms protected the bokone nations lead by two great grandchildren of Mabule, Kgoxi Mokutwane (Makgema) and Kgoxi Marangrang (bakone ba Marangrang) who were both raised by Kgoxigolo Sereka. The two great leaders rebuilt bokone and repositioned Ba’Kgwedi and respectively restored bokone with Mokutwane cementing himself through the war of cannibals in bolaodi and Thaba ya bagologolo, whereas Marangrang rebuilt bakone in phiring, shakoaneng, Lydynburg (ga Marangrang), orighstaad and Mokutung (ga Ntabane) etc

ba"Kgwedi Clan praises (Direto)

Group one.

Ba Bina kgabo ba kgwedi (Main Royal House); Poem

“Ba magana go hlolwa madumela go retwa’ Sereto sa Ba Bina kgabo ba kgwedi; Ageee ageee kgwedi ya mabula mogakane Agee; Rena re bana ba Kgwedi ya Mabule a Mogakane, Re bua Ntswe le Kgabo, re ba Setlhare sebafala thito godimo ke mashegereke; Re batho ba Seolo sefofa ntlwaneng sa fofa botshetshe seaila; Ba kokona pona, bakone ba meno masweu, bareng mokone ga robege wa menega, ke makgema Maja batho, ba tlhoka Kgomo ba ja batho, kua thabeng txa makgema bokone, ga Magana go hlolwa, madumela go retwa, Kgwedi; Rena ga re buwi mono, re bua kua Selale sa meetsi masweu ekago ke mpetla wa lebese; Re bua kua mashaleleng a bakone le Mokutwane morwa Sereka sa Malau a Kgwedi, Sereka patja le lefole, kua ga Noka a Metsi matsweu nke sefehla lebese, Metsi Matsweu nke lebese la kgomo, Lebese la kgomo magoroxa, bareng go gorosa dingwe txa shala bodishi le dinhlwa phulong di rabaraba le badixi ba txona; Re ba Magana go hlolwa madumela go retwa, batho ba go gana go fenywa tweng go phekologa selelpe go tupa lerole Ntweng ya mellwane, batho go tuma ka kgang le merwetlwa, marumo le di petekwe, batho bago phegolosha Selepe ntweng go hlabangwa, Batho ba Selepe sa Mmakgwedi ngwetxi ya bakone; Ke batho go fetxa manaba ka ledimo serulerule, batho go lwa ntwa tlapa la thunya,batho ba Selepe sa Mma’Kgwedi bagale ntweng, ba sareng Mang nkele marumong makgema; Re makgema, ge re ya ntweng ga re thibi ka sello; ba kgwedi re thiba ka mosela; Ga Mogakane mosadi ga tshware sebola wago tshwara sebola wa hlola, o hlola ngwana go hloka mariba ,mola wa Rena ngwana re Mona ka gotla a nale mariba le mosela, Rena makgema a Mankoporo ga re palelwe kego namela dithaba, gaile diTsela txa thaba txe kgolo txago boifixa di tsebjwa ke ba kgwedi, makgema, bareng he Lena bana ba Potanetsekgolo le mafiega, le kwile mapanta a mochene a duma la tshaba lere ke mapono batlo re boloya, mola Rena makgema re tsere ngwana wa lepono re sebeile fase, rere re tla xala re se peteka, di petekwane; Ke bareng he lebella kua godimo ga thaba, ya lla romeisie, mapono bare ke Moya ba Ra mola ba fela, ba fetsa ke ledimo le Selepe sa Mmakgwedi thabeng; Re dikgoxi txa Moxate o mogolo wa Mapulaneng ga Moatole, re wela mafeteng amatelele ka Tsela ya mpatjeng re tseya basadi, re thupa le di Kgomo tsa bakone, le kua ga bo Malome ga Mashile, batho bago shila di hlogoro tsa batho, batho ba bo Segodi sa Malekane re feta re tseya khullong re gafela moreneng ga moatole. Rena ga gesu a re ile bakgomana reila mapono, bokgomana nke segologolo ka bo Mabule, bareng Mabula bula Kgoro re tsene; Re batho ba kua bolaodi, kua thabeng txa bagologolo ga Mokutwane, tlapa la tlhodi Ntswe le Kgabo; Mojalefa ele Kgoshi Kwapeng motho wago bopa ke Modimo le badimo Morena, motho wago rata ke batho molwantwa, motho wago thiba ka mosadi Mokgekolo Mmankotsane “Mma Mashego”, Kgarebe ya di potane tsago yemega se belega Kgoxi ya Mapulaneng ga Kgwedi; Rena ga mogakane a re tshabe modika, mantlakalane e le motho, re Maja batho Rena, re ja re lahla mateng agona nokeng ya bo’kubu le bo’koena basala ba dibaka; Agee Mogakane Agee; motho wa go gakantsha manaba ka Mphogo Mogakala. Agee ba Mabule, agee ba legola, Agee ba rabore; Agee Mogakala; Agee Mabula Kgomo, Mmina Kgomo ya naga mokone, agee Mabula Kgomo, Agee mokone. Agee mailatsatsi, Agee Kgwedi, motho wa go sepela boshego mosegare o tshaba baloi, Agee ba Bina Kgabo Agee, agee Kgabo makalama ka lekala mafologa ka lekala, Agee Mabulane Agee; Lekgeeeeeeeeeeeeeeema!!! Lejwale!

Groups two. Bakone ba Marangrang wa Tsela dimankwe! Sereto sa Bakone ba Marangrang! Part one! Agee Bakone Agee! Re bakone Re ba Bina Phuti ba”Kgwedi ya Mabule a Mogakane! Ba Malao Mogale! Ke bakone ba Marangrang wa Tsela dimankwe Kogosi ya bakone! Marangrang mokgonyana a Phaahla manyala a hlala dikgomo di boele Shakeng! Kogosi ya bakone, Selepe sa Mmakgwedi Mogale ntweng! Part two! Agee mokone agee!! Ke mokone wa Ntabane wabo Kodi! Mokone wa Mmata a phegudi! Bareng Mmata phegula Selepe o reme mokone! Manaba keago ago setxi morago! Ke ba Nong sefofela lefaufaung fase gwa jewa! Hee! Ditshaba dia tshaba dia phatlala Phanyaka a xala a swere lerumo Mahlo a gobetxe Kgwedi! Part to three! Agee Mmata agee! Ke Mmata motho wago itheta ka go fenya manaba aipatile ka Mathudi a maphoma, ya a reng ke reela mphoma kare ke Mokutung! Kutu ya Mohlare e farafarile ke motshitshi wa dinosi! Ke mokone nna ke wa Molakalaka lefelo la thaba ya Mokutung! Ke tlola molora wa koma ya mphato waka ya bodikane! Bareng Molora ke Pheku ya badisi! Bareng mokone ga robege wa menega! Ke mokone ke wa Ntabane a Marangrang wa Tsela a Malao a kgwedi ! Ke se lwa le dinare nageng! Ke bua shakoaneng la bakone ga kgomo, Shako la Kgomo le motho! Bare Kgomo le motho oratang, nna mokone kare ke rata motho asa jeweng, kagore gaile Kgomo ke lla ke ja. Part four! Agee agee mokone wa Ntabane agee! Ke Ntabane Sephatsa lesoka, bareng sepela o fihle naga legola phatane le gole, ge le sa gole le boeng! Ke mokone wa makgadimola bareng makgadimola kgalemela lenyatso, ke bao bae pata ka wena kare ke mmina Phuti, Phuti seja mekobe ya dinawa! Dinawa masemonng ya mapono melapong! Are ke Mokone wa Marangrang wa Tsela dimankwe Kgoxi ya bakone agee. Are le se mpitseng mokone fela, le mpitseng segatele sesegolo sa moxate omogolo wa Mapulaneng wa Kgwedi ya Mabule a Moatole. Agee ba Bina Phuti Agee Agee Kgwedi ya Mabule Mogakane Agee! Ke tshaba baditi!!! End!

By Mpho David Mogakane. Mpho wa Nkonono Mogakane.

academic qualifications N.Diploma: Legal Assistance (TUT) B-Tech: Public management (TUT) LLB: UNISA Mpho Mabule (talk) 09:17, 9 July 2024 (UTC)

ba Kgwedi ya Mabule Mogakane history
User:Mpho Mabule history of ba"kgwedi ya Mabule a Mogakane.

Bakone le Makgema.

((Nostalgia of the lost Kingdom, history of ba”Kgwedi ya Mabule a Mogakane ))

Who are ba kgwedi ya Mabule a Mogakane? Ba kgwedi are the bakone/early sotho tribe found at the land historically known as Bokone on the borders of Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

Ba’Kgwedi are the first sotho inhabitants who occupied the pre colonial midlands of Mpumalanga and parts of Limpopo from 1631. Ba’Kgwedi have footprints in the Nkomati river shores, Mbabane, emerlo bethal, Carolina, moxeteng, ga Mogakane, Selale sa Metsi matsweu (white vapour falls near badfontein macharsdorp and Lydynburg areas) etc.

The Ba'Kgwedi or bakone ba kgwedi were formed by various ba kgwedi clans and followers. The nation comprises of different ba Kgwedi clans, bakgoma le bakgomana with different totems from Kgabo, Phuti, Thamaga, Chuene, Tau, Noga, Kwena, Tlou who were the first bakone/sotho Tswana groups to settle in the present day Mpumalanga from 1631.

This group was made up of the rulling Kgoxi Kgwedi’s direct offsprings, ba Mabule, small group of baphuting, and other Sotho Tswana splinter groups in the main; Mmakgwedi’s followers and related autonomous sotho Tswana groups, formed by sons of Kgwedi from different houses of his Majesty Kgoxi Kgwedi son of Queen Mmakgwedi and Kgoxi Mabule, son of Kgoxi Mogakane’la whose origins point to the north East Afrika in gaMeroe, bogakala, Bokgalaka, Kgalagadi, makgabeng, shashe, and Limpopo river shores, Ntsweng, Madikwe, Lesotho etc.

The Main Branch of Ba’Kgwedi ba Sereka sa Malao, praises a figure named Kgabo in their clan praises “re bua Ntswe/ng le Kgabo”. Kgabo’s praise is followed by Seolo; “Re ba Seolo sefofa ntlwana safofa botshetshe seaila, bareng ke batho ba tshetsha ka lere la Leriyane ra kgwatha ra shupa boloi bja motho ba txeya ke Metsi”. Whereas Seolo is followed by Setlhare, “re ba Setlhare sebafala thito godimo ke mashegereke”. Seolo is in Sekone/sotho is an anthill in English, "re ba Seolo sefofa ntlwana/ntlwaneng safofa botshetshe seaila", forbidden to go out of the hut to avoid breaking custom.

The formation of Ba’Kgwedi nation was supported by followers of Mmakgwedi who aided her escape from ga Mabule with her only Son named kgwedi (ngwedi/moon) at birth, a name associated with ba Mabule’s ancient ruling ancestors associated with the moon star (ngwedi wa Mabule).

The nation derive it’s name from Kgoxana “ngwana wa Kgwedi” thus identified themselves as “bana ba kgwedi ya Mabule a Mogakane” through praises and songs of unity and cohesion (the “moon people” of Mabule of Mogakane).

Ba”Kgwedi praises Mabule as the grandfather of the Ba’Kgwedi Nation and as the great Kgoxi associated with wisdom. Mabule is praised as “Mmina Kgomo ya naga mokone” also refer to themselves as ba “Mabulane”.

Mabule is described as being of the cattle tribe by Ba’Kgwedi in the clan praises and songs; Mabule Kgomo, “Mabule ke Mmina Kgomo, fela a reta Kgabo” (Mabule was of Kgomo but praised Kgabo), fela Kgwedi ke mmina kgabo (however Kgwedi is of Kgabo).

Ba’Kgwedi changed their Totem from Phofu to kgabo along the way around Ntsweng or mabjanamatshwana in place called ngweding 1 (ya pele). The name ngweding was reused by Ba’Kgwedi to name the present down of Graskop in Mpumalanga when Ba’Kgwedi established themselves in bolaodi in the 1700s.

The bakone capital of Selale sa Metsi Matsweu was also named Kutwane, thus Kgoxi Sereka’s Kgoxana was named Mokutwane who assumed the magana go hlolwa name after his father’s death, a name derived from the “ba magana go hlolwa war front post the catastrophic attack on bakone’s capital of Kutwane” when Kgoxi Mokutwane begun regrouping bakone ba magana go hlolwa madumela go retwa (those who refused surrender and demand praises), which forced Ba’Kgwedi into the life of cannibalism.

Ba Kgwedi maintained tribute to Kgoxi Mabule as the forefather of Ba’Kgwedi nation and acknowledging his ancient indentity. Whereas some ba”Kgwedi clans also put emphasis on “ba legola and ba rabore”, however all these groups describes themselves as ba “Mabule or ba Mabulane”.

This bakone/Early Sotho group became a independent nation when the different small houses of Kgoxi Kgwedi agreed to unite behind one common identity Ba’Kgwedi “re bana ba Kgwedi ya Mabule Mogakane” ( we are federation of houses of Kgwedi son of Mabule Mogakane).

This kone group one point known as ba”kgwedi (ba Mmakgwedi or bangweding or bailatsatsi (the night riders or those who forbid the sun), to distinguish themselves from their parent tribe ba Mabule as a independent nation “bana ba Kgwedi ya Mabule a Mogakane” (children/offsprings of Chief Kgwedi of Chief Mabule of Mogakane). Oral history says the houses of Kgoxi Kgwedi are more than six however not all are remembered and that some small clans broke away to form new identities or assimilate unto other tribes especially during succession battles and wars.

Ba kgwedi were initially under regent Mmakgwedi who plotted a successful escape from ga Mabule fearing assassination threats against her only Son Kgwedi. The few remembered houses are as follows: 1. Ba Sereka (sa Malao a kgwedi (main Ba’Kgwedi Royal house). 2. Ba Tsela’aNoka (a Malao a kgwedi) ba’Kgwedi Junior Royal House. 3. Ba Molalaoduma Kgwedi (Father not known) 4. Ba Tala Moroke Kgwedi 5. Ba Mabu Kgwedi 6. Ba Motswene Kgwedi 8 Ngwato (ba Mmangwato) etc

Bana ba kgwedi united and formed one united federation “bana kgwedi ya Mabule a Mogakane” / Ba” Kgwedi. At some point the nation was under Malao/u Kgwedi ll who succeeded in consolidating the ba’ Kgwedi independent polity.

The few remembered ba kgwedi ancestors and past Rullers are: Kgoxi Mogakane/la who begot Kgoxi Mabule, Kgoxi Mabule begot Kgoxana (ngwana wa Kgwedi ya Mabule), Mmakgwedi was at some point a regent queen until kgoxana ngwana wa Kgwedi was fit to lead.

Kgoxi Kgwedi assumed leadership of ba kgwedi after his Mother who acted as regent Queen before Kgoxi Kgwedi was fit to lead. Kgoxi Kgwedi successfully consolidated his nation. Kgoxi Kgwedi begot Malao l and Mabu (some not known), Kgoxi Malao 1 begot Kgoxana Sereka (Molao ll) and Kgoxana Tsela from his main wife. Kgoxana Sereka succeeded Kgoxi Malao ll after the death of Mabu kgwedi who was a regent Kgoxi at some point, then appointed his junior brother Tsela as his junior Chief as part of ba’Kgwedi expansion strategy in the position of Mabu who was Kgoxi Malao’s brother and thibela Chief under Malao l.

Oral history says, Mabu was killed by his brother’s sons on suspicion that he sought to consolidate himself as a paramount ruler following his brother death when he assumed the position of regent kgoxi at some point after the death of his brother Kgoxi Malao l who is said to have died in a war.

The sons of the rulling House of Malao in support of the rightful Heir Kgoxi Sereka plotted and killed regent Mabu and installed Kgoxana Sereka as a paramount ruler of bana ba kgwedi. Oral history says Mabu was wealthy in cattle and was a skilled trader and a typical statesman, his growing influence catapult by his rein as a regent Kgoxi threatened the rulling House of ba Kgwedi and the prospect of the young Kgoxana Sereka who was the known Heir to the throne.

Ba Sereka who accused regent kgoxi Mabu of being weak in military strength (often mocked him as sereka Mabu, ie he was a weak negotiator who preferred peace settlements), that he preferred truces over wars and worse making peace with the killers of Kgoxi Malao. The Kgoxana Sereka faction perceived Regent Mabu as greedy and for enriching himself with Kgoxi Malao’s estates and being boastful. Regent Mabu praised himself as “Sereka Mabu ledi Kgomo txa gona” (I buy land with it’s livestock). oral history say Regent Mabu acquired land from a Baroka Kgoxi somewhere around pilgrimsest towards the border of bokone and stealport. Mabu trekked to as far the present town of Hoedspruit to expand his influence and established kraals around thaba ya bagologolo and present day matibidi near ga Motswene near (Leroro).

Mabu built a kraal at gamankoporo dam (swadini dam) and left a man called Sengkara sethole who helped grow his kraal to multitudes of livestocks. a man from sofala who Mabu killed near Mankoporo dam when the man demanded his due payment, little did Mabu know of plans to asisinate him by followers of Kgoxana Sereka who sought to install Sereka as Kgoxi. His tomb is not known except he was buried in a forest.

followers of Sereka planned and succeeded in ambushing Mabu and killing regent Mabu leading to some of his followers fleeing bokone. followers of Sereka accused him of being weak and buying peace instead of engaging in conquest wars even when the enemy were weak, and promoting only trade not military power post the death of Malao 1. additionally, that he sought to use Malao’s international trade networks and wealth to cement himself as King. After the plot succeeded, Kgoxana Sereka sa Malao assumed the position of Kgoxi, appointed his junior brother in the position of Mabu as junior Chief of ba”kgwedi a position likened to Prime Chief Minister of the entire bokone land.

Tsela was known as Tsela'noka a Malao (sometimes referenced as Tsela'aNoga a Malao) during his junior years, a name referencing Tsela's proximity to his father Kgoxi Malao. Tsela'noka a Malao (Noka ya Malao), Tsela's was always besides his father Malao (his favorite), noka'a Malao (always on his father's hip). Noga'a Malao is mistaken understanding by some family historians however used interchangeably with "Noka a Malao".

Kgoxi Sereka was praised as “Sereka sa Malao”, acknowledgement of Kgoxi Sereka as Malao ll (rightful controller of Malao’s estate and trades), whereas Tsela became kgoxi Sereka's right hand man. Kgoxana Sereka earned his name Sereka sa Malao at his junior age as a skilled trader of Malao when he assumed leadership of a military role of Ba’Kgwedi war bands. Kgoxana Sereka was well raised and trained as Kgoxana by his uncle’s who were senior war generals, historians and royal council members bakgoma le bakgomana ( followers of Mmakgwedi and kgwedi), who acted as custodians or keepers of ba mabule traditions and customs.

Sereka begot Mokutwane, whereas Tsela begot Marangrang, both Mokutwane and Marangrang were of same age, raised by Sereka who entered the wife of Tsela after Tsela’s death. Molalaoduma who was of same age with Mokutwane and Marangrang but the oldest in the group assumed leadership of war band early than the two under Sereka who was his uncle.

When Kgoxi Sereka died Molalaoduma sought to install himself as Kgoxi however Mokutwane army was too strong for him, thus defended Mokutwane’s rise to the throne and undermined Molalaoduma’s uprising leading to Molalaoduma escaping Ba’Kgwedi’s capital living behind his children kubjane etc. Molalaoduma was equally a strong warrior and lead one of the biggest armies of Ba’Kgwedi as Ntuna ya ntwa.

Molalaoduma earned his nickname molwaoduma, maduma ntweng go hlabangwa (the one who hymns during a battle, he who hymns during an ensuing exchange of Spears). Post the Molalaoduma uprising, Mokutwane attacked Molalaoduma’s kraal in retailiation forcing Molalaoduma to accept defeat and to pay tribute to Mokutwane thus he was banished to guard against encroaching enemies further at boundary of Ba’Kgwedi at magorabjang pligrimrest on the border line of bolaodi “ke ba Molalaoduma Kgwedi, bare mohlang rethupa dikgomo txa sekwati, be re thupa re kgafela moreneng” (when we steal Sekwati’s cattles, we stole them to pay tribute to the paramount kgwedi Kgoxi/Moreneng) ie ga Mokutwane. Molalaoduma was praised for successfully bridging strong armies and expropriate cattle believed to belong to bakone in Tubatse and boroka, a practice associated with cannibalism. Molalaoduma provoked Arab traders who came to thaba ya bagologolo for trade and got lost to his ward. The Arab traders bought horns and other things from Molalaoduma, after which there was a misunderstanding, without a translator the misunderstanding lead to Molalaoduma killing most of the Arab traders but few fled. The Arab slave traders later retaliated with guns which forced him to flee (his tomb is not known) living his children who fled to ga Mokutwane at Ntswe le kgabo and pledged tribute to Kgoxi Mokutwane.

Respectively Kgoxana Mokutwane who succeeded his father Kgoxi Sereka consolidated his independent polity ba”kgwedi “ba Magana go hlolwa madumela go retwa” who became known nown as Makgema, whereas Marangrang later installed himself as the successor to Tsela thus reclaimed Tsela’s past capital which was initially known as khullong (grazing land).

However due to cattle and population growth khullong became more populated and the kraal grew given the natural resources around khullong. Ba’Kgwedi Main House moved their main Capital to Selale sa Metsi matsweu, khullong became shakoana la bakone (ba”Kgwedi small kraal), which was ba’Kgwedi sub capital when Kgoxi Sereka appointed Tsela as the controller (thibela of ba’kgwedi sub capital ie “shakoana” (small kraal).

Shakwana is derived from the Sekone/sotho term lexaka (a kraal), xakwana la di Kgomo (a small cattle kraal). Later used to describe a person who was induna of ba kgwedi cattle headers after kgomo, from being used as xakwaneng ga Kgomo.

Kgomo was Tsela’s headman, and head of cattle headers.

kgomo was associated with high knowledge of cattle breeding and producing milk. Hence khullong was known as ga Kgomo from “madixong adi Kgomo txa bakone” khullong, or xakwaneng la bakone, ga Kgomo. The name khullong is derived from Kone/sotho term "gofula" (associated with cattle grazing), thus khullong ( animal grazing land).

Shakwana (small kraal), which later became known as shakoaneng (at the small kraal or sub capital). Shakwana kraal was initially a sub kraal of ba’kgwedi, a place of animals grazing and breading cattles initially under Mabu as a thibela (Mabu was a famous cattle breeder). Kgomo l was a great cattle header as a young man and became induna of Tsela at khullong (ba kgwedi small kraal).

Oral history says Kgomo l produced and sold the best milk etc. ba kgwedi used this thibela settlement strategy and division of cattle kraals as an expansion and defensive strategy, known as go thibela. This expansion allowed ba kgwedi to divide cattles in various kraals to avoid total loss of cattle wealth in case of ambush.

Another great cattle care giver under Kgomo, nicknamed xakwana (the one from the small kraal), a named associated with controllers of The Xakwana. Xakwana was nicknamed Kgomo ll associated with cattle breeding and care skills he accumulated from Kgomo 1. Xakwana who grew up taking care of cattle and assisted Kgomo became a leader of cattle guards, induna (Magoroxa) of Shakoaneng/khullong after Kgomo l, khullong now famously known as shakoaneng meaning “shakwaneng la bakone” (bakone’s sub kraal).

When shakoane Kgomo ll assumed thibela role he was nicknamed Kgomo le motho go phalang, thus shakwaneng was called “ga Kgomo le motho go phalang”. Shakwaneng was called “ga Kgomo le motho go phalang” by the bakone especially Tsela’s offsprings and other arriving sotho tribes who settled around the Shakoaneng shores under shakoane later in the 1700s who had no memory of the history of khullong but do recognise that shakwaneng was historically bakone/ancient sotho grazing land.

Shakoane was appointed as bakone thibela during the “ba magana go hlolwa madumela go retwa war after Kgomo 1 died very old, thus the Ba’Kgwedi sub-capital/kraal “shakoana la bakone” became known as shakoaneng and attracted new travelers given shakoaneng’s flexible living unlike the bokone capital of Selale sa Metsi Matsweu which was in constant state of wars.

Ba”bakgwedi had earlier moved their capital to the new capital of bokone at Selale sa Metsi matsweu near present day Marchadosdorp and Lydynburg, living behind Tsela as thibela chief under Kgoxi Sereka. Tsela policed the entire area thus grew in trade influence and military strength which earned him the nickname “dimankwe” (Derived from Kone/sotho term Nkwe/leopard) possible related to his war skills likened to a mother leopard.

When Tsela died, the elderly Kgomo l was the controller of the then khullong which was now growing shakwana la bakone (bakone small kraal), Kgomo is praised as “Kgomo magoroxa”, ba Sereka Kgwedi likened the white vapour falls near macharsdorp or badfontein to kgomo’s milk in their clan praises, “re bua Selale sa Metsi Matsweu ekago ke mpetla wa lebese, lebese la Kgomo, Kgomo magoroxa dingwe txa shala khullong le badixi ba txona” (we are from the white vapour falls, from the white river which is like Kgomo’s milk, Kgomo the header, who delivers cattles and live others at khullong”.

The Ba”kgwedi naming of the bokone capital of “Selale sa Metsi matsweu” and “Noka a matsi matsweu” (white vapour falls and the white river ) was corrupted to English thus used to name the town of white river found in the lowfeld of Mpumalanga.

The name white river originate From Ba’Kgwedi naming of ( Noka a Metsi matsweu) white river. The name was used by whites to name the town of “white river” situated in Mpumalanga near Nelspruit, whereas the Selale sa Metsi matsweu falls was recorded by historians as (White vapour falls) in English.

Kgoxi Mokutwane later appointed shakwane Kgomo ll (known as Kgomo le motho go phalang) who was induna of Tsela and head of cattle headers at ba”kgwedi sub kraal (shakoaneng ). Thus the place later became famously known as shakoaneng, ga Kgomo (initially madisong adi Kgomo txa bakone ie khullong, to building a successful kraal which became known as shakwaneng).

Tribes who later settled at bokone, settled along the shakoaneng areas, shakwane who was now the thibela chief became known as Kgomo ll, Kgomo le motho go phalang ( the head of shakoaneng). Shakoaneng ga Kgomo, ga Kgomo le motho go phalang, bare go phala motho kagore gaile Kgomo re lla reija le mala a teng.

A law associated with paying tribute to ba magana go hlolwa military front or face cannibalism at bolaodi after ba kgwedi abondoned their capital of Selale sa Metsi matsweu during the devastaing attacks at the bokone capital living behind shakwane as the controller of the shakoaneng corridor (magoroxa).

Tribes which later settled around shakwaneng, praised Shakoane whereas shakoane praised and paid tribute to ba’kgwedi under “Magana go hlolwa madumela go retwa” and later Marangrang installed himself as the chief of shakoaneng when he left Thaba ya bagologolo to phiring, a position he believed was his Father Tselayanoga a Malao a Kgwedi ya Mabule a Mogakane, thus begun to rebuild his distinct polity, which became known as bakone ba Marangrang, whereas Mokutwane consolidated his “makgema polity at bolaodi when he established his new capital at Thaba ya bagologolo known as “tlapa la tlhodi Ntswe le kgabo”, named after the majestic table rock Mokutwane discovered above the mountain which was used as spotting point to spot encroaching foes from Miles always given it’s strategic position from which makgema could spot attacking enemies from as far central Bushbuckridge and the entire ngweding escarpment.

Ba”kgwedi abandoned Selale sa Metsi matsweu post a devastating attack and constant Swazi armies offensive in the war of resistance known as “ntwa ya ba Magana go hlolwa madumela go retwa” (the war of resistance against surrender, the war of those who resist surrender and demand praises”.

Ba”kgwedi were forced into a defensive settlement in bolaodi (bush, sabie, Graskop, Lydynburg, orighstaad and Thaba ya bagologolo), living in caves and deep forest out of reach. They main group initially settled around thabana ya Sereka near drwasloop where they buried they’re Kgoxi and quickly moved to a more defensive settlement above thaba ya bagologolo where Chief Mokutwane built his last capital “tlapa la t History of Ba Kgwedi ya Mabule a Mogakane/bakone le Makgema (talk) 11:21, 9 July 2024 (UTC)