Chiefs of the Bangwaketse
Ngwaketse titular founder of Bangwaketse
Makaba 1
Mongala
Moleta ? 1770-1790?
Makaba 11 ?1790-1824 Bangwakets first settled in Kanye
Sebegoqo* 1825-44 Sebego requested an LMS missionary
Segotshane* 1830-45
Senthufe* 1844-59 ruled a seceding part of the tribe until 1859
Gaseitsitwe 1845-89 LMS mission established at his request from 1848. Tribe reunited and settled in Kanye
Bathoen 1 1889-1910 progenitor of present royal kgotla. First secession from LMS mission (1901); because used by Chief’s opponents, Leader and followers eventually exiled.
Seepapitso 1920-16 Schapera described him as “the most progressive Chief in the Protectorate” - sadly shot dead by Mayapitso, a younger brother during a kgotla meeting. Mayapitso was subsequently tried and hanged for murder by the Protectorate Administration
Kgosimotse* 1916-18 half brother of Bathoen, good Chief but in ill-health
Malope* 1918-19 Grandson of Segotshane. Sadly only lasted for a few months as gravely ill
Tshosa* 1919-23 Great grandson of Sebego, very confused due to ill- health and eventually deposed when tribal funds mis- appropriated.
Gagoangwe* 1923-4 widow of Bathoen 1 and daughter of Chief Sebele of the Bakwena. Good ruler but elderly, assisted by 3 Headmen. Allowed SDA to build a hospital in Kanye.
Ntebogang* 1924-8 appointed Regent at request of her mother Gagongwe. Sister of Seepapitso and Moyapitso
Bathoen 11 1928-69 Very able Chief. Abdicated 1969 in favour of his son so that he could become an M.P leading BNF in opposition to the ruling party BDP
Seepapitso 1969- Son of Bathoen 11. By his reign many of the traditional powers and responsibilities of the Chief had been taken over central and local government
* denotes a Regent.
List compiled by Isaac Schapera
