Sebele I

Sebele I a Setshele (Known as "Kgosi Sebele")

Kgosi of the Bakwena (1892–1911), Orator, Statesman, One of the Three Historic Dikgosi

Born 1842-01-01

Molepolole, Botswana

Passed Away 1911-06-06 Molepolole, Botswana

Lifespan 69 years old

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Notice / Correction

"The soil of our fathers is not merchandise to be bought and sold by mining companies."

Archival Overview

Eloquent Kgosi of the Bakwena and son of Setshele I who traveled to London in 1895 with the Three Dikgosi, defending his nation's territorial integrity and cultural laws from corporate rule.

Biographical Record

Kgosi Sebele I was born in 1842 in Molepolole, the son and heir of Kgosi Setshele I (who famously formed an alliance with David Livingstone). Succeeding his father in 1892, Sebele was renowned as a passionate orator and fierce protector of Bakwena tribal autonomy and traditional customs.

In 1895, alongside Bathoen I and Khama III, Sebele sailed to Great Britain to prevent Cecil Rhodes's chartered company from expropriating their pastures and mineral rights. Sebele's passionate speeches to English audiences underscored the injustice of corporate expropriation. His diplomacy ensured Bechuanaland remained a protectorate, immortalized today by the colossal Three Dikgosi Monument in Gaborone.

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Molepolole Royal Burial Grounds
Molepolole, Botswana

                         GPS: -24.4067, 25.4950                    

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