Bahurutshe baa Mochibidu chief coronated

Kgosi Thobega II of Bahurutshe to be coronated Bahurutshe from Lesotho, South Africa expected

Bahurutshe tribe converged at the Mankgodi kgotla last Saturday, October 1, where it was officially announced that Kgosi Solofelang Lawrence Thobega II will be coronated at an auspicious ceremony on 29 October 2022. In an interview with this publication this week, publicity officer for the event Gobotsamang Leshetla said that the event had been initially set for 2019 but it had to be halted due to Covid- 19 but earlier this year they decided that the time had come as strict social distancing restrictions have been lifted. Leshetla explained that Kgosi Thobega II will be officially coronated by Kgosi Kgari Sechele of the Bakwena. “In administrative terms, he overlooks the Bahurutshe and in accordance with Setswana culture, he is considered an elder. He will be tasked with draping the Kgosi with the leopard skin,” he said.

He noted that the guests of honour at the event will include Kgosi Kebinatshwene Mosielele of Bahurutshe

Manyana and the Minister of Local Government Kgotla Autlwetswe.

Also expected to grace the event is Kgosi Mosadi Seboko of Balete. Other government officials, historians, cultural activists and members of the public including Bahurutshe from across Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa, are also expected at the event. He explained that Bahurutshe in Tonota are the elders of Bahurutshe in Mankgodi, some who had made ties with the Kalanga and are known as Bahurutshe Matebele. With regard to Bahurutshe’s strong ties with Balete, he pointed out that Balete once lived with Bahurutshe for about 10 years and both even conducted mephato such as bogwera and bojale together.

“This is an example that depicts our close ties with other tribes and how we are all intertwined by bloodline and related somehow. Another example is how Sekgoma of Bangwato once sought refuge with Bahurutshe when he had fled his village.” Leshetla noted that there would also be a showcase of traditional dance, music and food to share the Bahurutshe culture with the public. “We want people to appreciate our unique culture; our identity and history, as one of the biggest tribes in Botswana,” he said. Leshetla clarified that Bahurutshe of Mankgodi should not be confused with those of Manyana. He explained that in the past, the leader of Bahurutshe had married two wives and he had two heirs from the first and second house known as Seofela and Nong. The two were separated through boswa in Borutswe near Zeerust and they became two tribes as siblings of brotherly kin before migrating here. The Bahurutshe of Manyana are referred to as Bahurutshe boo Ntsho, while those of Mankgodi are known as Bahurutshe boo Moshibidu.

Leshetla said those who want to know more about the meaning of ‘ Thobega’ and the historical roots of Bahurutshe should attend the coronation event for a detailed historical account to be shared by different elders and historians. He however shared in passing that in accordance with old literature, Thobega is derived from Thobek who was a one- legged Egyptian goddess with strong healing powers. “Hence we always hear people say: ‘ Go tlhabelwa thobega.’ It has spiritual significance of healing and resilience. Our forefathers came from Egypt, Ethiopia and Kenya until they settled in southern Africa in the 1800s.”