Sebetwane
Sebetwane | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1790–1800 |
| Died | July 7, 1851 Barotseland |
| Other names | Sebitwane and Sibutuane |
| Known for | Establishing Makololo nation |
| Title | King (chief) of the Makololo tribe |
| Successor | Queen Mamochisane |
| Spouse(s) | Queen Setlutlu Queen Kololo |
| Children | Queen Mamochisane King Sekeletu Prince Mpepe |
| Relatives | Princes Sesane and Litali (grandsons) |
Sebetwane (born c. 1790–1800 – died July 7, 1851) was a Southern African king, Basotho chief. He established the large and powerful Makololo nation in what is now southwestern Zambia after an arduous migration from his original home – Free State Province.
Names
King's names also can be written as Sebitwane or Sibutuane.
Biography
Sebetwane was a great ruler. After briefly settling near the Victoria Falls, in 1838 he passed the Zambesi River and conquered the Lozi's kingdom. He was both able to conciliate Makololo and Lozi and repel two attacks brought against him by Mzilikazi, king of the Ndebele. He died on July 7, 1851, shortly after meeting at Linyati, his capital, the explorer David Livingstone, with whom he developed a warm friendship.
Personality
Distinguished as both a warrior and a statesman, Sebetwane was able to consolidate his military gains by his generous and just treatment of the conquered peoples. He maintained a peaceful kingdom.
Family
Sebetwane had a wife called Setlutlu. He was succeeded by his daughter Mamochisane, who soon stepped down in favour of her half-brother Sekeletu. He also had a son named Mpepe, who was an enemy of Sekeletu, and grandson called Litali.
His brother Mbololo later became a king.
References
- Encyclopædia Britannica, "Sebetwane", (2000)