Background

The Barolong are a Setswana speaking nation which traces its origins back

to Kgosi (King) Morolong a famed ironsmith who lived in the 13th Century.

Oral tradition says their original dwelling was in the vicinity of Africa’s

Great Lakes region. They travelled with other Bantu-speaking iron-age

nations during the great migration to the south of Africa, a journey which

occurred over several generations, in many different directions and groupings.

By the 15th century they had settled on the upper reaches of the Molopo River and they spread out around that region.

Towards the end of the 17th century, after 14 successive kings, the ancient Barolong Kingdom split into four major factions.

By the 15th century they had settled on the upper reaches of the Molopo River and they spread out around that region.

Towards the end of the 17th century, after 14 successive kings, the ancient Barolong Kingdom split into four major factions.

  • the split occurred after the death of Kgosi Tau c. 1760
  • four of Tau’s many sons wanted to be independent
  • each one moved away with different supporters
  • these four sons were Ratlou, Tshidi, Seleka and Rapulana.

 

The Barolong Boora Tshidi (Tshidi-Barolong) descend from Tshidi, Tau’s second son

By the mid 1500s, the Barolong – led then by Kgosi Modibua – had spread themselves in areas between the Molopo and the Modder Rivers, including Mahikeng.

Due to war and other reasons they seldom stayed in one place for long. For three more centuries they continued to move about in this region. By the time of Kgosi Tau they were residing at Taung.

Following Tau’s death and the subsequent split, all four factions continued to move about under their now different Kings. The Tshidi-Barolong clan continued to regard Mahikeng as home. Whenever possible they would return to their home among the rocks.

• Tshidi lived lived at Tsebetwane just outside Mahikeng

• After Tshidi’s death the heroic regent Makgetla lived and ruled in Mahikeng

• Tawana died at Lotlhakane near Mahikeng 1849

In 1877 Montshioa came to settle in Mahikeng and made it the Tshidi-Barolong capital. He built the Tshidi -Barolong Main Kgotla (royal kraal) in 1882 and lived in Mahikeng until his death in 1896.

Kgosi Montshioa