Izithakazelo Zakwa Bakwena Clan Names History and Origin
Bakwena tribe of Botswana is unquestionably one of the most captivating and historically significant. Their clan centers around their totem – the crocodile.
Sechele and Kgosidintsi hailing from distinct lelwapa were nonetheless part of the same makgotla (kgosi ba feyo). This same principle applied to their other senior sons, although their Mokgalo section (motse) of Molepolole did differ slightly in some regards.
Bakwena Clan Names (Izithakazelo):
The Bakwena clan is one of the prominent Bantu-speaking groups in Southern Africa, particularly known among the Tswana people. Their praise names (Izithakazelo) are used to honor their ancestors and reflect their cultural heritage.
- Bakwena
- Mogale
- Mokgosi
- Mokgware
- Mokgadi
- Mofokeng
- Mokhudu
Bakwena Clan Origin
The Bakwena are one of the more intriguing tribes, not just due to their impressive totem but also because of their intriguing history. You could view them as something like an amalgam of many tribes and clans, with offshoots such as Bangwato and Bangwaketse occupying areas once held by Bakwena.
They are also notable as being the only tribe/clan who revere a specific part of an animal rather than just its entirety – specifically eating its heart! You’ll find these people living mostly in Botswana’s northeastern parts like Tonota.
Bakwena have an intimate connection to crocodiles, depicted on their flag and emblems as an important sign. This stems from Tabane, Sekonyela’s father.
to legend, Tabane had five sons with his senior wife: Diale, Kgetsi, Kgwadi, Matsibolo and Mosia each of which went off and formed their own tribe after leaving Tabane’s side.
Hambukushu are another offshoot of the Bakwena and made their move from Zambezi River to northern channels of Okavango Delta following a dispute with Basubiya and Wayeyi over a lion skin dispute. After staying in this region for some time they eventually moved onto Chobe river area.
Bakwena Clan Meaning
According to tradition, the Bakwena tribe was named for Thakadu – a hero who provided water during a drought for his people – by digging water from beneath the earth. These people, led by Mmakgosi who gave birth during that same drought while thirsty was given names after Thakadu dug wells for them all and Dithakadu was eventually established.
Hence why Mmakgosi gave birth during drought conditions during thakadu’s watch and named her child after that as well. All together they gave rise to what became known as Bakwena tribe today!
Most scholars consider the Bakwena to be offshoots of the Bahurutshe, who moved south into Botswana from northern Africa around 1500 AD and settled near Odi and Majabamatswa on its eastern edge of Kalahari desert.
The Bangwaketse are one of the few groups within Botswana’s Batlokwa nation with a distinctive tribal totem and clan name distinct from all others communities.
Primarily found around Tonota but widely dispersed across most of Botswana, they revere duiker as their chief spiritual symbol and belong to separate clans from all the rest of Bangwaketse; additionally they are the only tribe that does not eat pork meat!
Bakwena Clan Symbolism
Bakwena clans often feature unique symbols to identify them; animals are often chosen. These animals serve to quickly recognize particular clans while often featuring in their names or greetings as a show of pride and identification.
One of the best-known symbols of Bakwena clan culture is the Phathisi dance. First performed in Kweneng District, this traditional Botswana cultural dance has since spread all across Botswana and even overseas.
Phathisi dancing offers an entertaining way to learn more about tribe histories while being beautiful and exciting to watch!
Crocodiles are an iconic symbol for Bakwena clans. Representing Lesotho, they revere this animal and are considered sacred by them as it can provide strength and resilience in times of difficulty in life. Furthermore, when times get tough they draw inspiration from this strong creature for strength.
Bakwena tribe members take great pride in depicting themselves with symbols such as the hyena as they embody its strength, resilience, intelligence, wits and intelligence – qualities which they utilize both day to day as well as in battles against other tribes.
Bakwena Clan Popularity
Bakwena is one of the most revered tribes in Africa, as well as one of the most historically rich. Their history dates back as far as Mfecane Wars, and their totem – the crocodile – spans across multiple tribes (see Bakalaka totems).
Bakwena are famed for their fierce fighting spirit and resilience. This culture has been passed down from generations of tribal leaders, and will remain so for some time to come.
Mogopa village lies in the north-western corner of South Africa near Brits and makes for an ideal farming region. Most of its population are Bakwena who adhere to Lutheranism as their faith of choice.
Early in the twentieth century, Bakwena were faced with many threats, such as cattle raids by Bapedi and Mzilikazis Matebele tribes. While they managed to resist these raids initially, once Mzilikazis entered western highveld they quickly overran it leaving only survivors behind.
Traditions report that they were quickly integrated into the emerging Matebele kingdom. One person known by name More was killed during this battle – likely his brother Tsoku who led a resistance movement against Mzilikazis in 1836.
