Balete people facts for kids

The Balete people are a group of people living in Southern Africa. They are known for their unique culture and history.

In Botswana, the Balete have lived in their own special area since about 1780. This area was officially recognized as their tribal land in 1909. They are different from most other large tribes in Botswana because they are not part of the related Tswana people. The Balete still have their traditional leader, called a Paramount Chief, or Kgôsikgolo. You can find Balete people living in villages like Ramotswa, Gabane, Otse, Metsimotlhabe, and Mogobane in Southern Botswana.

Balete Chiefs: A Look at Their Leaders

The Balete people have a long history of leaders who have guided their community. Here is a list of some of their important chiefs:

• Phatlê (Wa ko Tlhôgô ya Tlou)
• Malete
• Maphalaolê
• Mongatane
• Maio
• Kgomo
• Mokgwê
• Marumô
• Pôwê I a Marumo
• 1805 Mokgôjwe a Pôwê (acting chief)
• 1805–1830 Pôwê II a Mokgôjwe (died around 1830)
• 1830–1886 Mokgôsi I a Pôwê
• 1886–1896 Ikaneng a Mokgôsi
• 1896–1906 Mokgôsi II a Ikaneng
• 1906–1917 Baitlotle a Ikaneng (acting chief)
• 1917–1937 Seboko I a Mokgôsi
• 1937–1945 Ketswerebothata a Mokgôsi (acting chief)
• 1945–1966 Mokgôsi III a Seboko
• 1966–1996 Kelemogile a Seboko (Kelemogile Mokgosi) (acting chief)
• 1996–2001 Seboko II a Mokgôsi
• 2001–2002 Tumelo a Seboko (acting chief)
• 2002 - present Mosadi Seboko

A New Era: The First Female Chief and Cultural Revival

A very important moment for the Balete tribe happened on September 1, 2012. This was when they brought back an old tradition called Bogwera, which is a male initiation ceremony. What made this event extra special was that it was guided by their first ever female Paramount Chief, Mosadi Seboko.

Among the young men taking part were five councilors from the South East District Council. These councilors came from different political groups in Botswana. Chief Seboko named the new group of initiates ‘Matsosa ngwao’, which means 'Cultural revivers'. This naming happened at the same time as the national cultural day celebrations. Many important guests from other countries, like Mozambique, Nigeria, the United States, the UK, and the Chinese Women's Association, came to witness this special event. It showed how the Balete people are working to keep their traditions alive while also embracing new changes.