09 Aug 2016

The British high commissioner to Botswana ,Ms Katy Ransome paid a visit  to Bangwato regent, Kgosi Sediegeng Kgamane on Monday.

On the day, Ms Ransome visited the royal cemetery where she laid a wreath between Sir Seretse Khama and Lady Ruth Khama tombs. 

She also visited Khama III Memorial Museum and Khama Rhino sanctuary. 

Ms Ransome expressed gratitude saying that she was honored to visit the Bangwato tribe leaders in Serowe and seat with village elders, share with her the stories about pre and post independent Botswana. 

She revealed that though they have many official history materials about Botswana, they have few photographs. 

“It is strange we cannot find many historical photographs about Botswana,” she stated.

She said they are looking forward to find more historical photographs about Botswana.

For his part, historian Mr Bernard Letsididi stated that in 1895 three Batswana chiefs went to Britain to protest against the encroachment of Cecil John Rhodes and not to ask for protection.

Mr Letsididi stated that Bechuanaland Protectorate as Botswana was called by then, had long been under British rule, prior to 1895.

 “There is a misconception if not misinterpretation that the three Dikgosi went to Britain to ask for protection,” he said.

Mr Letsididi added that “Time and again over the radio we are told that there went   to ask for protection.”   

He explained that Bechuanaland Protectorate was already protected under the warrant expedition when the Chiefs went to Britain in 1885. Ends