19 Sep 2013

Kgosi Samochao Mokate of Tsodilo who died last Wednesday at the age of 89 will be buried on Saturday at his home village.

Grandson, Mr Kelebetse Keasheta said in an interview that his grandfather died on September 11 at his home after a long illness. The deceased became headman of arbitration in the 1970s, the post he held until his death. He said the Kgosi Mokate was born in 1924 at Thamachaa settlement east of Tsodilo village.

Kgosi Mokate, who was commonly known as Diakhunga, which means giving a hug to a loved one in Hambukushu language, was one of the Hambukushu people who had a lot of respect for Tsodilo hills (mountain of gods).

He was also a traditional healer, who believed that visitors to the hills had to accept, observe and respect the sacredness and holiness of Tsodilo, otherwise they might not come back safely. Kgosi Mokate also believed that the hills were to be used for prayer to their ancestors and beg for forgiveness.

His people will remember him as a great leader who had always urged government to protect the rock paintings as well as natural beauty of the area. Kgosi Mokate is survived by two wives and four children. Ends