Tlokwa Tribe

History and background of the Tlokwa tribe:

The term Batlôkwa (also Batlokoa, or Badogwa) refers to several Kgatla communities that reside in Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa. It is comprised by the followers of Tlôkwa kings and the members of clans identified as Tlôkwa, or individuals who identify themselves as of Tlôkwa descent.

Most of the Batlôkwa clans trace their royal lineages to Kgwadi son of King Tabane, who was the father and founder of the Batlokwa nation. The Tlôkwa considers the Tlokwe-cat as their original totem which has since become extinct due to over-hunting for its fur, which was used by clan chiefs.

Contrary to popular belief, most BaTlokwa stay in South Africa than other countries. Batlokwa ba Mokgalong are the most senior branch of BaTlokwa. Branches in SouthAfrica are:

Batlôkwa ba Mokgalong (Tsotetsi)
Batlôkwa ba Mota
Batlôkwa ba Morakadu
Batlôkwa ba Makalakeng
Batlôkwa ba Nasatse Patso
Batlôkwa ba Lehana
Batlôkwa ba Masene

In South Africa, the Batlôkwa are mainly found in the Eastern Free State region which is their area of jurisdiction.
In Lesotho the Batlôkwa are one of the three main Sotho-Tswana clans who speak Sesotho.

Batlôkwa arrived in Botswana in 1887, settling in Moshwaneng on the Notwane River, after being led by Kgosinkwe Gaborone from the Tshwane area in South Africa following the split with another Tlôkwa clan that went to settle in Batlôkwa north of Polokwane-Pietersburg.

The land they settled in was given to them by Kgosi Sechele after they acknowledged the overlordship of the Bakwena. The capital of Botswana Gaborone is named after Kgosinkwe Gaborone. The Batlôkwa in Botswana are unique from the other Tlôkwa clans in that their totem is the thakadu (ant-bear). This totem was chosen after the Batlôkwa were in the wilderness and became thirsty and hungry.

They found a catch of the daywater from the many holes dug by thakadu, which has been the totem since that time. Batlôkwa then started drinking from such holes and since then they decided that nobody should harm the ant bear and it must be protected at all costs. The place of residence of BaTlokwa in Botswana is called Tlokweng and their current paramount chief is Puso Gaborone.