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Makgolokwe Clan — History & Meaning

Sotho clan · Sesotho

Totem Domestic fowl / chicken (English) — sources differ; the broader Kholokoe are linked to the duiker (phuthi) in some branches

History & origin

Also called the Kholokoe, the Makgolokwe were founded by Kgetsi, a son of Tabane (Bakgatla) and Mathulare (a Bafokeng chief's daughter). Mathulare's sons are traditionally named as founders of the Bapedi, Makgolokwe, Maphuthing, Batlokwa and Basia, the first groups said to bear the Basotho name. They occupied the eastern Free State / Caledon region and were heavily affected by the Difaqane upheavals of the 1820s, after which many were absorbed into Moshoeshoe I's emerging Basotho nation. Documented as one of the older Sotho-Tswana offshoots of the Kgatla cluster.

Associated surnames

Surnames that share this clan: Bakgolokwe, Kholokoe, Bapedi, Maphuthing, Batlokwa, Basia, Bakgatla.

We publish the full diboko (clan praises) only once we can verify them against documented tradition — for this clan they are still being confirmed. If you can share an authoritative version, corrections are warmly welcomed.

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