By: Michael Tobolo, Junior Curator, DITSONG: National Museum of Military History (DNMMH)

Introduction

Kgosi Galeshewe was the paramount chief – also known as Kgosikgolo in Setswana – of the Batlhaping tribe, a Batswana group that originated as a splinter group from the Barolong tribe under Kgosi Tau Morolong in Taung. Born in 1840, Kgosi played a pivotal role in resisting colonial rule. Alongside his cousin Kgosi Jantjie of the Batlhaping Manyeding in Kuruman, and Kgosi Makgolokwe Toto of the Batlharo, he was a fearless leader of the people in the struggle against the colonial oppression. Despite their significant contributions, these leaders remain unsung heroes in history. Galeshewe was a revolutionary figure who orchestrated rebellions against the Cape Colony government — then known as the Cape of Good Hope. His resistance led to his imprisonment, multiple escapes, and ultimately a 10-year sentence on Robben Island. Kgosi Makgolokwe Toto and his son, Robanyane Toto, were also arrested for sheltering Galeshewe. Kgosi Toto died while imprisoned on Robben Island.

Kgosi Galeshewe.

The Langenberg Rebellion

 One of the most notable uprisings was the Phokwane Rebellion which took place on 18 July 1878 at Cornforth Hill, Kimberley. The rebellion was triggered by the Cape Colony government’s decision to reduce the local rural cattle population in an effort to combat the Rinderpest epidemic. This decision deeply affected the Batlhaping people, for whom cattle were not only a source of livelihood but also a form of trade currency. Tensions escalated when a farmer shot and killed over 17 cattle that had strayed from the Batlhaping reserve onto his land. Kgosi Galeshewe`s cousin, Phetlhu, took the matter to court demanding compensation, but they lost the case in favour of the farmer. Outraged by both the court ruling and the Cape Colony government’s decision, the Batlhaping people resisted. While the police investigations into the reserves were denied by the Phokwane leaders, the Cape Colony government considered this as a rebellion. Kgosi Galeshewe joined forces with the Barolong, another Tswana ethnic group and the Tlharo under the leadership of MakgolokweToto, rallying against colonial traders and farmers. However, their resistance was met with military force. On 26 August 1878 Galeshewe was captured by colonel G. Warren`s troops and he was sentenced to 12 years in prison on 6 October 1879. After serving his sentence, Kgosi Galeshewe emerged more determined than ever. He strengthened alliances with other Tswana groups, such as Kgosi Luka Jantjie of the Batlhaping ba Manyeding in Kuruman and Kgosi Makgolokwe Toto of the Batlharo.

The Langenberg Rebellion of 1896 -1897 broke out as tensions rose between the Batlhaping people and the British colonisers. Fearing land dispossession in the expanding Cape Colony economy – especially after diamonds were discovered in Kimberly – the Batlhaping resisted the encroaching colonial forces. For nine months, Kgosi Galeshewe displayed remarkable leadership and showed his battle skills as he led his people in a fight against the colonisers who wanted to dispossess their land.

After the British colonisers suffered defeat, they retaliated with reinforcements, consisting of 2, 000 strong men, powerful artillery of 7- and 12-pounder cannons, Maxims guns, and machine guns. This led to the defeat of the Tswana resistance, including the Batlhaping and the Batlharo, and ultimately resulted in Galeshewe’s capture.

Galeshewe was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but after just one month, he escaped. Though some of his men were shot and killed, he managed to flee to Botswana along with his uncle Morebonke and brothers Mootametsi, Telekela and Mogodi. Determined to recapture him, a search party led by George Dennison took off from Vryburg in the then Orange Free State, aiming to intercept Galeshewe before he could cross into Botswana. On 26 August 1897 Dennison and his search party tracked him down, surrounded, and captured him. He was subsequently sentenced to 10 years on Robben Island. As punishment for his defiance, his farm was confiscated.

Resting place of Kgosi Galeshewe – Magogong near Taung (North West Province).

Kgosi Luka Jantjie and some of his compatriots.

Following their defeat, the Batlhaping tribe lost their land in Phokwane (present-day Hartswater) and were forcibly relocated to Magogong, where they were placed under the chieftaincy of Kgosi Molale. Some of his people was executed for taking part in the rebellion. Kgosi Luka Jantjie was shot in the chest, beheaded, and subjected to further humiliation – his head was boiled as a sign of dominance. Some troops even took pictures with his head as a trophy. Kgosi Galeshewe passed away in 1924 and was laid to rest in Magogong, where his legacy continues to live on.

A monument honouring the legacy of Batlhaping and Batlharo chiefs: Kgosi Galeshewe, Kgosi Luka Jantjie, and Kgosi Makgolokwe Toto.

Conclusion

The death of Kgosi Luka Jantjie marked the collapse of the Tswana resistance, leading to the mass capture of approximately 4,000 Tswana men, women, and children. These captives were sent to the Western Cape to work as unpaid labourers for local white farmers. In recognition of his bravery and leadership, Galeshewe posthumously received the Order of Mendi for Bravery in Gold. His name continues to be honoured in several ways:

• The South African Navy named one of its ships after Galeshewe, symbolising his bravery in leading a rebellion against the repressive laws of the colonialist government and for the economic emancipation of his people.
• The largest township in Kimberleybears his name, Galeshewe, serving as a lasting tribute to his contributions.
• In August 2019, the South African Army renamed the Kimberley-based Regiment Vaalrivier to the Galeshewe Anti-Aircraft Regiment, further cementing his place in history.

References

1. “Luka Jantjie: Resistance Hero of the South African Frontier”. The South African. 12 October 2011. Retrieved 23 October 2018.
2. Giliomee, Hermann; Mbenga, Bernard K., eds. (2007). New History of South Africa. Cape Town: NB Publishers. p. 174. ISBN9780624092230.
3. Jump up to:^abMathews, Gary (2011). “The Last Stand of a South African hero”. Mahala. Accessed: 31 August 2018.
4. Stapelton, Timothy J (2017). Encyclopedia of African colonial conflicts (Volume 2). Santa Barbara. p. 415. ISBN9781440849060.
5. Jump up to:^abLundstedt.
6. “TODAY IN KIMBERLEY’S HISTORY 26 AUGUST – Kimberley City Info“. www.kimberley.org.za. Retrieved 23 October 2018.
7. Erasmus, Piet (2015). The battle at Mamusa: The western Transvaal border culture and the ethno-dissolution of the last functioning Korana polity. Bloemfontein: Sun Press. p. 64. ISBN9781920382773.
8. Couzens, Tim (2004). Battles of South Africa. New Africa Books. ISBN9780864866219.
9. “Kgosi Galeshewe 1840-1924”. The Presidency. South African Government. Retrieved 8 December 2017.

10. Wildenboer, Norma (23 April 2018). “Langeberg Rebellion heroes to be honoured – DFA”. DFA. Retrieved 23 October 2018.