16/06/2025
The Kololo/Makololo/Bakololo, a South Sotho speaking group, named after Kololo, the wife of their first chief Sebetwane. Said to have originated in the current Free State Province of South Africa 1800--1864. They were originally known as the Bafokeng-ba-ha-Phatsa
The Bakolololo, under the leadership of Sebetwane, migrated northward, crossed the Zambezi river around 1834-35, eventually establishing a powerful kingdom in Barotseland (present day Westen Zambia).
Under Sebetwane's leadership, they established several settlements, including Linyanti, which became their capital, a fortified town along the Chobe River. They ruled over the local Lozi population creating a multilingual and hierarchical society.
After the death of Sekeletu and internal conflicts, the Makololo's dominance in Barotseland waned, and the Lozi reasserted control. However, the Bakololo left a lasting impact on the region.
