10 Facts About Kgosi Sekonyela

Kgosi Sekonyela effectively took over the chieftainship from his mother queen Manthatisi in 1824 settling in Jwalaboholo in modern day northern Lesotho.

Kgosi Sekonyela regularly engaged in cattle raids on neighbouring tribes, often to the detriment of his own people.

At the time of Mokotjo's death, Kgosi Sekonyela was only nine years old and it would be another ten years before he was old enough to rule.

Kgosi Sekonyela attended circumcision school with the Basia people, assisted by his uncle Letlala, the chief of the Basia.

Kgosi Sekonyela was one of the rulers who remained distrustful of the missionaries.

In 1836 French missionary Arbousset visited Kgosi Sekonyela, estimating his tribe to number approximately 14,000 people; of whom 1,400 lived around Marabeng.

Kgosi Sekonyela was impressed by their skills, which included horse riding and shooting, and requested them to impart those skills on to his people.

In 1837, Kgosi Sekonyela's tribesmen stole some cattle from the Zulu chief Dingane.

Kgosi Sekonyela confiscated guns from the Batlokwa, which Sekonyela had obtained through barter.

Kgosi Sekonyela paid a fine of 300 cows after showing remorse.