Family history

History of Bataung (Moletsane)

The bushmen made him a "MOLETSA" (girdle of eggs), and from this he got the name 'MOLETSANE'.

Moletsane was born at "MOHOLE" to the east of Motloang-tloang, in about 1788. His mother was Maliamme, the daughter of Thekiso. As his parents had lost several children, they sent him to the cattle post to be brought up among the bushmen. His original name was "Makhothi".

The people of Bataung come in great multitudes. the became more famous in times of Masoetso. Bataung own their own Language (setaung) and culture. Their land stretches from Lekoa, it feather stretches towards Phokeng (now called Rusternburg) until it reaches borders of Bakhothu nearer to Zeerust. This place is still calledTaung upto this age (north west).

Bataung lived in many different places namely Maphororong, Mekoatleng, Ha 'Makhoroana Mapotemg, untill they came to the land of Makoae which is today known as Taung in the district of Mohales' Hoek in Lesotho.

In the year 1750, Bataung lived at Matloang-tloang, and Maphororong. they were under the reign of Thulo of Khomo. Then Thulo was succeeded by his 1st son Mophethe. 

Moletsane had many wives. This names are some of his older wives:

 1. 'Mamoretlo (Mpai)

     Her children: Moretlo, Mokhele, Makhamise, Monare

 2. Morakane (died)

 3.'Masephapo

     Her children: Titi, 'Mabatho, Sephapo, Mapeo, Tereko

4.'mamonyake (Theko, daughter of Rakotsoane)

    Her children: Monyake, Moeletsi, Lekhooe, Raboroko

 5. Tlatsoane

    Her children: Lehahanyane, Bareng

 6. 'Makhampepe

    Her children: 'Masenate, Ntebaleng, Bobojane, Pekhu,'Mamotete, 'Makhosi, Ntso    ele, Ntobo, Khampepe

7. 'Makhitsane

     Her children: Khits'ane, Seetsele, 'Mamatlakeng, Salomone.

                   Family tree available on this link: FAMILY TREE

                   More readings:  Basotho traditions (wars of moletsane)