Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Aspects of the Recent History of Ngamiland

1976; Volume: 8; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

0525-5090

David H. Potten,

FinTech, Crowdfunding, Digital Finance

At present, ideas that could result in major changes in the Ngamiland environment are circulating. The feasibility of eradicating tsetse fly is being evaluated, and the possibility of changing the water regime of the Delta is being investigated. This article aims to set these proposals in context by providing an historical background, both for Ngamiland in general, and tsetse control and Okavango Delta manipulations in particular. Historical notes No attempt will be made here to give a detailed history of Ngamiland. However, mention will be made of some of the major events which have contributed to the present social situation in the area. The earliest inhabitants of Ngamiland were the Basarwa (Bushmen). They lived by food gathering and hunting, both in and around the Delta. The second group to arrive were the Bakgalakgadi, who came from the south, and have also been in the region for many hundreds of years. In the 18th century, Bayei and Hambukushu migrants moved gradually towards the Okavango Delta from south-west Zambia, the Caprivi Strip and the Kwando and Linyanti Rivers. The Bayei introduced more advanced fishing and hunting methods and the practice of molapo agriculture to the Delta. The Hambukushu introduced the use of iron for implements. The Batawana moved to Ngamiland from Shoshong at about 1800, after a split in the Bangwato tribe. They were cattle farmers, and more aggressive than the Bayei and Hambukushu. As a result they rapidly established themselves as the area's dominant tribe. During the 19th century the Batawana were involved in battles with other tribes on several occasions. Although they themselves organised one or two raids (for example, on the Magceriku who were living along the Okavango River where the Cuito joins it in Angola), most of the warfare was initiated by others. The Batawana had initially settled at the Kgwebe Hills. There they succeeded in beating off an attack led by Kgari, the Bangwato chief. However, they were defeated at Kgwebe at about 1825 by the Makololo, led by Sebetwane, and were forced to flee to the Linyanti, where they were subjugated for a time to Sebetwane's rule.