The Land and Its People
Gamalete lies in the South East district of Botswana, small in size but rich in history and tradition. It is home to four main villages: Ramotswa, the bustling centre of administration; Otse, known for its heritage and tourism; Mogobane, the agricultural heart; and Taung, the industrial hub. The district sits close to Gaborone the capital city of Botswana, with South Africa on the eastern border and Lobatse to the south.
The land is commonly used for farming(masino), cattle posts(meraka), and family homes, while the community also owns freehold farms namely:
- Farm Forest Hill No. 9KO (Kgale) acquired under the Leadership of Kgosi Seboko I in 1925
- Farm Quethiock No. 2JO (Rankoromane) acquired under the leadership of Kgosi Mokgosi III in 1965
These farms are a source of pride, bought by earlier chiefs to secure land for future generations.
A Story of Origins
The Balete trace their ancestry to Kgosi Malete A Phahle, from whom the name Gamalete comes. Their totem is the buffalo (Nare), a symbol of strength and resilience. Oral tradition links the people to the Nguni (Zulu/Ndebele) groups, with a long history of migrations originally from South Africa and across southern Africa. The journey ended in 1875, when Ramotswa became the permanent home under the leadership of Kgosi Mokgosi I.
Reference for progression of chiefs in the table below:
| Chief | Duration |
|
Kgosi Mokgosi I |
1830 – 1886 |
| Kgosi Ikaneng | 1886 – 1896 |
|
Kgosi Mokgosi II |
1896 – 1906 |
|
Kgosi Baitlotli |
1906 – 1917 |
|
Kgosi Seboko I |
1917 – 1937 |
|
Kgosi Ketshwerebothata |
1937 – 1945 |
|
Kgosi Mokgosi III |
1945 – 1966 |
|
Kgosi Kelemogile |
1966 – 1995 |
|
Kgosi Seboko II |
1996 – 2001 |
|
Kgosi Mosadi Seboko |
2002 – present |
Over the years, different chiefs have guided the community. A historic milestone came with Kgosi Kgolo – Kgosi Mosadi Seboko, who became the first woman paramount chief of the Balete Tribe. Her leadership is celebrated as both a continuation of tradition and a sign of progress.
Under her jurisdiction, she oversees the villages Ramotswa, Otse, Mogobane and Taung with her uncles:
| Focus Area | Chief |
| Mothusa Kgosikgolo | Tsimane Thibogang Mokgosi |
| Moemela Kgosi yo Mogolwane | Motlhanka Ambrose Mokgosi |
| Moemela Kgosi in Ramotswa | Butie Baitlotli Mokgosi |
| Otse Village | Kgosi Mothusi C. Tsetse |
| Mogobane | Kgosi Nobi Moilwa |
| Taung | Kgosi Lebogang R. Masie |