Inspirational • Jul 15, 2025 • 15 min read

THE BAKONE -THABA MASWIKENG

Bakone BaTisane and Thaba Maswikeng At the heart of the Pedi region lies Bakone BaTisane, a proud and ancient nation whose royal kraal, nestled beneath the sacred Thaba Maswikeng and Hlako Mountains, has stood as a beacon of leadership, tradition, and unity for generations. Guided by respected leaders such as Chief Thoka I, Monare, and later Chief Sepheu (Malope), the Bakone upheld strong customs, sacred rituals, and a deep reverence for ancestral wisdom. One of the most defining events during Sepheu’s reign was the arrival of the Kgaphola people, who sought refuge after a chieftaincy dispute in Mphanama. Welcomed with compassion, they were granted land and integrated into the Bakone fold. Over time, however, divisions emerged, particularly when the Kgaphola pledged new allegiance to the Pedi, marking a shift in historical loyalties. Despite internal challenges.