The heritage trail is composed of coordinates 5 11 14 Introduction and geographic maps of identified monuments Old women’s club house Village Traditional Leather tanner and Motlopi coffee Products Women gathered at this a) Lobu Pan as indicated below: The Motlopi (Shepherd The is located in south-western , little house primarily to learn The pan is a natural resource that tree) coffee and leather from one another and teach played a vital role in the lives of the and is over 600 km from the capital, (Moswete et al., products are made by Ms 1 each other various life skills. residents of Gakhibane and 2009; 2012). The district is divided into two sub-districts, the Matthy’s pit – Dina Botha of KGALAGADI Most importantly the surrounding cattle posts. Domestic Kolonkwaneng. She learnt north and south, both situated within the region. This is the first pit (hand dug women who started the and wild animals alike drank from the skill from her late Kgalagadi north covers 44,004 km2, while the southern block well) that was dug in meetings were Afrikaner this pan. Most importantly they TRAIL grandmother at a tender Struizendam. It was dug by speakers and they were would come for salt deposits. comprises 66,066 km2 area (Kgalagadi District Development age and has been the Mathys family led by thirsty to learn Setswana. People would also come collect the salt for home use and to feed their HERITAGE Plan KDDP 6, 2003–2009). Of the 193 villages and settlements, producing these up to Tities Matthys I and his Setswana teaching and learning became the primary reason for these domestic animals. The pan is still utilised in the present times as it has today. For leather products, she uses various hides and skins from both , is the most highly populated with more than 6000 sons Jan and David meetings. This house has since been abandoned but plans are on the way three (3) wells. It is located at: E 21⁰ 45’ 17” and S 26⁰ 37’ 56”. It is at 940 domestic and wild animals. She buys wild animals’ skins from the Matthys. The well was dug to revive it through Ipelegeng poverty eradication programme. The building m above sea level. inhabitants. It acts as the centre and has been designated as the department of Wildlife and National parks. She then works on the skins to in 1942. This then led to the is situated at: E 20⁰ 41’ 42’’ and S 26⁰ 53 ’49’’ with an elevation of 820m main administration headquarters (GOB, 2002). Collectively, the her desired texture and softness. Ms Botha is also well known for relocation of the village above sea level. b) Gakhibane Sand Dunes production of Motlopi coffee which she also learnt from her grandmother. district population occupies a network of 193 settlements within from its original place to the present day Struizendam. The village was The sand dune is important in the lives of the people of Gakhibane village The coffee has been analysed and tested by NAFTEC and has since been relocated by the colonial government because the original location was because the founders of this village used to pray for rain at the top of the the Kgalagadi Communal Areas, and the average 6 officially approved as safe for human consumption. The composition of the turned into a national park previously known as Gemsbok National Park. sand dunes. The practice was led by the village chief in the evenings. The village/settlement size is 198 inhabitants. Settlements are often John Sidney Martins coffee has been analysed and packaged per 100 grams. The site is now part of the Kgalagadi Transfonteir National Park (popularly chief in the would summon all the elders to the kgotla and organise them This was the first modern house in as it was the first to be small with fewer than 500 people, comprising a few household known as KTP). The pit was a useful resource in determining where the for the ceremony which would take place early in the morning the next day. constructed using brick and clusters. village was to be established. All other pits in the village had salty waters The chosen ones to take part in the event would wake up early and straight mortar in the entire area of that were not suitable for both domestic use and watering animals. The pit away walk to the foot of the dunes. No word would be spoken, and the Bokspits and surrounding is located at GPS coordinates: chief would then lead the elders up the dune. Shoes were to be left at the Villages are more formal and are officially recognised villages. It belonged to a 15 E 20⁰ 37’ 36” and S 26⁰ 40’ 22’’ and an elevation of 840mteres foot of the sand dunes. Prayers would be made facing east wards and on Seo Monument () establishments with at least 500 persons (Moswete, 2009). They certain British man Mr. John bended knees. Once done, they would descend the dune to where they Sidney Martin who was a This is a pre-historic site have basic facilities and services, such as water, health clinics, had left their shoes. It was after putting on their shoes that now the elders government soldier during could start chatting. After the ceremony, it would take about two or three characterised by the postal services, and schools. The level of available services is the colonial government’s days and the rains would fall. The elders would then go to the dunes again presence of hundreds of dependent on the village classification (Ministry of Finance & 2 era. He married a local to thank God for the rains. The practice has since stopped but the leaders stone artefacts lying on the Bokspits woman called Anna Martins surface of what appears to Development Planning, 2002). The main economy has primarily of Gakhibane have plans to revive it. The sand dunes are situated at: E 21⁰ and the couple built their home in Bokspits. This old house is located at: E be a relatively stable sand Bok was a farmer who 46’ 11”; S 26⁰ 43’ 15.5”and are at 934 m above sea level. been based on raising small-scale livestock, cattle farming and 20⁰ 41’ 26” and dune. The most present came to settle in the place. nominal arable farming. Other traditional livelihood activities S 26⁰ 53’ min 49” at 820 m elevation above sea level. stone tools found at Seo It was eventually named c) Gakhibane Cultural Centre are known to be as old as include subsistence hunting and gathering (Chanda et al., 2003), after him. He came to this This is the spot which is planned for use as a cultural centre. The place has 200 000 years old. The Achaelian marks the second major stone artefact place in search of water an eye-catching view; one is able to while safari-based tourism provides opportunities to a few 7 tradition, or industrial complex in the early stone age of Africa. The relics springs hence the digging Old school foundation/ church see all the corners of Gakhibane community-based projects and individuals (Moswete et al., village when at the summit of the have been made using silarele sandstone that makes up the maleshe of his pit. In other areas This first school in Bokspits was built and run by the Lutheran Church. It raised point. The village leaders (as outcrop. This monument is at: 2009) where he and his people was centrally located in the village and provided formal education to the part of Botswana 50) celebrations, had dug other pits, the local community. The school was later moved to the place where the popularly known as BOT 50, built water was salty and could current primary school The Kgalagadi District, incorporates Kgalagadi Transfronteir Park some stairs which leads one to the not be used by people for stands, when the (KTP) offers a wide range of ecotourism resources and products. top where the cultural centre is to be domestic purposes and government took over. built. In addition to the centre, the Eco-resources include nature, desert landscape, unique sand was unfavourable for In the same compound as lower part that lies to the east has been ear marked for a cultural village dunes (ridges), salt pans, culture, and history. With respect to watering livestock. The pit the old school, stands the 16 Didiba tsa ga John M. Lorekang This will include amongst other things have chalets for rental, wedding is situated at GPS foundation of the first cultural heritage resources, artefacts dating to the early, middle, grounds as well as children playing grounds. This spot is located at: coordinates; E 20⁰ 41’ 22’’ Lutheran church building. The wells are from as way and late Stone Ages have been uncovered in the KTP and the and S 26⁰ 53’ 51’’ at an There is also the second back as the 1800.They Kgosi Jacob’s cattle post surrounding villages (GOB, 2001). Handicrafts made from ostrich elevation of 850m. church building that is were used for watering E 21⁰ 35 19 intact and the old mission house. The old mission house was used as a livestock and people. The eggshells (head bands, bracelets, necklaces, belts and S 26⁰ 31 31 residence by the priests who also served as the school teachers and people of Tsabong settled floor-mats) are produced mainly by the San. Because of desert 950 elevations administrators. Most of the old buildings were built in the 1950’s This around this area in need of conditions with incidents of recurring droughts, inadequate compound is located at: E 20⁰ 41’ 40” and S 26⁰ 53 40” at 850 m above water. The GPS position of sea level. these wells is:

List of All Sites rainfall, and infertile soils for arable and pastoral agriculture, 17 1 Matthy’s pit – Struizendam poverty levels are relatively high. Unemployment levels within Lobu-yo-Monnye-Tsabong Kgalagadi communities are high due to low levels of 2 Bokspits It was used for watering animals, even wild animal used to drink from this commerce. Thus, livestock farming (e.g. goats, sheep, donkey, pan. The pan holds water for a short period of time (1-2 months) then dries 3 De Hoek /The Loop (Botswana’s corner) 8 12 poultry, and cattle) and park-based tourism provide 3 De Hoek /The Loop (Botswana’s corner) Old Bedford truck Paving slab site up. Its location is at: E 22⁰ 23’ 54.3”: S 26⁰ 01’ 18”and it is at 959 m above 4 The first Bank (Barclays bank) sea level. employment opportunities for residents (Moswete et al., 2009). This old Bedford truck is very This is the South West This place has well shaped 5 Hence, ecotourism has been identified as a sector through significant in thedevelopmentof Old women’s club house stones that can be used as point of Botswana and is the village of Bokspits. This which the Kgalagadi region’s economy could diversify, and building slabs as well as 6 John Sidney Martins popularly known as the truck was owned by the 18 pavers. It is rich in sand Lobu-yo-Motona residents are encouraged to invest in tourism initiatives with Loop or De Hoek by the Farmers Union. The vehicle was 7 Old school foundation/ church locals. In the 1960’s, there stone rocks of different emphasis on communally owned ecotourism enterprises or key in carrying equipment that The pan retains water for happened to be a flood in sizes. The area has been 8 Old Bedford truck projects. was used for borehole drilling. It longer periods than the the area and the people of looted before, but the was well known in Bokspits and small one (2-4 months). It is 9 First Bokspits kgotla Bokspits had to construct a village elders have since surrounding villages as it also used for watering animals There is a shared understanding among local communities, mud wall to block the taken upon themselves to 10 Rapplespan served as a major transport for the people of the area. It is seen as a key and has some salt deposits. overflowing Kuruman River. ensure that the slabs are protected and generate revenue for the the Department of National Museum and Monuments, as well historical artefact by local leaders, and it is currently located at: E 20⁰ 41’ The pan is located at: E 22⁰ 2’ The remains of the wall are development of the village. The pavers have been used in the recently built 11 Gakhibane Village 22’’ and S26⁰ 53’ 34.3”: S 26⁰ 02’ 43.8”. as the government of Botswana as the overarching body still evident to-date even Monument at Serororme valley. The site is located at: 12 Khuis Paving slab site regarding the heritage of Kgalagadi District though it has been E 21⁰ 49’ 38”; S 26⁰ 39’ 38” and it is 890 m above sea level damaged by animals, 13 Lobu Government Ranch The heritage trail depicts the heritage of Kgalagadi as a children and numerous 19 14 Traditional Leather tanner and Motlopi coffee Products collection of monuments, that would serve as a national weather agents such as Sediba soo rra Brooks memory and identity and most importantly a potential source heavy rains and winds. This 9 13 15 Seo Monument (Maleshe) First Bokspits kgotla Lobu Government Ranch The well belongs to the of tourism. It characterizes the Kgalagadi region as wall acted as a buffer to Brooks family. It’s an old 16 prevent the village from Didiba tsa ga John M. Lorekang developmental, self-reliant, resilient and as a region with great This is the place that Bok and This is a government owned farm that was established around 1978. It being submerged in water. The wall stands at E 20⁰ 41’ 2’’ and S 26⁰ 41’ well and generations have his people used as an assembly was meant to produce stud 17 Lobu-yo-Monnye-Tsabong potential. In short, the Kgalagadi region is portrayed as 25’’ with an elevation of 870m. used it. It is used for area in the early days when they animals or breeding stock portable drinking water by innovative in its pursuit of social and economic development. 18 Lobu-yo-Motona settled here. The trees provided for sheep and goats or the community and also As the heritage trail reveals that the District’s history and shade, and were used as the small stock as the focus waters livestock. It was dug 19 Sediba soo rra Brooks development are its major priority areas. first Kgotla, the location is at: E with a few cattle. Different for the purpose of watering 20 Logaganeng (Cave) 20⁰ 41’ 26’’ and S 23⁰ 53’ 38” breeds such as Doper and livestock as well as for Karakul sheep; Kalahari water for use in homes. The well is reliable and could retain water from one 21 Zutshwa Salt Project Due to its enormous nature and cultural diversity, the red, Boer goat, and Saanen rainy season to the other. This well is at GPS position: E 022⁰ 22’ 07.3”: S Kgalagadi region has latent potential for diversified heritage goats were kept. However, 26⁰ 05 58.9”and it is at 992m above sea level. 22 Kartlwe Pan tourism. In this endeavour, Kgalagadi region comes out as a 4 The first Bank (Barclays bank) as years went by, the farm 23 was abandoned. However, old Police Station district where sustainable development can be easily attained. Barclays bank Lobatse when his Excellency, the 20 24 NRC (Native Recruiting Company) In this perspective, Kgalagadi region has hope of eradicating used this building as their President of the republic of Logaganeng (Cave) premises when they Botswana, Mr. Mokgweetsi 25 Kgalagadi Transfronteir Park poverty, creating employment and attaining social brought their banking 10 Masisi was on an official This cave has a natural development. The heritage trail evidence supports this Rapplespan 26 John Sidney Martins services to Bokspits and visit to the area he occurring well that never paradigm by unveiling developmental hope for Kgalagadi other surrounding villages This is a natural pan. It has been advocated for the farm’s dries that the community 27 Old school foundation/ church region. It is more comforting, therefore, that the local on announced dates. critical as a water source for revival. He beleived this drinks from and water their Residents from both domestic and wild animals. would create employment 28 Old Bedford truck communities in Kgalagadi have embarked on a mission to livestock. It has been a neighbouring villages would The pan catches water for some in the Kgalagadi South region. The aim is to have the region produce the source of life for a long 29 First Bokspits kgotla leverage their heritage to generate income. throng Bokspits to access the banking facilities. The building that has since time after the rains. Additionally, best breeds of small stock and sell packaged lamb, mutton and animal time. Once a cow fell inside This trail seeks to discuss the Kgalagadi heritage trail. The burned down and only the foundation left. It is at: E 20⁰ 41’ 2’’ and S 26 41’ this was a hunting spot for wild studs to farmers. The farm is located at: E 26⁰ 33’ 29”; S 21⁰ 49’ 23” and and the community had to 25’’ at an elevation of 870 m from sea level. thrust of its discussion is that Kgalagadi North and South have animals. The pan is located at: E it is 960m above sea level. rescue it. Those who went 20⁰ 48’ 10” and S 26⁰ 48’ 46” in say its bottom is so wide. Upon seeing that animals were falling in a rich heritage as demonstrated by various monuments in the and it is at 860m above sea community members threw rocks in to block and or close the well but region. level. failed. The GPs location of this well is: E 22⁰ 22’ 15” S 26⁰ 5’ 15” and it is at 1010m above sea level. 21 Zutshwa Salt Project This project started in 1989 Legend and was operated by Old Clinic (Seventh Adventist P RICC??? and German Church clinic) H Villages donors. In 1993 it was handed to Zutshwa Lehututu Pan/Air strip H Heritage Sites community, however, the project collapsed in 2004. Restaurant / Take away This was basically due to of m mismanagement, lack of H H Filling Station leadership and lack of skills. P ' Kang P The board of trustees made P Police informal decisions and the H Kang Pan Camping Site general community P members were not H H Hospital / Primary Hospital involved. In 2014 towards NRC general elections the then Phuduhudu AirField Vice President Dr P.H Sediba soo rra Brooks Kedikilwe visited the village Zutshwa Tshane Hotel / Guest House and was informed about the project. P5 million was thereafter released to Logaganeng (Cave) re the project. The trust has since bought and constructed 32 crystalizing Zutshwa Salt Pan Tshane Police Station Tarred Road and evaporative ponds. The project is located at Zutshwa village at GPS Hukuntsi pan Tshane Police Old Cell Track Road position: E 22⁰ 22’ 33” and S 25⁰ 52’ 6”. Kaptein Simon Tshane Pan/Air strip District Boundary Line Kooper Sites International Boundary Line 22 Kartlwe Pan Kartlwe Pan This pan is found about ten kilometres south west of Lokgwabe village. It is the place where Kaptein Simon Cooper settled with his Nama people Kgalahari after leaving the Battle fields of Sitatswe and Polontswa. Here Kaptein cooper regrouped his people and built a permanent settlement. Ruins of H the homestead’s and boreholes are found around the pan. The place Trans - Frontier where Simon Cooper’s kgotla stood is also visible. The Pan was vital as it provide water for livestock as well as serving as hunting ground. E 21⁰ 42’ 38’’ S 24⁰ 8’ 56’’ 1090 m Park H P P Werda 23 H Tshane old Police Station Lorolwane H Tshane police dates to the colonial times. It is here that the men in uniform Draihoek would patrol the entire region. The first police officers were from Mabule neighbouring countries such as . Ne who is still remembered is a certain Adreck (Hendrick) whose grave is some few metres away from the Bray H current police station. Basotho were also recruited and they changed the H Khisana police unit as they used camels and horses in carrying their duties. Later H on Batswana recruits joined the police unit hence localising the police unit. The police station had a radio room which had equipment that enabled communication with other police stations such as Lobatse. Coordinates: Boshoek E 21⁰ 51’ 50”: S 24⁰ 01’ 39”and it is at 1120 m above sea level. Maleshe NAMIBIA P H Khawa H Tsabong 24 NRC (Native Recruiting Company) Khuis Seo Monument This is where miners were recruited to go work at the South African mines. Khuis Paving H Didiba tsa ga John Man from all neighbouring villages of Lokgwabe, Tshane, Lehututu and slab site SOUTH many others surrounding Hukuntsi came for here for recruitment. After Mosimanewatsie Lorekang getting employment contracts they would be taken to Lobatse where they Fly’s Kop Lobu yo monnye Pan will be transported by rail to . The same place was also used Logananeng for mail communication. Once they settled in South African mines they Two Rivers AFRICA would write letters to their families back home and mail was collected and Lobu yo motona Pan deposited here. H H H H Macattys Rust Struizendam Rappel’s Pan H Macatty’s Pit H H H Maubelo (Sedibana sa ga Brooks) P Middelpits Kgosi Jacob’s cattle post 28 Lehututu Pan Kolonkwaneng Lobu Government Ranch Lehututu Pan is a natural occurring pan. The villagers used to water their livestock at this pan. The Bokspits pan was also used as a source of salt. The pan was 25 First Bank (Barclays) 26 Kaptein Simon Kooper Sites 27 Omaweneno Borehole later used as a landing strip Kgalagadi Transfronteir Park for aeroplanes that were Kaptein Simon Cooper was a leader of the !Kharakoen Nama community First village borehole. This was dug by the people initially. They named the Kgalagadi Transfronteir Park is a very beautiful Trans–national Park. Its transporting medical De Hoek /The Loop in the Botswana. Kaptein Cooper led his community against onslaught place where it stands Omaweneno meaning the place of gathering. Every facilities, medical staff and patients to and from the clinic. terrain comprises fossil river valleys dotted with dwarfed trees and from colonial Germany and took refuge in Bechuanaland protectorate on household pledged a beast to have the borehole drilled further and bushes, grasslands and different coloured sand dunes. Wildlife is (Botswana’s corner) Gakhibane the 23rd January 1909 to end the war against German south West Africa. equipped. S250 45’44.9”E0220 34’03.8” abundant, and the animals are attracted to waterholes along the in 2011, a tombstone was erected on his grave and the grave yard where otherwise dry riverbed. Several species of antelope, including the Old women’s club house his remains were buried was ultimately declared a National Monument. Traditional Leather The German government honoured Kaptein Simon Cooper with a 29 ubiquitous springbok and gemsbok, hartebeest, and eland can be seen, Tshane Pan/Air strip tombstone in2011 for his dedication and unwavering spirit. His descend- as well as the famous black-manned Kalahari lion, jackal, brown hyena, John Sidney Martins tanner and Motlopi ants reside in the Kgalagadi district, at Lokgwaba village and the same are Tshane Pan is basically the natural and wild cats. Over 170 species of birds have been recorded here, and it found in othervillages like Tsabong. The called BW Nama Development resource that led to the people of is not uncommon to see over 30 bird species within a few kilometres of Old Bedford truck Trust was established in 2017 and has so far successfully hosted an coffee Products Tshane settling in the area. Oral the campsite. The other area of KTP comprises a series of exceptionally annual cultural festival for the past four years. The aim of the festival is to traditions have it that they had travelled large pans, which are the principle focus of the reserve. Campsites dot the Old school foundation/church resuscitate and revive Nama culture.Coordinates: E 21⁰ 42’ 01”: S 24⁰ 08’ (Kolonkwaneng) in search of water and ultimately finding various pans, and many are situated on slight outcrops, giving almost 1859”and it is at 1110 m above sea level. the pan hence settling around the pan. unimpeded vision, thus making for good game viewing right from the First Bokspits kgotla Gakhibane Cultural Center From the time of settling in the tourists’ camp-site chairs. surroundings of the pan , the people of Tshane have relied heavily on the pan for to water their livestock during rainy seasons and dry seasons. They dug wells which would be used for domestic water collection as well as watering livestock all year round. The Rraagoå Polo hill – Oral traditions have it that once a man tried to go up this pan was also used as a landing strip for steep (lekgabana/ lekhubu) hill. It is said the man heard some strange voice aeroplanes back in the days. The echoing “Rrago polo”. The voice was insulting the father to the man and colonial officials and doctors when since then the hill was revered as the area where ancestral spirits lived. The visiting the region woudld use the pan hill is now friendly and is used for social gatherings and photo shooting KgosiKgosi Charles Charlessprees. Gert Gert S250 Cooper 44’46.6”E0220Cooper standing standing 33’30.5” by by the the grave grave side side of of Captain Captainas a landingSimon Simon strip. cooper cooper

Kgosi Charles Gert Cooper standing by the grave side of Captain Simon cooper

KgosiKgosiKgosi Charles Charles Charles Gert Gert Gert Cooper CooperCooper standing standingstanding by by the the grave grave side sideside of ofof Captain CaptainCaptain Simon Simon Simon coopercooper cooper

Kgosi Charles Gert Cooper standing by the grave side of Captain Simon cooper