Three Dikgosi Monument
Gaborone
The Three Dikgosi Monument is a prominent bronze sculpture located in the Central Business District of Gaborone, Botswana. It depicts three significant dikgosi (tribal chiefs) - Khama III, Sebele I, and Bathoen I - who played crucial roles in Botswana's path to independence. In 1895, these chiefs traveled to Great Britain to petition Queen Victoria and the Secretary of State for the Colonies to separate the Bechuanaland Protectorate from the British South Africa Company’s control, ensuring direct British rule until Botswana's independence in 1966. The monument stands approximately 7 meters tall, with the statues themselves being about 5.4 meters high. In front of the statues is a large coat of arms of Botswana, symbolizing national pride. At the base are six inscribed plinths that narrate Botswana’s history from the early 19th century through the Mfecane period, resistance to invasions, colonial struggles, participation in World War II, and eventual independence. The monument was constructed by Mansudae Overseas Projects, a North Korean company, which sparked some controversy among local artists and minority ethnic groups who viewed it as emphasizing Tswana dominance. The monument was inaugurated in 2005 and has since become a significant cultural and historical landmark in the capital city.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit the monument during daylight hours to fully appreciate the detailed inscriptions on the plinths. Early mornings or late afternoons offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. While there is no admission fee, guided tours of Gaborone’s Central Business District often include the monument, providing richer historical context. No advance ticket purchase is necessary. Visitors interested in Botswana’s history may benefit from combining this visit with nearby cultural sites in the city.
Interesting facts
- •The monument features six plinths, each detailing a distinct era of Botswana's history from the early 19th century to independence.
- •The three chiefs depicted are Khama III, Sebele I, and Bathoen I, who are credited with securing Botswana's protection from colonial exploitation.
- •The monument was built by a North Korean company, reflecting historical diplomatic ties between Botswana and North Korea.
- •On the day of its inauguration in 2005, the monument attracted around 800 visitors.
- •Some minority ethnic groups in Botswana perceive the monument as symbolizing Tswana dominance, leading to local controversy.
History
The Three Dikgosi Monument commemorates three tribal chiefs who, in 1895, petitioned the British Crown to protect Bechuanaland from the British South Africa Company, leading to direct British rule.
The chiefs were later honored as "Founders of the Nation" at independence in 1966.
The idea for a monument was proposed in 1990, with funding allocated in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Despite initial site and planning objections, construction was awarded to a North Korean firm, Mansudae Overseas Projects, and the monument was officially unveiled in 2005 by President Festus Mogae.
Place Guide
Statues of the Three Dikgosi2005
These 5.4-meter tall bronze statues represent Khama III, Sebele I, and Bathoen I, the tribal chiefs who petitioned the British Crown in 1895 to protect Bechuanaland. The statues symbolize their leadership and pivotal role in Botswana's independence.
Six Historical Plinths2005
At the feet of the statues lie six inscribed plinths that chronicle Botswana's history from the Mfecane period and tribal expansions, through resistance against invasions, colonial struggles, participation in World War II, to independence in 1966.
Botswana Coat of Arms
A large coat of arms is prominently displayed in front of the statues, representing national identity and pride. It connects the historical significance of the chiefs with modern Botswana.
Contact
Phone: 368 9000
