Kgalagadi people

Last updated
Kgalagadi people
Makgalagadi
Total population
Flag of Botswana.svg  Botswana
Languages
First language
Kgalagadi
Second language
English, Tswana
Religion
Christianity, African traditional religion
Related ethnic groups
Lobedu people, Sotho people, Tswana people, other Sotho-Tswana peoples
Kgalagadi
PersonMokgalagadi
PeopleBakgalagadi
LanguageShekgalagadi

The Kgalagadi, or Bakgalagadi, are a Sotho-Tswana ethnic group native to Botswana. They are a section of the Batswana people. The name "Bakgalagadi" means "people of the Kalahari", and the group is thought to have migrated into Botswana from the Transvaal region of South Africa in the 17th century. [1]

The Bakgalagadi are divided into several sub-groups, including the Bashaga, Bangologa, Baphaleng, Bakgwatheng, Bakhena, and Balala. [2] They are primarily concentrated in the central regions of the Kalahari Desert, in the Gantsi and Kgalagadi Districts.

The Bakgalagadi are a pastoralist people, and their traditional economy is based on cattle herding and agriculture. They also practice hunting and gathering. The Bakgalagadi are known for their distinctive culture and traditions, which include their unique language, music, and dance.

See also

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References

  1. "Basarwa and Bakgalagadi communities". KnowBotswana. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
  2. "AFRICA | 101 Last Tribes - Bakgalagadi people". www.101lasttribes.com. Retrieved 2023-08-17.