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the farms such as Milbank and Lomonside were “gifts” from the
government of Prime Minister C.J. Smuts to Kgoši Malebogo for his
support during World War II 453 . Kgoši Malebogo, who had made most of
his men available for the war effort, according to Mashilo, was rewarded
by some farms on which he allowed his subjects to settle freely 454 .
Milbank was occupied by different clans who came under the people of
Kgoši Monyebodi, who were themselves the Bakone, who originated from
Ga-Matlala 455 . Headman Lekgwara, who came from Madombidza in the
Tzaneen area, was appointed to head the community on the farm
Lomonside (Ga-Lekgwara) 456 . Some of Monyebodi’s and Lekgwara’s
men actively participated in the war, hence their efforts were rewarded by
pieces of land, according to Mashilo 457 .
One farm in the Makgabeng area which archival records indicate that it
was “donated” to Blacks, was Harrietswish. Although the reason for the
donation was not mentioned in the archival documentation, the farm was
donated in March 1954 to the 52 occupants by the then Minister of Native
453 Interview, Mofotoloko Mashilo, Ga Monyebodi village, 4 May 2004.
454 Ibid.
455 Ibid.
456 Ibid.
457 Interview, Mofotoloko Mashilo, Ga Monyebodi village, 4 May 2004.
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