People
Who they are
The Tswana-Kwena, also called the Bakwena, live in Botswana and South Africa. They are one of the clans of the Tswana people, united by the Setswana language and their culture. In Botswana, their capital is Molepolole, where Chief Sechele I established it after 1852.
Their contact with Christianity dates back to the nineteenth century. In 1848, Sechele was baptized by the missionary David Livingstone, who had taught him to read and write, and became his first convert. Today the Dithubaruba festival celebrates Bakwena culture in Molepolole, with songs, dances and an opening led by the paramount chief of the Bakwena.
Where they live
2
Countries
316K
World population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Botswana Partially reached
|
80.1%
|
249.000 |
South Africa Significantly reached
|
19.9%
|
62.000 |
How they live
Many men work in mines and return to their wives and children for only part of the year. Those who live on good land grow grain. The land belongs to the whole community and cannot be sold. Almost all families raise chickens, and chicken is common at meals. Porridge is the staple food: bogobe, made from sorghum or millet, and ting, made from sorghum. At marriage, the groom’s family pays bogadi, a bride price, usually in cattle. At the 2024 Dithubaruba festival, older women first brought the harvest to the kgotla, the community meeting place, and performed phathisi, a Bakwena dance.
What they believe
Christianity is the religion of most Tswana-Kwena, with many denominations in their communities. Many Christians mix biblical teaching with beliefs that predate the churches. They believe in diviners who are said to have the power to speak to ancestral spirits on behalf of the living. Because of this belief, funerals are very important: they are large ceremonies that can last an entire week.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Setswana
Complete Bible
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Done
- Whole Bible Current stage
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)60.7%
Evangelicals9.8%
Needs
In Molepolole, the water supply has been unreliable for years, and in 2026 a member of parliament cited the lack of water as a cause for concern. He also called for a good stormwater drainage system, as it is very difficult to get around parts of the town during the rainy season. For the churches, the challenge is to teach people to trust in Jesus rather than ancestral spirits.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for a reliable water supply for families in Molepolole.
Pray for better stormwater drainage in Molepolole so that people can get around.
Pray for the reading of the Scriptures in Setswana in homes and churches.
Pray for Bakwena Christians to trust in Jesus rather than ancestral spirits.
Pray for churches in Botswana and South Africa to teach the Bible clearly and care for families.
Pray for Tswana-Kwena
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar