Lobatse, Botswana, is a town situated in the south-eastern corner of the country. It is located approximately 80 kilometres south of the capital city of Gaborone and lies at the foot of the Tswapong Hills. The town was founded in 1887 by the British South Africa Company and has since become an important commercial and industrial centre in Botswana.
Lobatse has a rich and varied history, with its roots stretching back to the early 19th century. In 1885, the British South Africa Company (BSAC) acquired the rights to the area from the local tribes and set about establishing a trading post. The town was officially founded in 1887 and named after the nearby hill called 'Lobatse', which means 'place of the rocks' in the Setswana language.
In the early days, Lobatse was a small trading post and a stopover point for travellers heading to and from the Transvaal. It soon grew in size and importance, becoming a major centre for the cattle industry. The cattle industry was so successful that by the early 20th century, Lobatse was the largest cattle market in Southern Africa.
In the 1920s, Lobatse became an important centre for mining. The discovery of copper in the area led to the establishment of the Lobatse Mining Company in 1924, which eventually became one of the largest copper mines in the world. The mine was closed in the late 1960s due to a lack of profitability, but the town still benefits from the legacy of the mining industry.
Lobatse also played an important role in the struggle for independence in Botswana. In 1965, the town was the site of the historic Lobatse Conference, which marked the beginning of the negotiations for independence from the British. The conference was attended by representatives from the three major political parties in Botswana: the Botswana People's Party (BPP), the Botswana National Front (BNF) and the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
Today, Lobatse is a bustling and vibrant town. It is home to a number of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and the mining industry. The town is also a popular tourist destination, with its beautiful landscape and numerous historical sites.
The history of Lobatse is a story of growth and progress. From a small trading post to a major industrial centre, Lobatse has come a long way in the last century. It is a testament to the resilience of the people of Botswana and their commitment to progress and development.