Mathangwane

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Geography and History

Mathangwane is a village in the Central District of Botswana. It is situated 25 kilometres West of Francistown, along the road from Francistown to Nata.

Mathangwane is known for its many river valleys, most of which are borders of the village districts. These districts are also known as Dikgotla. They are Mathangwane, which is the main district, Mpatane, Nkuelegwa, Matshegong/Matiwa, among others that emerged with village growth. In the late 20th century, the village stretched along the river bank from the North to the South with the West being locals' seasonal farm land. The Eastern side of the Shashe river is the North East District tribal land and it is predominately elite villagers' farm land.

The first people to settle in Mathangwane were the Kalanga people, also known as the Bakalanga, one of the first Bantu speaking tribes to migrate to present day Botswana. Mathangwane is currently ruled by She Itekeng Mongwaketsi Mathangwane.

In the 1980’s, many vehicle accidents occurred on a one-lane thin bridge across the Shashe River which linked Mathangwane to Francistown. It was believed by many people that the accidents were cause by a ghost who misled drivers into driving off the bridge at night. In the mid-1990’s, the bridge was replaced by a new double-lane bridge. Once the bridge was replaced, the accidents stopped occurring.

In 2003, Mathangwane became the headquarters of Tonota North constituency resulting in a constitutional amendment which increased the number of constituencies in Botswana.

Activities/ Attractions

Things to do in Mathangwane include visiting the wide range of local shops as well as the bars in the area. One can also participate in many cultural activities to enhance your knowledge of the traditional Mathangwane culture.

For things to do in Mathangwane, visit our Activities directory.

Accommodation

Visit our accommodation directory for a list of accommodation facilities in Mathangwane.

Businesses

Mathangwane has the following: Two primary schools, a high school, many day-care centres and a college. Mathangwane also has a health clinic.

The area around Mathangwane comprises of crop and cattle farmland. There are also many poultry and vegetable farms who supply Francistown and the local market.

Mathangwane has a cluster of shops and bars mostly along the Francistown-Nata main road, selling clothes, fast food, alcohol and building materials and car and bicycle parts. There are also a number of hair salons that thrive around Christmas time specialising in afro-styles.

Trade services such as metal-smiths, plumbing, bricklaying, and electrical installation are supplied by individuals in Mathangwane.

Visit our business directory for a list of businesses in Mathangwane or add your own free business directory listing.