Background/History

Identification and Geo-political location of Fetakgomo: A synopsis

The name "Fetakgomo" stems from: Fetakgomo o sware Motho", a movement that was formed to resist the apartheid regime. it (Fetakgomo) originates from the Pedi idiom "Fetakgomo o sware Motho, mafetakgomo ke moriri o a hloga" which simply means 'People First'.


"Fetakgomo o sware Motho" was a formed or re-established after its fore-runner (predecessor), Sebatakgomo formed in 1956 to fight against the Bantustan Policy and serve as the mouthpiece of the people of Sekhukhune. The association was formed largely by the people of Sekhukhune who worked in and around Gauteng, and Tshwane in particular Chief Sekwati Mampuru and Paramount Chief Morwa became strong opponents of the Bantustan Policy. The quarter of the association was Mohlaletse, commonly known as Maroteng.


Following the banning of Sebakgomo which was well developed, strong and well-organised, banishing of its leaders, many of whom faced arrests and death penalities, Sebakgomo was re-established under a new name "Fetakgomo o sware Motho" which implies "people first". Of significance is that the people continued to organise resistance despite apartheid brutality, arrests, untold to torture and death penalties.