Wayeyi History

‘Watshara Watshapi wa siya hamazi sha wanga, wakuru wa vundja indowa’

The Wayeyi are the descendants of Shikati (meaning chief in Shiyeyi) Muyeyi Matsharatshara. According to Murray, they came to Botswana from Central Africa into LdiYeyi (Namibia) around 1000 AD.

According to Professor Tlou, the Wayeyi were “the first Bantu-speakers to emigrate to the Okavango delta”. The Wayeyi experience in colonial as well as independent Botswana has been one of serfdom. In 1926, they began to agitate the ill-treatement they received from the recognised tribe of Batawana. In 1948, they took the matter to court and were allowed to have their chief. They identified Mbwe Baruti as their paramount chief. On the morning of his installation, he ran away and disserted the Wayeyi people. They were then able to install seven headmen in seven villages. In 1999 they went back to court and the Chieftainship Act was annulled. On April 24th, 1999, the Wayeyi designated their Shikati – Shikati Calvin Kamanakao. In 2003 he passed away. They then designated a regent, Shikati Ditshebo Lation Samakabadi in 2004. He passed on January 11th, 2005. On March 25th, 2005, the Wayeyi designated their Shikati – Fish Malepe Ozoo. On May 28th, 2016, they were recognised as a tribe and their Shikati is awaiting the installation by the Minister.