Fish Keitseng Monument
The Fish Keitseng Monument in Lobatse commemorates the life and legacy of Ntwaesele Thatayone “Fish” Keitseng (1923–2005), a Botswana-born activist who played a pivotal role in the anti-apartheid struggle. Located in the Peleng area of Lobatse, the monument stands on the site of Keitseng’s former home, which served as a safe house for ANC freedom fighters during the 1960s. Born in Kanye in 1923, Keitseng left home at the age of 23 and went to work in the South African mines. He was eventually recruited into the African National Congress (ANC) and became an important trade unionist and activist.
In 1956, Keitseng was involved in the infamous Treason Trial, which led to the arrest and deportation of several Batswana, including Keitseng, who was sent back to Bechuanaland (now Botswana) in 1959. Undeterred, he established a secret network of safe houses and transit routes throughout Botswana. These routes sheltered thousands of ANC cadres, including high-profile leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, John Moside, and Jacob Zuma, and facilitated their movement to training facilities abroad.
Keitseng’s home became a hub for liberation activity and a symbol of Botswana’s role in the Southern African freedom struggle. He risked his own safety to support those deemed “terrorists” by the South African apartheid regime, demonstrating immense courage and unwavering Pan-African solidarity. In recognition of his contributions, the site was declared a national monument in August 2012.
Today, the Fish Keitseng Monument includes preserved architecture and detailed displays that highlight Keitseng’s activism and the broader liberation movement in Botswana. It serves as a tangible testament to Botswana’s role as a safe haven and key transit point during the struggle against apartheid. More than just a preserved home, the monument stands as a living story of solidarity, bravery, and cross-border resistance. It is an essential destination for anyone interested in the history of the ANC, Botswana’s contributions to the anti-apartheid movement, and the broader Southern African liberation efforts. The monument is in Lobatse and typically managed by local heritage/tourism authorities.
If you’re planning a visit to Lobatse, the Fish Keitseng Monument is located near other important heritage landmarks such as the Samora Machel Museum. Let me know if you’d like help creating a full historical itinerary.
Physical Address:
Plot C42, Peleng Central
Lobatse, Botswana
Tel: +267 355 4448
Email: info@thebotswanasociety.org.bw