In 1965, the capital of the Bechuanaland Protectorate moved from Mafeking to Gaberones.Roman Adrian Cybriwsky, Capital Cities around the World: An Encyclopedia of Geography, History, and Culture, ABC-CLIO, USA, 2013, p. 113 When Botswana gained its independence, Lobatse was the first choice as the nation's capital. However, Lobatse was deemed too limited, and instead, a new capital city would be created next to Gaberones. The city was chosen because of its proximity to a fresh water source, its proximity to the railway to Pretoria, its central location among the central tribes, and its lack of association with those surrounding tribes.
In 1965, the capital of the Bechuanaland Protectorate moved from Mafeking to Gaberones.Roman Adrian Cybriwsky, Capital Cities around the World: An Encyclopedia of Geography, History, and Culture, ABC-CLIO, USA, 2013, p 113 When Botswana gained its independence, Lobatse was the first choice as the nation's capital. However, Lobatse was deemed too limited, and instead a new capital city would be created next to Gaberones. The city was chosen because of its proximity to a fresh water s.ource, its proximity to th,e railway to Pretoria, its central location among the central tribes, and its lack of association with those surrounding tribes.