The histories name the young ruler as Phetole, also rendered Makaphele or Makaphimo in different transcriptions. His mother, Princess Dzungudini, is remembered as the leader who safeguarded both the heir and a community of men and women during the migration. Some transcriptions render her name as Tsukutleng or Tsokotleng; this archive uses Dzungudini as the correct name.
A central object travelled with them: the Kgapana ya pula, described in one record as Kumpo la Vola—rain regalia that connected political legitimacy, sacred responsibility and the wellbeing of the land.
The route is remembered through the Limpopo, Soutpansberg and the river systems of the Letaba, Mooketsi and Mosukudutswe. The first settlement is recorded as Khumelong, also rendered Kgumelong, where Phetole began to rule the emerging Balobedu nation. The year 1587 is preserved as the remembered point of arrival in the present Balobedu area and is presented as an oral-tradition date.
