town, southeastern Botswana. It lies on a main road and a rail line about 45 miles (72 km) southwest of Gaborone, the national capital. Lobatse is the site of the Botswana Meat Commission, which operates one of the largest meat processing plants in Africa. In addition, the town has a tannery, a canning factory, and a soap factory. Lobatse is also the seat of the High Court of Botswana and the headquarters of the Department of Geological Survey. Pop. (2001) 29,689.