The aim of this study is to analyse the dramatic skills of Malao with reference to Phithela and Motlhodi. In the process, his contribution to the development of Setswana literature will emerge. Through this critical analysis, the scholars of Setswana literature and African literature in general will note the strengths and weaknesses of Malao’s dramas and employ them to improve on future texts. The study is aimed at identifying the literary merit and giving interpretations of the texts. / Dr. H.C. Groenewald