OUR HISTORY: Bicentenary: Makhanda’s attack on Grahamstown By Raymond Suttner RaymondSuttner
In 1819, Makhanda, the Xhosa warrior-prophet, united a large body of the western Xhosa to expel the British who had recently invaded their territory and caused much misery.
By the early 19th century, however, it was no longer easy to trek. To the east there was already intense population pressure, and this was one of the factors promoting the rise of large militarist states such as the Zulu and the subsequent dislocation known as the difaqane/mfecane, which sent refugees in all directions, including westwards.
This was in spite of his initially indicating that he had no power over the other chiefs and that Hintsa, if anyone, was the “paramount chief”. Yet Governor Somerset insisted that any Xhosa wanting to trade or deal in any way with the colony or colonists would require permits from Ngqika.
African warfare is often depicted as primitive charging with wild cries and little else. Yet Makhanda also developed an extensive intelligence and courier system. Before the battle of Amalinde , Ngqika’s precise route to the battleground was made known to Makhanda. That is exactly what happened. The Ngqika were thoroughly routed. Ngqika’s power appeared to be broken, but when he fled he went to the nearest military post urgently requesting aid.No aggression [was] committed by them [the Ndlambes] upon the colonial territory… There was, therefore, not the slightest pretext forinterference… the quarrel being entirely upon matters proper to the politics of the tribe, with which the colony had no concern.But unhappily the colonial government thought otherwise.
Much of these cattle were divided between Ngqika and those burghers who had “suffered from depredation” while the rest was sold to meet the expenses of the expedition. On reaching Grahamstown, the burghers were disbanded and allowed to return to their homes.Meanwhile, despite heavy losses, Ndlambe’s power had not been broken and he was quick to retaliate, driving Ngqika into the mountains. The main object was, however, to respond to colonial aggression.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Four prison warders attacked, two stabbed, in separate attacksFour prison warders were attacked during two separate incidents over the Easter weekend.
Read more »
The history of Sri Lanka’s ChristiansThe churches in Negombo, popularly called 'Little Rome', will also be known as the site of a horrific act of anti-Christian violence.
Read more »
Why hasn’t Die Stem been tossed into the dustbin of history yet?Newsletter| There is little difference between the old flag and the old anthem. What would happen if we were to toss the Die Stem section entirely? Those it would anger would soon get over it, writes NickiGules
Read more »
NBA Playoffs: Clippers pull off biggest comeback in playoff historyThe Los Angeles Clippers overcame a 31-point deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors 135-131.
Read more »
Thuso Mbedu makes history with leading role in Hollywood seriesThuso Mbedu will lead the cast on Barry Jenkins’ Amazon series “The Underground Railroad.”
Read more »
'The Highwaymen' won't go down in history like 'Bonnie & Clyde'Arthur Penn's 1967 film 'Bonnie and Clyde' was unforgetable. The same can't be said of this Netflix movie about the lawmen who brought down the infamous bank-robbing couple
Read more »
TS Galaxy shock Golden Arrows and make history by reaching Nedbank Cup finalTS Galaxy, the new National First Division team owned by former agent Tim Sukazi, have had a dream birth that will now be crowned by writing their name in the stars in a Nedbank Cup final.
Read more »
TS Galaxy shock Golden Arrows and make history by reaching Nedbank Cup finalTS Galaxy, the new National First Division team owned by former agent Tim Sukazi, have had a dream birth that will now be crowned by writing their name in the stars in a Nedbank Cup final.
Read more »