The Siege of Mafeking This long-drawn out siege was pivotal in the war that was supposed to be between the British colonial forces and the Boers. It was inevitable, though, that others would be drawn into the conflict. In spite of being warned not to meddle in the ‘white man’s quarrel’, the Barolong were severely Read more about Mafeking: The Siege of Mafeking[…]
Meeting Shaka Henry Francis Fynn was the first white man to meet Shaka, staying with him for nine years. He recorded their strange friendship in his diary, giving us a glimpse of Zulu life, culture, tradition and customs, as well as insights on the most powerful king in Africa. An Englishman, Fynn interacts with Shaka Read more about Shaka: Meeting Shaka[…]
The Siege of Leboho In 1895 the government of the Transvaal Republic introduced a hut tax on people living in their suzerainty. Kgosi Maleboho of the Bahananwa refused to pay these taxes. He also could see no reason why he should acknowledge any authority higher than his own. In this extract from this little-known story Read more about The Siege of Leboho[…]
Hope’s War In 1880 there was an uprising of the AmaQwati and AmaMpondomise in Sulenkama against British rule in the Eastern Cape. This is an extract from Hope’s War, which tells the story of this conflict with colonial authority. Here we meet Mhlontlo, son of Matiwane, as he becomes king of the amaMpondomise and before Read more about Hope’s War[…]
Maqoma: Warrior and Peacemaker The third book of three on Maqoma tells how this great leader became a peacemaker as he grew older. In a land full of strife, with the different Xhosa clans – and the British, the Boers and the missionaries – each with their own agendas, finding peace would not prove easy. Read more about Maqoma Book 3: Warrior and Peacemaker[…]
Maqoma: Final Resistance In this, the second book of three on Maqoma, an age-old dispute over the chieftainship arises. As the regent for external affairs, Maqoma (who was also known as Jongumsobomvu) becomes concerned with the actions of the British and the Eastern Cape farmers. When King Ngqika died in November 1829 after a chest Read more about Maqoma Book 2: Final Resistance[…]
Maqoma: Founder of the AmaJingqi This book extract is from the first of three titles about Maqoma, the great chief of the AmaJingqi. This part of the story begins at the same time that Shaka was building his kingdom. Maqoma, the senior son of Ngqika, was sent to take revenge on an uncle who had Read more about Maqoma Book 1: Founder of the AmaJingqi[…]
Makgoba Kgoshi Mamphoku Makgoba came into conflict with the government of the South African Republic when he stood up against what he thought was not right, even if it meant being arrested. Read about how Commandant Swart Barend Vorster (who we met during the Siege of Leboho) enters the picture, what happens when Makgoba resists Read more about Makgoba: Kgoshi Mamphoku Makgoba[…]
Makhado In a previous extract, we read something about Dimbanyika, the first Vhavenda King south of the Limpopo. Generations later, we encounter Makhado and learn of his struggles to defend the Venda people and keep them united. Under threat from the Portuguese and the Boers, he also faced division from within. After assuming the kingship, Read more about Makhado: Defender of the Vhavenda[…]
Dimbanyika Much of the story of Dimbanyika has been lost, but those that remain agree that he is the one who began the unification of the Venda clans, becoming the first Venda king. Dimbanyika is one in a long line of disappearing kings, and stories of his death are the stuff of legends. Tied up Read more about Dimbanyika: First Vhavenda King South of the Limpopo[…]
Moshoeshoe Book 3 In the third book on Moshoeshoe, we find out how this great statesman consolidates the Basotho nation. This did not always go smoothly and he encountered many obstacles along the way. In this extract, we read about the beginning of the end for the Basotho as the Boers invade their country, and Read more about Moshoeshoe Book 3: Peacemaker[…]
Moshoeshoe Book 2 From the second book of three about Moshoeshoe(Moshesh), we read about this great statesman’s attempts to make ThabaBosiu a place of peace. Not everyone agreed with his decisions, though, and the Koranna were a disturbing force in the area at that time. By the summer of 1829, about five thousand people were Read more about Moshoeshoe Book 2: Chief and Statesman[…]
Moshoeshoe Book 1 We meet Moshoeshoe(Moshesh) at a time when news of his settlement on ThabaBosiu had spread. People came from far and wide, refugees looking for food and shelter. Not all people came in peace, however, and Moshoeshoe and his people were threatened on more than one occasion. Matiwane had survived the time of Read more about Moshoeshoe Book 1: Forging the BaSotho Nation[…]
Nghunghunyani: Exiled King and Freedom Fighter Nghunghunyani, son of Muzila, was determined to defend his military and diplomatic independence at all costs. In this extract, see how he attempts to keep his multi-ethnic and multi-cultural kingdom intact. He could not predict that wooing the British would not prevent the Portuguese from ultimately imprisoning him and Read more about Nghunghunyani: Exiled King and Freedom Fighter[…]
Muzila the Survivor: Son of Soshangana Muzila, the son of Shoshangana (or Soshangana, as it is now spelt), and the father of Nghunghunyani, had to fight his own brother for his kingdom. Read how Muzila battles it out with Mawewe to gain control over the Gaza kingdom. It was this bitter struggle that led him Read more about Muzila the Survivor: Son of Soshangana[…]
Shoshangana In this book, one of Zwide’s generals, Shoshangana refused to pledge allegiance to Shaka after the defeat of the Ndwandwe at the Battle of Mhlatuze River . Forced to flee, Shoshangana encountered both allies and enemies as a new AmaShangaan/Tsonga nation emerged under him. As time passed, Shoshangana and his followers became less afraid Read more about Shoshangana[…]
The Battle of Mhlatuze River In a rich and impeccably researched new series of illustrated history books called Our Story, aimed at children and adults alike, South African Heritage Publishers is telling the tales that shaped the nation, playing out in all nine provinces. In this, the first of a series of extracts in City Read more about The Battle of Mhlatuze River[…]