Nongqawuse was a 19th century Xhosa diviner, born in 1841 at a place known as Centane near the Gxarha River in the Eastern Cape province. Nongqawuse’s parents died while she was very young during the Eighth Xhosa War of Colonial Resistance. She was raised by her uncle Mhlakaza, who was the son of a councillor of the Xhosa King Sarili kaHintsa. Mhla…

Warrior Queen Mmanthatisi, akin to other notable African rulers like Sekhukhune, Faku, and Cetshwayo, forcefully claimed the Batlokwa throne, showing no mercy to her opposition. Her military career included the subjugation of nearly 30 tribes and victories over King Zwide of amaNdwandwe and King Moshoeshoe of Basotho. She was a tall, attractive wom…

Langalibalele, the king of amaHlubi, resisted colonialism during a time when diamonds were discovered in Kimberley, attracting workers of all backgrounds. Some amaHlubi laborers were paid in guns instead of money, a legal practice in Griqualand West. In 1873, Langalibalele refused to enforce an order to register these guns, leading to his arrest by…

João Albasini and Coenraad De Buys were notable historical figures who defied the racial norms of their time by becoming the recognized leaders of African tribes. Albasini, an Italian trader, earned the respect and trust of the Tsonga people through trade and support. He even became their honorary King and played a significant role in their leaders…