AmaXhosa marginalised

THERE is a shameless, continuous marginalisation of AmaXhosa which stems from the colonial era and intensified during apartheid. The liberation of the country in 1994 did not liberate AmaXhosa.

The only protected and heavily promoted king is that of AmaZulu, namely King Zwelithini.

Out of the blue he was awarded a doctorate in sociology and was earlier strongly defended by government regarding accusations of xenophobia. His budget increases by millions.

The king of AbaThembu, being AmaXhosa, was put in jail for 15 years for crimes emanating from the apartheid era. The older nation of amaXhosa was given a man born of a “seed bearer” to be their king by former President Jacob Zuma.

This poor man was stabbed with a poisoned syringe by his own uncle and the matter went to court. This was confirmed in the Daily Dispatch.

King Shaka of AmaZulu gave the colonial traders land and cattle while Gando weentshaba of AmaXhosa fought the invaders from dawn to dusk, defending their cattle and land west of the Fish River. The first war against the Dutch was fought by AmaXhosa in 1702, a fact hidden from history.

Similarly, Phalo attacked the marooned European traders led by Hermanus Hubner at Kei River in 1836, burning their well-loaded wagons.

Today AmaZulu reap rewards for protecting European settlers while AmaXhosa are punished for being hidebound and protecting their sovereignty. A statue of Shaka stands boldly in Stanger whilst Chief Hintsa’s head is still missing.

SA history is still distorted by serious attempts to make AmaXhosa a different people, whilst various colonial regimes eagerly polished the image of AmaZulu. — Mthobeli Balfour, via e-mail