Xhosa heritage and history commemorated at event
Mhlala traditional council honours those who suffered loss
The Mhala traditional council, led by Chief Mxolisi Hamilton Makinana ‘Ah Zwelihlangene’, recently hosted a commemorative event honouring those who suffered losses during the 100 years of warfare between the British and AmaXhosa in the Eastern Cape.
The event was held at Mhala Great Place, the ancestral home of Chief Makinana.
It recognised the perseverance of the Xhosa nation in the face of immense hardship and celebrated the important role of women in Xhosa culture and society.
The Mhala traditional council comprises 60% royal members and 40% appointed community members.
Mhala Great Place, the royal home of chief Makinana is in Ndlambe Location, a village 30km from Peddie.
The unmarked turn-off is directly before the Great Fish River. The dirt road takes visitors on a 20-minute journey past Sinqumeni and Pikoli to Ndlambe Location.
This area bore the brunt of the Eastern Cape wars of dispossession spanning from 1779 to 1878. This era marked a challenging period for the Xhosa people, as colonial frontiers were fortified to displace the native inhabitants from their traditional lands.
The event, held during Women’s Month, acknowledged the courage of women and children who were caught amid the turmoil.
The event also celebrated the heritage of the Xhosa people.
The school choirs of Kanana Senior Secondary, Themba Primary and Qhayiya Secondary entertained guests throughout the programme, as did the Ndlambe Women’s Group which captivated the audience with traditional songs in a style called “ukombela”.
Headman Nkosana Zwelandile Seti, a member of the traditional council who overlooks one of the villages, recounted the royal history, starting with the sons of King Phalo, Gcaleka in the eMaMpondweni kingdom and Rharhabe in the Thembu kingdom.
The audience learnt that Rharhabe had three sons: Mlawu, Nukwa and Ndlambe.
Ndlambe had Mhala Ah Mbodla, who had Makinana, who had Silimela, who had Menziwa, who was the father of Chief Zwelihlangene
Makinana. Ndlambe had ruled the land from as far as Kariega (formerly Uitenhage) through to the Great Fish River, and all the way to Port Alfred, Seti said.
He said much of the history of the violent dispossession of the Xhosa nation who lived on that land had been hidden and forgotten.
Attending the event were various headmen, or iinkosana, including Seti and Nkosana Ntombizakhe Mhlekwa.
Members of other royal houses came to support the event, including Chief Zweliyadinga Makinana and Chieftainess Swelindawo Ah Nolizwe of the Mbalu traditional council, with her headman Luyanda Swelindawo.
Councillor Mlungiseleli Luzipho, on behalf of the Ngqushwa Local Municipality, spoke on the strides taken to unite the Ndlambe people.
Guest of honour, Prof
Ncedile Saule, was introduced by Prince Joe Jongolo, representing King Vululwandle Sandile of the Rharhabe Kingdom.
In his introduction, the prince mapped the vast lands the Amaxhosa once roamed freely.
Prof Saule spoke about the traditional medicinal plants that he had found on his drive to the Mhala Great Place.
He said they were effective in managing various chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, prostate-related issues and diabetes.
The fields of aloes, iDjwarha, in the Ndlambe location, underscored the land’s significance, a tribute to the Xhosa warriors’ relentless struggle.
Saule spoke of a passage of writing by SEK Mqhayi, who relentlessly acknowledged the role of women throughout history, the women who paved the way in times of hardship, who took over heading homes when men went to war.
He reflected on the notion of
“amaqobokazana”, a name used to describe women:
amaqobo are strong sticks used to flatten the way when gathering firewood.
Prof Saule emphasised the important role of research and equipping one’s self with knowledge to ensure the history and heritage passed down by our forefathers was kept alive through generations.
He said SA’s history had been distorted by others.
He prompted a reflection on the strides women have made throughout history, emphasising their often unheralded contributions to freedom.
Many remained anonymous, their vital roles obscured by time. He said understanding the past was pivotal in shaping a more inclusive and appreciative society today.
Chief Makinana and the Mhlala traditional council extended a warm invitation to all guests.
Chief Makinana paid homage to the fortitude of the Xhosa people, while also commemorating the women and children who braved unimaginable adversities during the wars of dispossession.
Seti later reiterated the need for young people to be educated about their history to restore dignity among SA’s people.
The Ubunye Foundation’s Lime Badu spoke about women in community building.
Bhadu spoke about the foundation’s schools programmes and emphasised the importance of early intervention in nurturing community-oriented values.
Ubunye’s programmes include working with clinics in the area and ensuring people taking chronic medication don’t default in their treatment plans.
In his words of thanks, Prince Jongolo said: “As we reflect on the stories shared on this day, we are reminded that acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of women in community building isn’t just a historical homage; it’s a call to recognise and amplify their voices in the present, paving the way for a more harmonious and equitable future.”