The freedom tree
Phumlani Viwe Cimi system based on merit and achievement, as opposed to the pre-colonial Xhosa pattern of strong hereditary chiefs. They viewed themselves as the bearers of a great universal Christian civilisation, and tended to regard the Rharbabe and other amaXhosa as backward and uncivilised. Several educational institutions, such as those at Lovedale, Healdtown and St Matthew's supported the aspirations of this developing class.
Every 14 May since the day the 'Fingo-Oath' was sworn has been celebrated as Fingo Emancipation Day, with a ceremony held under the old milkwood tree where the oath was sworn.
The milkwood is a lowgrowing, evergreen tree. It is rarely found with a straight trunk; instead, its gnarled, sprawling branches often create impenetrable thickets that are home to a variety of wildlife. Although also occurring inland, milkwoods are found mainly along the coast from the Cape Peninsula to northern Zululand.
The small, yellowy-green flowers have an unusual soursmell (Jan-July). The edible, juicy, black fruit (July-Jan) are enjoyed by birds and baboons. The milky latex which gives the tree its common name, makes the leaves and the bark unpalatable to grazing animals. The wood is very hard, heavy and strong. In the past, it was used for ship building, bridges, mills and ploughs. It is very durable even when wet and it shrinks little with drying. • Phumlani Viwe Cimi is a botanist at the Albany
Museum.