1798 - 1873

Xhosa Military Commander, King of the Ngqika Xhosa, Warrior

Maqoma was one of the greatest Xhosa military commanders and played a major part in the Sixth and Eighth Xhosa Frontier Wars during the early and mid-1800s. He was the son of Ngqika, King of the Rharhabe division of the Xhosa nation. Throughout his life, he opposed his father's giving away of Rharhabe land to the Cape Colony and never stopped fighting to claim it back.

In 1822, committed to regaining his ancestral home, he founded a new kingdom on the banks of the Kat River, close to Fort Beaufort in the Eastern Cape. There, Maqoma was hounded continually by colonial raids and eventually expelled from his territory in 1829, the year his father died.

In 1834, faced with increased military pressure from the colony, Maqoma and his half-brother Tyali had no alternative but to take up arms in an attempt to prevent further dispossession. In the 'War of Mlanjeni' (1850-53), Maqoma used his skills as a general to lead a guerrilla campaign. His unconventional tactics in the forested mountains and valleys of the Waterkloof frustrated even the most skilled British officers.

Maqoma was sent to Robben Island twice, where he ultimately died alone, almost aged 75.

Did You Know?

Maqoma and his wife Katyi were banished to Robben Island for 21 years. In 1869 they were released but two years later he was sent back to Robben Island after being found guilty of encouraging rebellion among his people, this time without his wife. His grave can still be found on Robben Island. An inscription on the memorial reads: May your spirit continue to give the current and future generations courage towards absolute freedom.