1625 - 1663

LEADER OF THE GORINGHAIKONAS, Interpreter, Negotiator, Postmaster, Tradesman, Rebel Leader

Autshumato is the first political prisoner sent to Robben Island for defying a European power. Also known as Herry die Strandloper (Harry the beachcomber), he was a leader of the Goringhaikona, a KhoiKhoi people of the Table Bay region who had abandoned grazing in favour of trade. They were the first to encounter Jan van Riebeeck when he arrived at the Cape and Autshumatos name appears frequently in Van Riebeecks journal during the following 10 years. He soon became an interpreter and negotiator during barter transactions.

He had a complicated relationship with the new arrivals and was twice banished to Robben Island over cattle, the scarce resource that at this stage made the European settlers dependent on the Khoikhoi. In 1659 Autshumato escaped from the prison island by boat. Instead of being rearrested, he was appointed to his old position at the Cape fort.

Over the years Autshumato had learnt to negotiate favourably for himself and his people and amassed small wealth through cattle. But after his escape he never regained this position of influence. Other Khoikhoi interpreters had taken over his role as interpreter. He died in 1663, a year after Van Riebeeck left the Cape.

Did You Know?

Autshumato was the uncle of Kratoa, a famous interpreter in the household of Jan van Riebeeck, who intervened on his behalf when Autshumato was once sentenced to death.