Nongqawuse was a Xhosa prophetess who lived in South Africa during the 19th century. She is remembered for her role in a series of events that resulted in the death of over 50,000 Xhosa people, and for the profound impact that these events had on Xhosa society and culture.
The Prophecy
In 1856, Nongqawuse and her cousin, Mhlakaza, claimed to have received a vision from the Xhosa ancestors. According to the vision, if the Xhosa people killed all their cattle and destroyed their crops, the ancestors would send new, healthy cattle and sweep the British colonizers into the sea. Nongqawuse claimed that this was the only way to save the Xhosa people from the devastating effects of drought and famine.
Many Xhosa people were initially skeptical of the prophecy, but as the drought continued and the British colonial authorities seized more of their land, more and more Xhosa began to believe in it. In 1857, a prominent Xhosa chief, Sarhili, ordered his people to follow the prophecy and destroy their crops and cattle.
The Consequences
As the Xhosa began to carry out the prophecy, their society was thrown into chaos. Without crops or cattle, many Xhosa people died of starvation and disease. The British colonial authorities, sensing an opportunity, began to take more Xhosa land and assert more control over the Xhosa people.
By the time the famine and unrest subsided in 1862, over 50,000 Xhosa people had died as a result of the prophecy. The events of this period, known as the "Cattle Killing," had a profound impact on Xhosa society and culture. Many Xhosa lost faith in their traditional beliefs and turned to Christianity, while others sought to find new ways to resist British colonialism.
The Backstory
The introduction of new diseases to Africa through European ships played a significant role in the context of Nongqawuse's prophecy and the events that unfolded. The introduction of new diseases to Africa through European ships played a significant role in the context of Nongqawuse's prophecy and the events that unfolded. LEARN MORE
Legacy
Today, the story of Nongqawuse and the Cattle Killing is remembered as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind faith and the devastating consequences of colonialism. It is also a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Xhosa people, who have continued to fight for their rights and their culture in the face of tremendous adversity.