Restless spirit of Xhosa hero to go home
|Published
Vital role: Makhanda Nxele rejoining his ancestors. Vital role: Makhanda Nxele rejoining his ancestors.
Cape Town - It’s been 193 years since Makhanda Nxele – a Xhosa chief and warrior – drowned while trying to escape from Robben Island, where he was imprisoned by British forces.
While his remains were never found, Makhanda’s relatives want his story to be remembered as they plan a ceremony to repatriate his spirit by returning it to his birthplace in the Eastern Cape next week.
His repatriation forms part of a National Heritage Council drive to have Robben Island recognised not only for its significance for apartheid political prisoners, but also for those who played a role in South Africa’s heritage.
Makhanda led an 1819 attack on the Grahamstown military base which housed the British garrison, resulting in his imprisonment on Robben Island.
Monde Mkunqwana, a family spokesman, said the spiritual repatriation would bring closure to the family and the community.
“His soul has been wandering the shores of Robben Island and Blouberg. It needs to be taken home and laid to rest,” he said.
The ritual will be done according to Xhosa customs over four days.
“Sixty of the family members will sleep on Robben Island on April 17. By 6am the next day the traditional ceremony will start where a spiritual leader will call on his spirit.
“They will return with the coffin to the Tshabo village in the Eastern Cape, where he will be laid to rest with the family ancestors on April 20,” said Mkunqwana.
A book on Makhanda’s life was funded by the heritage council last year. Chief executive Sonwabile Mancotywa said he had been in talks with the Department of Basic Education to have the story of Makhanda added to the school curriculum.
“This is long overdue. Having him recognised will have history rewritten. It is important because he was a warrior that played a vital role in the liberation heritage of this country,” he said.
“The book on him was launched last year and we are also funding the re-enactment documentary of his life, which is under way.”
Amathole District Municipality manager Chris Magwanagqana said Makhanda’s spiritual repatriation would put the small village on the map.
“We feel honoured to be part of rewriting the history of this warrior. This is why it was important for us to get involved in the repatriation,” he said. - Cape Times