The 1908-10 Campaign Against Incorporation Into South Africa (Part 2) :: Mmegi Online

We left off with the observations that, ably assisted by his Tribal Secretary Peter Sidzumo, during his later year’s Kgosi Sebele I (along with his brother-in-law and close ally Kgosi Bathoen I) also associated himself with the then rising current of black protest politics within South Africa, which was finding its voice through a vibrant African controlled press, regional “Native” Congresses and political associations, as well as such forums as the Inter-State Native College Scheme that founded Fort Hare University.

In a published address, given in absentia, at the Inter-State Native College Scheme’s July 1908 Convention, Sebele addressed the issue of “Why South Africa Fails” head on by in part noting:

“But then who is really to blame that ‘the [so-called] Kafirs has thus commenced to read from the wrong end of the book’. It is a very common fallacy frequently hinted at by white witnesses that a good deal of the blame for the existing unsatisfactory state of affairs rests on the shoulders of the missionaries.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.