Makhanda (prophet): Difference between revisions

Defeated by superior British firepower and poor tactics by the amaNdlambe leadership, Makana eventually chose to surrender himself under the belief it would bring an immediate end to the conflictsurrendered. The British colonial government imprisoned him on [[Robben Island]], but treated him with great respect, giving him private accommodation, food and furniture.

On 25 December 1820, Makana escapedattempted alongto escape with 30thirty other prisoners, mostlybut [[Xhosawould people|Xhosa]]capsize and [[Khoisan]]drown. prisonersOnly four of war from the Eastern frontier districts. Although severalescapees survived, Makanathe drownedcrossing.<ref name="anc-arch" /> Since he had promised his people he would never abandon them, they continued to hope for his return for another 50 years before funeral rites were observed.{{cn|date=April 2021}}

Makhanda is regarded as one of the first Africans to attempt a cultural synthesis of African and European beliefs.<ref name="Makana1" /> ''Dawn'', the monthly journal of the ''[[uMkhonto we Sizwe]]'', credited his actions with having inspired the supposed [[multiculturalism]] of the [[African National Congress]] (ANC) upon its founding.<ref name="anc-arch" /> [[Internal resistance to apartheid|Anti-apartheid]] political prisoners imprisoned on Robben Island, including [[Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe]], later petitioned for the renaming of the island after MakhandaMakana.