The 8th war of colonial resistance began on this day in 1850. AmaNgqika launched an attack on colonial settlements 2 months after Harry Smith deposed (the audacity) ukumkani uSandile for not attending one of his meetings.
So many towns in South Africa are named after battle zones and generals who invaded and stole this land. Give yourself a moment to read some of the work written about this era: You're likely to be reminded of a town you'd passed through or lived in etc.
Harry Smith was so arrogant he fell out with a lot of people that could've been allies by the time this war began. The free burghers he could've asked to help out just kept it moving. Didn't bat an eyelid. The Black people who worked as police resigned.
AbaThembu namaGcaleka also assisted with this attack as well as Khoe soldiers. There's an account that made me think of Prof Hlonipha Mokoena's work. AmaNgqika apparently posed as converted Christians went into town for Christmas celebrations when they staged this attack.
Strategy on the part of AmaXhosa was very much guerilla-like. Oftentimes no battle lines were drawn or wars declared. Just attack.
Which makes sense to me because colonial advancement was the declaration of war. Everything after that on the part of the people being dispossessed of their land was a response to this invasion.
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