HINTSA

Hintsa (circa 1790-1835) was ruler of the Galeka, the eastern and senior branch of the Xhosa, from about 1820 until 1835. He was the tenth king of the Xhosa in direct line of succession to Tshawe, who established Xhosa unity in the early 17th century. He was thus senior in standing to the ruler of the western, or Rarabe branch, and to other Xhosa polities in the territory between the Fish and the Kei Rivers.

PHOTO CAPTION: Hintsa. SOURCE: EA Library

Hintsa was the son of Khawuta (who ruled from 1778-94) and grandson of Galeka (ruler of the Galeka branch of the Xhosa from about 1750- 78). On his father’s death a regent ruled until 1804, when Hintsa came to power while still a minor in his mid-teens. He established his royal “Great Place” between the Kei and Bashee rivers.

The senior Galeka at this time were not on good terms with the Rarabe, since Hintsa’s father had assisted Ndlambe in an unsuccessful struggle to supplant Ngqika, the rightful heir to the Rarabe kingdom. Khawuta’s army had been defeated by Ngqika in 1795. In 1809, when a British imperial representative inquired of Hintsa whether Ngqika could be resettled in Galeka territory, Hintsa’s reply was understandably negative.

Between 1809 and 1818, Hintsa consolidated his authority among the Galeka by seeking reconciliation with his relatives and vassals and by establishing peaceful relations with the neighbouring Thembu.

In 1818 Hintsa assisted Nolambe in a military showdown with Ngqika at Amalinde. There is speculation that Hints may have led the allied armies, inspired by the prophet-strategist, Makhanda, also known as Nxele. Ngqika’s followers were defeated, and only the intervention of British forces from the Cape Colony saved Ngqika from total ruin.

Five years later Hintsa and his allies, Jalosa and Ndlambe, checked the advancing attack of wandering Nguni bands from the north displaced by the Mfecane (the “Upheaval”) affecting southeastern Africa. By 1825, Hintsa and his allies had gathered enough strength to push back the invaders. In 1828, when the Ngwane of Matuwabe threatened his northern flank once more, Hintsa (assisted by the British) beat back and dispersed the Ngwane armies.

When the Sixth Frontier War between the British and the western Xhosa started, Hintsa declared neutrality and tried to avoid being drawn into the conflict. The British authorities at the Cape, however, accused him of harbouring stolen cattle and runaway slaves and suspected that he was secretly aiding and abetting Rarabe resistance to white encroachment.

Hintsa was ordered to appear in Grahamstown and to pay huge fines of cattle. British military force entered his territory to enforce this penalty. Hintsa gave himself up and, under duress, agreed to the British terms. He remained a hostage while the necessary fine in cattle was collected. As there was a delay in the delivery of the cattle, Hintsa volunteered to lead the British into his country to expedite the collection of the cattle fine. En route, on the banks of the Ngabara River, the horse Hintsa rode bolted. Hintsa was then killed by a British soldier for allegedly trying to escape. Khoi eyewitnesses testified that Hintsa’s body was mutilated by the British soldiers.

Hintsa thus met his untimely and tragic death at the hands of British troops in 1835, during what the Xhosa called the “War of Hintsa” (or Sixth Frontier War). It is clear, however, that Hintsa had studiously tried to avoid direct conflict with the British and had not been responsible for the outbreak of the war.

An energetic ruler, a skillful statesman, and an impressive figure, Hintsa carefully revitalised the strength of the Galeka through military alliances and diplomacy. His military exploits and statesmanship were matched by his compassion and concern for justice. He opposed capital punishment and preferred to levy heavy fines instead. He welcomed travellers, and his protection of those who fled to his domain extended to all: European army deserters, Afrikaner settlers, runaway slaves, and the remnants of groups scattered by the Mfecane, who were known as the Mfengu. Above all, Hintsa revitalised his kingdom by gathering together different peoples, integrating their skills and talents with those of the Galeka.

C. TSEHLOANE KETO