Heroes and Heroines

During the early 1800s Matiwane (d. 1829) was chief of the Ngwaneni, “The Nomads of Wrath,” who lived in the foothills of the Drakensberg Range...

Masopha (also spelled Masuphag or Masopa) (circa 1820-99) was a Sotho leader, who, throughout his life remained independent in spirit, seeking to defend his freedom...

Rev. Elijah Makiwane (1850-1939) was a minister, a journalist, and one of the founders of the Cape Native Teacher’s Association. He was born at Sheshegu,...

Samuel Makama Martin Masabalala (December 6, 1877-circa 1940) was a South African trade unionist and African nationalist. He figured prominently in the formation of the...

Makhanda (sometimes called Makana), also known as Nxele (the left-handed), lived from about 1790 to 1820 and was a skillful Xhosa military leader, orator, philosopher,...

Leo Marquard (June 18, 1897-March 27 1974) was a distinguished teacher and historian, and an influential liberal who was one of the founders of the...

Mapogo Sefako Makgatho (1861-1951) was one of the most articulate leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) and a dynamic advocate and defender of African...

Gerhardus Marthinus Maritz (March 1797-September 23, 1838), also known as Gert Maritz, was one of the courageous organisers and leaders of the Great Trek, the...

Maqoma (1796 – September 9, 1873), who figured prominently in the frontier history of Cape Colony, is reputed to have been the most intelligent of...

Thomas Mtobi Mapikela (circa 1879-1945), a builder and contractor, was a founding member of the African National Congress (ANC), originally known at the time of...