African History Encyclopaedia

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...

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...

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...

Manthatisi (circa 1781-circa 1836), or Ma-Nthatisi, also known as Mmanthatisi, was the regent chieftainess of the Batlokwa, a Sotho clan. A warrior queen, she ruled...

Bathoen I (1845-1910), also called Batweng, was chief of the Ngwaketse, one of the Tswana branch of the Sotho people of Botswana (formerly Bechuanaland). He...

King Moshoeshoe, or Mosweshwe, (born 1786, died March 1, 1870) was initially a minor chief of one of the Sotho-speaking people when he began his...

John C. Shorunkey-Sawyerr (January 3, 1863-May 29, 1929) was a successful Krio (Creole) businessman and lawyer, partner to his elder and more flamboyant brother Alfred...