Makana

This article first appeared in Dawn, the monthly journal of Umkhonto we Sizwe.

The mentioning of the name of Makana is enough to evoke that strong sense of unremitting and relentless struggle against domination, oppression and racism. Makanda Nxele (the left handed) or Makana the prophet, as many prefer to call him, in his days symbolised unity, patriotism and lived to demonstrate the sacred qualities needed in any freedom fighter; sacrifice and an abundant love for humanity as well as peace. He was a man who, seeking freedom from his people, realised the need to be in the forefront to give guidance. Practical action, shining example and consistency in the course of the people's resistance were qualities so mixed in him that even his adversaries were forced to respect him as well as fear him.

The story of Nxele, as commonly known by his contemporaries, has become a storehouse and a treasure more especially to us South African revolutionaries. In him we are called to emulate the resolute stand in the struggle we are waging against the intrigues of colonialism and imperialism. We are called upon to know the enemy and how he operates in his bid to hold our people under perpetual domination, ignominy and disgrace, that is, through our kith and kin, through men who have lost their souls, men who are prepared to sell the nation in return for small favours, villains and turn coats like Ngqika.

On reading the text of Makana's history, we at once find that in the struggle of man against domination, social revolutions that take place for reasons of introducing a new social order in the interests of the people, there will always be those who collaborate on the side of reaction, whose dirty work seek to delay the process of attaining genuine freedom. Revolutions in Russia, Angola, Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa and elsewhere, bear enough testimony to this for we can cite as examples enemies of the people like Trotsky, the Holden Robertos and Savimbis, the Muzorewas and the Makiwanes who like Ngqika in Makana's days have clearly identified themselves with the enemy against the people. The defeat at Grahamstown on the morning of the 23rd April, 1819, does not suggest the weakness of our people, neither does it point at the paucity of the strategy and tactics employed by Makana, instead it points to the dazzling bravery of our people who with only spears in hand took the fort at Grahamstown by such a storm that a countless number of settlers were left lifeless, several hundreds mortally wounded. The resultant driving away of Makana and Ndlambe's forces, therefore, was an event made possible only by the fact that the British wielded superior weapons. The advantage the British enjoyed, failed, however to vanquish the indomitable spirit of Makana and the people whom he welded into an indestructible unity, his men displayed tremendous courage, bravery and unity of action as well as of purpose.

The barbarism and sadism of the British under the command of Colonel Willshire which manifested itself in the raids carried into the territory of Ndlambe's people resulting in despicable massacres of the people and stealing of cattle, forced Makana to hand himself to the British authorities in an effort to stop the senseless killing of innocent people and to bring peace and calm. The British, astonished by the fearlessness of Makana who chose to sacrifice himself rather than have his life spared and have the people exterminated, locked him in Robben Island together with some of his followers. This was despite appeals by his councillors to have him released and them arrested instead. This too is evidence enough to demonstrate the place Makana occupied amongst our people.

In Robben Island with some of his followers and other prisoners in that dingy dungeon, Makana emerges to be the indisputable leader, whose qualities were never changed, whose spirit was never dampened and deterred by conditions imposed upon him and his people by the treachery of those who usurped their land and were now enforcing their rule over the people. His life ended on the 25th December, 1819 when he drowned marshalling and urging his men to swim on to the shore. Makana died a hero, a life dedicated to the service of our people. His name has been inscribed in the book of our martyrs and shall serve as an example for generations to come.

One of Makana's greatest credits is his attempts to unite the Xhosas in their struggle against the common enemy. His story brings to light the importance of unity in the struggle against colonialism and imperialism. If our people did not fight as small units, but as one united nation they could have vanquished the enemy. It is in the light of this factor that the African National Congress on its formation sought the unity of all nationalities in South Africa. There remains no doubt, therefore, why today the organisation of the people, true to the principles of unity, entered into a democratic alliance with other national organisations fighting the demon of minority rule, racism and discrimination. Our people have come to realise the strength that lies in unity. Our organisation has always been and continues to be prepared at all times to join hands with all those whose for the progress of the people and who cherish liberty.

Our fighters, members of Umkhonto we Sizwe, have on more than one occasion shown that great defiant spirit of Makana for they have chosen to sacrifice their only precious possession, life, which is given but once. They also have dictated to us that a life well lived, a life with no regrets is a life spent in pursuit of love, peace and freedom Mini, Mkhaba, Khayinga and Mahlangu—just like Makana and therefore the torch-bearers in our bitter but just struggle, let us then follow their shinning example by giving over everything including our lives, for the victory of our cause, for freedom and human dignity.

ETERNAL GLORY TO THE PEOPLE'S MARTYRS!
THEIR CAUSE IS A LIVING ONE!
OUR HEROES LIVE ON!