Nation building / defensive states during the M’fecane

Nation building / defensive states during the M’fecane

During the M’fecane period some tribes like the Swazi, Basuto and Pedi among others looked for areas to hide/ or for heaven.

These tribes were not easily absorbed nor did they migrate northwards but remained in South Africa.

Chief Moshoeshoe/ Moshesh/ Moshweshwe (meaning the shaver) and the Basuto or Sotho nation/ the rise of the Basuto/ Sotho Nation

Moshoeshoe was a son of a small minor ethnic group called Makoteli. His father was called Mankachane/ Mokhachane, Chief of the Sotho tribe called Kwena. His original name was Leqoqo.

He was born around 1786, west of Drakensburg Mountain but sources of history provide little about his background. His life was so difficult in his youthful age.

He was known as a notorious cattle raider, with good qualities, intelligent and a charismatic character. These qualities made him to be an outstanding leader of the Basuto nation even in face of white men.

Moshoeshoe's childhood was humble. He was brought up by a man called Mtolomi/ Mohlomi, chief of the Monahery in the the western cledon valley who shaped him as an outstanding leader and at one time- he prophesized that Moshoeshoe will become a Chief in the future. This came true during the period of the M'fecane (times of to rubles).

By 1822, he had gathered and built a palace on the hills of Butha- Buthe and when he was attacked during the M' fees, by the Tlokwa soldiers, he moved to Thaba-Bosiu plateau.

He continued to face a number of problems. In 1824, he was attacked by the Ngwane, which weakened his administration.

Moshoeshoe had a strong and good personality, which made him popular among his people. He used a policy of peace, patience and understanding to unite his people into one nation.

He united the small different groups, which had been scattered by the times of troubles into one united state using religion, culture and language. Through his peaceful policy, he restored law, order and stability, which was caused by the M'fecane.

The occurrence of the M' fecane was an important factor in building and maintaining the Sotho state. The Basuto nanoo therefore was born, sustained and defended in troubles.

His role to build the Basuto nation was through the use of cattle and women, which he gave to his enemies who attacked him especially chiefs- Shaka and Mzilikazi.

All cattle in the state belonged to him. He married from different clans and was therefore a polygamist, which cemented unity. He built a strong army with the use of guns and horses for defense purposes and cattle raiding on his neighbors.

Moshoeshoe used diplomacy and tactics to save his people from external attacks.

Moshoeshoe realized the importance of good positions for defense. He built his capitals and forts on flat hilltops for defense, e.g. Butha-Buthe and Thaba-Bosiu,

He united his people because they had common problems, opinion and interests. In his administration, chiefs helped him.

He obtained advice from the Missionaries through diplomatic means. He gave them land on which they built stations, e.g. the Paris Evangelical Missionary society.

Using peace and unity he encouraged the refugees from Natal especially the Thembu, Fingo, Pedi Sotho and the Kololo to come and settle in his state.

He also acquired horses from the Boers for military purposes to protect the Basuto. He acquired guns from the Cape Boers to add to his military strength.

He used marriage alliances to build Sotho nationalism and unity unlike Shaka, as Moshoeshoe trusted women and used them as spies especially about the political situation in the kingdom.

In dealing with the whites, he faced one of problems especially the Boers who were demanding for land and to solve this problem he invited the Paris Evangelical Missionary Society and the London Missionary Society.

He also requested the Cape Colony to appoint a British Resident Consul to settle his problems with the Boers.

In 1864, the Basuto lost much of their land and property and with the treaty of Thaba-Bosiu in March 1868; Basutoland was declared a British protectorate.

His problems increased because of his polygamous practices, which were refused by the church, and this weakened his nation together with neighbors who were enemies. •

During his old age, he failed to control refugees and in 1870 he died.