22 April 1819
Makhanda (Nxele) leads the attack on Grahamstown
Makhanda (Nxele) led Ndlambe-aligned Xhosa forces against Grahamstown, the principal British frontier garrison, after colonial intervention in the conflict between Ndlambe and Ngqika.
Makhanda emerged as a religious and political leader among Xhosa communities aligned with Ndlambe. British support for Ngqika, military intervention against Ndlambe's allies and demands for cattle turned an internal political struggle into a direct confrontation with the colony.
On 22 April 1819, Makhanda led thousands of fighters against Grahamstown, which was both the main British military base on the frontier and a growing civilian settlement. The attackers came close to overrunning its defences but were repelled by concentrated gunfire and artillery.
Makhanda later surrendered in an effort to end further fighting. He was imprisoned on Robben Island and drowned in 1820 while attempting to escape.
Significance
A landmark episode of Xhosa military and prophetic leadership, the assault directly challenged the base from which British frontier expansion was enforced.
Why it matters
The assault combined military resistance with Makhanda's religious and political leadership and directly challenged the base of British power on the eastern frontier.
Perspective notes
Grahamstown was both a military headquarters and a growing civilian settlement. Its strategic role helps explain its selection as a target without diminishing the danger the assault posed to its inhabitants.