Xenophobic or not? a case of amaXhosa with regard to amaGqunuqhwa as reflected in M. A. P. Ngani’s Umkhonto kaTshiwo

Abstract

Abstract: This article seeks to answer the question of whether the traditional amaXhosa, particularly under the leadership of Khwane, were xenophobic or not. This will be fulfilled by examining the light shed in M. A. P. Ngani’s historical drama text Umkhonto kaTshiwo (1985) which reflects the response of this community to amaGqunuqhwa (the Griquas) that came to them as strangers. Historical evidence of what this text is illustrating will be sought from various sources. The manner in which these newcomers were accepted and assimilated into the nation of amaXhosa, and the subsequent formation of the nation of amaGqunukhwebe (a sub-group of amaXhosa), will form the bulk of the different sections of this discourse. For clarity of the topic, an explanation of the concept of xenophobia will be included in the research. Towards the end of the presentation, concluding remarks will be included encompassing the summary of the study, findings and recommendations. Key words: Xenophobia, amaXhosa, amaGqunuqhwa (Griquas), Khwane, Mngaza, MAP Ngani, Umkhonto kaTshiwo, amaGqunukhwebe