Two thousand twenty-four marks 189 years since King Hintsa’s assassination and 30 years of democracy and freedom. King Hintsa ka Khawuta, whose head was cut by George Southey, the British colonialist, and taken to Scotland. The Xhosa nation has tried to get it back with failed attempts. Tilana the Sangoma went to Scotland to get it back, and he came with it, but after forensic examinations, the head was found to belong to someone else and had to be returned. The Xhosa nation argued that Tilana wanted to make a name for himself as the best Sangoma. Therefore, his claims were dismissed by King Sigcawu. Until today, no one knows where King Hintsa's head is except for the British imperialists.
King Hintsa and many other heroes who fought against British imperialists who wanted our land and resources are not commemorated enough by our government; naming a school after their names is not enough when South Africans still need their land back. Eastern Cape, mainly, had produced great leaders who fought against Apartheid, yet it is still the most disadvantaged province.
Our government is very choosy; only political heroes get celebrated and commemorated, while our kings and spiritual kings died for them to have the freedom they claim they have fought for today. Politicians did not fight as much as our kings did; the only people who fought for our freedom are those who chose to die rather than submit to a white man, those who sacrificed their lives for us to live freely today. However, credit is given to politicians, nonetheless.
Making peace with people who colonized us is not the same as fighting for freedom; the people who fought and died in the war are our heroes. Justice and commemoration for our heroes should start by returning King Hintsa’s head because how can a king enlighten and guide his nation spiritually when his head is still in the hands of the colonizers? Perhaps we should start by addressing the fact that spiritual rituals are perceived as barbaric acts in our society today; even our government is guided by Christian principles that demonize our ancestors, that they do not form part of the living. These underlying issues show that our government honours South African history only in speeches.
Ignoring this matter, the government shows clearly where their loyalty lies; they do not want to upset the mouth that feeds and controls them, Britain. But what kind of freedom are we celebrating if slavery continues? How can our African communities enjoy freedom when their ancestors are still enslaved, even in death? How can they release blessings to their nation if they are still imprisoned? This is why Eastern Cape communities are still facing poverty, and their land is not fertile anymore.
Colonizers ensured that this history was not documented so that the next generations would not know about what happened, so we could be stuck in one place, seeking answers we could not find to figure out a way forward. Our government should refine our education curriculum and include South African heroes in books read by learners so they can learn about their country’s rich history. Youth is the hope for tomorrow; they should know about their history to become better leaders and provide solutions to the problems we face today. Tertiary Universities are feeding students with theories of foreign people, the people who colonized us. This freedom is not free; 27 April should be a typical day.
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