A pivotal and tragic event in the mid-19th century involved the deliberate destruction of livestock and crops among the Xhosa people of South Africa. Driven by prophecies and beliefs promising supernatural intervention and deliverance from colonial oppression, this action resulted in widespread famine and societal disruption. The act was rooted in spiritual convictions and hopes for a resurgence of Xhosa power, yet culminated in devastating consequences for the population.
The historical context of this event is vital for understanding its significance. It occurred during a period of intense pressure from British colonial expansion, land dispossession, and disease, which deeply affected the Xhosa people’s livelihoods and cultural identity. The prophecies offered a promise of liberation and a return to a prosperous past, creating a powerful, albeit ultimately destructive, movement that reshaped the sociopolitical landscape of the region.
