Comment - March 20 1896 - Ndebele Revolt begins and 141 settlers are murdered

[Eddy Norris]

Our Rhodesian Heritage (Compiled and Administered by ORAFs) Many Milestones made Rhodesia

 

 

Source Reminders from Our Rhodesian Past March 20 1896 - Ndebele Revolt begins and 141 settlers are murdered   Skatie Fourie Writes:- Interesting entry from our Rhodesian past, regarding the 1896 Ndebele uprising. My Father related an interesting story to me whilst I was researching my family’s history. My grandfather Frederick Fourie was in the Northern Matabeleland on a hunting trip just before the first skirmishes of 1893. Lobengula was born in the Marico Valley, close to where my Grandfather was farming on Brakfontein Farm in the back drop of the Dwarsberge. It was on his first hunting trip in 1890 that he actually met Lobengula, who was tolerant of Europeans. The contrast must have been something to see, Grandfather standing at 6ft. 7ins weighing 280 lbs. and known for his unbelievable strength, and Lobengula just the opposite. The chief was entertained when he asked Grandfather to show his strength amongst the Ngoni herd, he chose a huge ox and grabbed its one back leg just above the hoof. There was sighs and clicks and whistles of approval when the ox could not free itself. He was granted hunting rights with the usual request of some gifts on his next return in winter, that he must bring him a Singer treadle sewing machine. The following year Lobengula received his Singer sewing machine which was placed in a position or the many Europeans who was granted access to meet the King, to show that he too could afford one of the amazing European wonders. Granddad's returned in 1893 on his usual 6 month hunting trip. Not surprising the sewing machine was still standing where it was placed beside the hut, it had picked up rust and possibly not a stitch was sewn. This hunting adventure took him further north right into the dreaded fly area, where he lost almost his full team of oxen. His 'voorlooper ' (Scout) was sent back to ask for help, which Lobengula duly obliged with. This was sadly the last time they met and was advised to leave as the Impi's  were restless in wanting to chase the white man out. He was escorted out with all his trophies and bags of biltong to beyond any danger into the Bechuanaland Protectorate. News eventually filtered through that settlers were being attacked in Matabeleland. Lobengula   Thanks to Skatie for sharing his story with ORAFs. Kind Regards Eddy Norris Irene - RSA orafs1...@gmail.com

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