y e a r l y r e g i s t e r BIOGRAPHY
NABOTSIBENI (NDHLOVUKAZI), LATE QUEEN
REGENT OF SWAZILAND.
Nabotsibeni, a princess of the Mdhluli section o f the Swazi Nation, was the wife of Ngwenyama Mbandeni, King of Swaziland, and mother of Bhunu, Heli Mahlikhlo Ngwane III., and grandmother of the present Ngwenyama of Swaziland, Sobuza II. She was pro claimed Ndlilovukazi after the death of her husband, Mbandeni, in 1889. She ruled for 36 years, first as Queen Mother and then as Queen Regent during the minority of the Ngwenyama Sobuza. Her son, Ngwane III. reigned only' for a short time and died, leaving as heir the present ruler for whom the Ndhlovukazi acted. She was a wonderful woman; a good, wise and tactful ruler, and acknowledged by all the representatives of the British Throne as one of the cleverest rulers in Africa. She was a skilled diplomat and cleverly avoided many difficult and dangerous issues which cer tainly would have been very disastrous for Swaziland. She had great faith in the late Queen Victoria and the British Government. Though uneducated, she wras highly respected by all the High Commissioners and other British representatives for her wisdom and ability to handle with courage and tact a difficult national question. She W'as. not a Christian herself, but always welcomed all missionaries wrho visited her country; She did much for education in Swaziland, and actually sent her grandson, the present ruler, and other young members of the Royal Family to Lovedale, the South African .Native College and other educational institutions for higher education. She w~as the founder of the Abantu-Batho, an English-Bantu weekly newspaper printed and published in Johan nesburg. Since her death some trouble arose between the Europeans and the Swazi Nation wrhich necessitated the sending of a deputation to His Majesty the King of England. The deputation was headed by the Ngwenyama Sobuza himself. There followed a case before the Privy Council which the Swazies lost.
Nabotsibeni was never known to don European clothes, although she had many presents of fine clothing sent to her from the good Queen of England. In order to regain tost rights over certain tracts of land in possession of European settlers she raised £+0,000 with the object of redeeming the land, but failed to establish her 77 BIOGRAPHY THE AFRICAN Rev. HENRY REED NGCAYIYA. Born in 1860 in the district of Fort Beaufort, Cape Province. Educated at Healdtown Institution where he passed the Teachers’ Examination. Became schoolmaster, but after some years he resigned and became interpreter in the Aliwal North Magistrate’s Office. About this time Rev. Nehemiah Tile, head of the Tembu Church, and Rev. Mangena M. Mokone, founder of the Ethiopian Church, were busy in the Cape Province uniting the two churches. *A call was made for young men to join the ministry of the United Church, Rev. Henry Reed Ngcayiya being among the first to answer the call. After some time he was ordained by Bishop Turner who came from America to complete the union between the United Churches and the A.M.E. Church. This union, however, soon broke into three sections, the main body remaining with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. One section followed Rev. Dwane and became the Ethiopian Order under the Church of England. Rev. Henry Reed Ngcayiya and his followers re-established the discarded Ethiopian Church, under the presidency of Rev. Sishuba, who carried on for some years. After his death he was succeeded as president by the Rev. Henry Reed Ngcayiya. This position he held for more than 16 years, during which time he did splendid work. Those purely African Churches were much suspected by the Europeans, who, together with the Governments of the day, lent them little encouragement. Rev. Ngcayiya suffered both in Natal and Rhodesia. The Church moved on until at last it became recognised by the Governments throughout South Africa. Many churches have since been built especially in the principal towns of the Union of South Africa. They even acquired a printing plant, and published a church magazine. Rev. Henry Reed Ngcayiya took great interest in the progress of his people. He was Chaplain and member of the Executive Committee of the African National Congress since 1912. Was a member of the 1919 deputation of the African National Congress to '•he British Government in England. Gave evidence before a Sel'-ct Committee of the Union of South Africa Parliament. Was a good preacher, energetic, and very shrewd in his judgment; the soul of generosity, and made many sacrifices; a very cheerful dis position. In Conference, whenever a deadlock threatened, he was the one to find a way out. Was loved by all his colleagues. His eldest son is a schoolmaster in the United States o f America. Rev. Henry Reed Ngcayiya died at his home in 1928. 78 YEARLY REGISTER BIOGRAPHY Mr. NELANI JORDAN NOBADULA, born in 1844, at Tand- jesberg, Graaff Reinet. His father was a servant to a Dutch farmer. Nelani attended a country school where he was taught to read and write. Later he went to East London and was employed by a carpenter. Also attended night-school. When he left East Londoni he had reached Standard III. besides being a good carpenter. In 1876 he went to St. Mark’s Institution for further education. The Xosa War broke out during 18 77 and he was obliged to leave school. After peace was declared he was appointed teacher and catechist of the Anglican Church to which he had become attached. In 188 2 he was sent to St. John’s College to study theology. During school hours he was at school, and in the afternoons and evenings he attended the T heological Classes. O rdained in 1887 as priest and appointed to Mount Frere where he worked all his life. Died in 1920. Established the Hebehebe, Unyika, Gqogqora, Sikobeni, Nqadu, Xabane and Tower Unyika Anglican Stations in the Umtata and St. Cuthbert’s Dioceses. He did much missionary work among the Bacas and the Pondos at Mount Frere. His six sons and three daughters are well educated. He had much influence over chiefs and heathen people. Mr. JOHN NOGAGA, who was born in the Cape Province, Went to the Transvaal a number of years ago. He became employed by the Crown Mines, Ltd., as clerk, afterwards becoming chief clerk. He was a prominent figure on the Witwatersrand, and took a keen interest in sports, and has donated several cups for competition in cricket. Mr. Nogaga, whose father was very wealthy, left all his property to his eldest son, but Mr. Nogaga worked his way until he, too, became well-to-do. He died in 1930 in Johannesburg. Mr. SIMON MAJAKATHETA PHAMOTSE was born in Basutoland and educated at Morija and Lovedale. Became post master at Mahaleshoek. After the Anglo-Boer War he came to the I ransvaal with Sir G o d fre y Lagden and join ed the N ative Affairs department, Pietersburg, under Mr. C. A. Wheelwright. After resigning his position, he was instrumental in establishing the first African newspaper in the Transvaal known as T h e N a tiv e Eye. A fte r some years Mr. Phamotse returned to Basutoland and became secre tary to the late Chief Johnathan whose daughter he afterwards married. Mr. Phamotse was a very progressive man, and did much for Basutoland. The Basutos acknowledged him as being their fore most leader. He was respected by both black and white. Hating ■ujustice and tyranny he did not hesitate to condemn chiefs wha dealt arbitrarily with their subjects. Was a lover of African liberty throughout the country, especially in Basutoland. 79 D BIOGRAPHY THE AFRICAN 80 YEARLY REGISTER BIOGRAPHY Rev. ARTHUR G. NYOVANE. Rev. Arthur G. Nyovane was educated at St. John’s College and went to St. Columbus as a Catechist. Worked at St. Columbus and Capetown until his ordination as a deacon. Went to Kimberley and worked for a number of years at the Holy Cross and St. Paul’s Missions. As a student of Divinity he was versed in Greek, Latin and Hebrew. Translated some books and took a keen interest in politics and history. A hard worker and an honest and straight forward man, and was also a very good speaker. Mr. Nyovane was very prominent among his people, who respected him very much. He took a keen interest in the education of the young people. H e was a good speaker and was often invited to speak at public meetings Fond of sport and was a fine tennis player, and president of the Duke of W'ellington Cricket Club at Kimberley. Was also a very fine musician. He died in the Diocese of George where he worked among the natives. 81 D-II BIOGRAPHY THE AFRICAN CHIEF KGORI KGAM ANYANE PILANE, son of the Bakgatla Chief, Kgamanyane, son of Pilane, after whom the Pilansberg, in Rustenburg District, was called, was. the younger brother of the late Paramount Chief Lenchue Pilane of the Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela section whose capital is Mochudi in the Bechuanaland Protectorate, where they settled in 1870, leaving about half the tribe at Pilans- Berg in the Transvaal. Chief K. K. Pilane was, for many years, treasurer of the Transvaal African Congress, and later Treasurer- Ceneral of the African National Congress. He played a ■very important part in the affairs of the Africans, Chief Pilane was also a dealer in hides and skins and soft goods in the Rusten- Jburg District. He had many friends among Europeans in the Transvaal, Bechuanaland and Rhodesia. Was a patriot, a friend of his people, a loyal and honest officer of the greatest Non-European political organisation in South Africa. Though he had much influence over his people he certainly was not a speaker. He died In Rustenburg on the 8th September, 193 0, at the age of 5 9 years, and his body was taken to Saulspoort where it was buried. Had one son who is a clerk at Red Hill, Natal. Chief Pilane was very ifond of hunting and was one of the best marksmen of his tribe. IVIr. NGCUBU POSWAYO, son of Kilili Poswayo. Born in 1880. Started his education at the mission school of All Saints, in the Transkei, afterwards at St. John’s College, Umtata, and Zonneblocm, Capetown. Leaving Capetown he went to England for higher education. After passing several examinations, he decided to take up the legal profession, and went to Lincoln’s Inn to read law. He studied for four years when he qualified as a Barrister- at-Law. Returning to South Africa he decided to practice as a •solicitor of the Supreme Court. He went to Engcobo where he opened an office. In a short time he was a very busy man, and his practice increased every day. While at the height of his profession his health failed him. He came to Johannesburg Hospital for an operation, but this did not help him and he died at the early age of 46 years. Mr. Poswayo was very popular in the Cape. Very modest, he was liked and respected by Europeans and natives alike. A keen sportsman and a very religious man. He had a human heart; he was a friend of all and assisted many of the poorer natives professionally without asking for the usual fee. He believed in hard work, and was often seen ploughing in the fields. Mr. Poswayo was the fourth African barrister to qualify in England. 82 yEARLY REGISTER BIOGRAPHY Mr. PHILIP DANISO POSWAYO, born in 1864. Educated at Grahamstown where he qualified as a teacher. He lived at Engcobo, 180 miles from Grahamstown, and travelled on foot to school. "On one occasion he encountered a lion while proceeding to school, -and summoning all his courage he walked on and the lion dis appeared into a bush. After teaching at All Saint’s Institution for ■some time he resigned to become interpreter at the Magistrate’s Gourt in Engcobo. A member of the Transkei General Council. Died in 1908. Rev. C. PAMLA was one of the first native ministers of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in South Africa. He belonged to the .great Hlubi clan, and was born in the Cape Province. H e was con verted while only a boy, being under various European missionaries from whom he received his education. He began to preach and later joined the ministry of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, taking great interest in his work. H e was a very powerful preacher and soon became one of the outstanding ministers in the Cape Province. Was highly respected by both Europeans and Africans. During his ministry he converted thousands of natives, many of whom are to-day ministers and leading churchmen in the various denominations. H e was the father of a number of children and to all he gave a good education. His sons Charles and George, one a minister and the other a court interpreter and clerk, are well known through out the Cape Province. 'The late Rev. Pamla was a fine example o f what a good Christian should be. His wonderful sermons still linger in the minds of many who had the privilege to listen to him preaching. Mr. J. PANYANE, a Msutu, was born in Basutoland where l*e received his early education. Later he went to Kimberley and Joined the Civil Service in the Post Office Department. He was a good sportsman and soon became very popular. He had a large c'rcle of friends and was respected by all who knew him. After many years he retired and moved to Bloemfontein where he Established a very successful business. H e soon became one o f the fa d in g men of that city. H e was married and was the father ^f two sons and a daughter. He died at Bloemfontein. S3 BIOGRAPHY THE AFRICAN THE RIGHT REV. BISHOP PHIL LIPS, D .D., was a native of West Africa. H e was educated in West Africa and Europe. After some time he took Holy Orders, and through his good work, his ability, his experience and influence he soon became bishop. He was much respected by his people and by Euro peans who came in contact with him. Bishop Phillips was a kind-hearted, Christian gentleman. He was very pro gressive and did much to help his people. Mr. M ARK RADEBE, Snr., was born in Pietermaritzburg, Natal, and educated at Lovedalc Institution. On completing his education he returned to Natal and becam e a clerk and shop assistant in the outfitting and drapery store of Messrs. Ireland and Son. After working for a number of years he severed his connection with this firm and opened his own store as outfitter and draper. Later he, together with others, established a native newspaper, under the name ITeT a lo Hlanga . It became necessary to devote all his attention to the printing and publishing of this paper, so he sold his store. All did not go well, and financial difficulties forced them to close down. He became clerk to Mr. J. I). Stalker, a solicitor, etc., at the same time owning two restaurants in Pietermaritzburg. H e was one of the founders of the Natal Native Congress and was twice appointed secretary. H e took great interest in church matters, and, in addition to being a local preacher, he was choir master and organist of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Pietermaritzburg. He had reached the prime of his life when he died, being survived by his wife and sons. Mr. N D ZIM EN D E SKOTA, eldest son of Soshebe Skota, a mem ber of the royal family of the Hlubi Tribe, was born in 1848, at Encwazi, in the district of Kingwilliamstown. His mother was the daughter of Msumasuma and related to Chief Matomela. In his boyhood Ndzimende attended day-school at his home. WKen about 23 years of age, he went to Port Elizabeth where he spent a number of years. He returned to his home to get married. He was appointed an evangelist and sent to Herschel where he did good work. He w’as a very powerful preacher and laboured diligently among his people, and soon won hundreds of them to Christianity, some of whom arc, to-day, ministers in the Wesleyan Church. In private life he was a quiet man, a gentleman at heart, and a true Christian. He died in 1929 at his home in H erschel. 8 4 Ne a r l y r e g i s t e r BIOGRAPHY A he Honorable SAMUEL A. ROSS was the Postmaster-General °f Liberia, his native country. Was one of the most prominent Citizens and leading statesmen of that Negro Republic. Mr. Ross had a beautiful home at Sinoe and was a man a great influence, being hind and friendly to everybody. Was in turn much respected by the people of West Africa including the European residents. He had just returned from Europe with his wife when he died. Mr. PETER SIHLAKAHLAKA was born about the year 1856 at Emsapa, P.E.A. At the age of ten years he with four other hoys were kidnapped by a European trader who gave them treacle. *They were put in a donkey cart and driven away. They learnt later that their destination was the Diamond Fields. At Kimberley they tvere put up for sale, but as they were so young the prices were low, and the offers were refused. From the Diamond Felds they were taken to Uitcnhage. Here Peter Sihlakahlaka was handed ° ver to a magistrate, Mr. Philport. The others were taken to an Unknown destination. He worked for his new master for some time and on the latter being transferred, Peter Sihlakahlaka was handed ° ver to a Rev. Surgeon, who was a minister 'n the Wesleyan Methodist Church. When Rev. Surgeon left he was handed over to Mr. Pittman. At this time he was a free man. At the age of 30 years married a girl from Uitcnhage. Ten years later he went to ^ealdtown for education. Here he remained for five years, at the ^nd of which he was appointed a lay preacher. After some time he appointed evangelist and was sent to the district of Kingwilliams- town. T h e pay was small and inadequate to support his fam ily, so went to the Transvaal where he worked as an evangelist for tvventy-four years. He died at his home in 1931. Rev. S IM O N P. S IH L A L I was born in 18 56 at H ankey, Cape province. His parents were Christians. He attended the Hankey ^ ay-school, and later St. Mark’s Institution. From St. Mark’s he ''Vent to Lovedale and in 1880 he matriculated. For a time he employed as a teacher but soon became a student of Theology, and was ordained a minister of the Independent IfFree Church of r^otland. During his schooldays Mr. Sihlali was a bright scholar. sermons----many of them preached to European congregations---- often commented upon by the European Press of the Cape. VVas a very industrious man and encouraged improvements in agri culture, and spent many hours in the fields ploughing and gardening. *ais children are all educated. Rev. Sihali died peacefully in 1910 ** His home in Engcobo, Tembuland. 85 BIOGRAPHY THE AFRICAN 86 y e a r l y r e g i s t e r BIOGRAPHY CHIEF SANDILE. Chief Sandile, a son of Gaika, was born about 1823. Ga.ka "Was a great friend of the neighbouring Dutch farmers. After the hirth of Sandile some of these farmers paid him a visit. On being informed of the birth of the young prince and heir the farmers "Were very pleased and suggested that lie be given the name of tc Alexander de Groot ” saying they hoped he would be a great man. This name was accepted by the Xosas who Kaffirised it 87 BIOGRAPHY THE AFRICAN CHIEF SEBELE. fll ■a f 6$ IW b is oalc 8bvw 88 y e a r l y r e g i s t e r BIOGRAPHY CHIEF SEBELE. Chief Sebele I. was the son of Sechele I., head of the Bakwena Tribe, whose country extended from Bechuanaland to the Trans- Vaal. He was a kind and i ust man. Very much respected by his people. His appearance commanded respect. He did not coun tenance quarrels and disliked strife. He was a friend of the missionary of the London Missionary Society. The Bakwena and the Bangoakwctsi Tribes belong to the same stock. T h ey originally came from Loe. They are of the same family with the Basuto, Bahurutsi, Bamangoato and the Baphalanc. These people are now resident in various parts o f Bechuanaland, Transvaal, Orange Free State, and Basutoland. BIOGRAPHY THE A FRICAN RKV. TIYO SOGA. 90 YEARLY REGISTER BIOGRAPHY REV. TIYO SOGA. Rev. Xiyo Soga, the first of the African race in South Africa to become an ordained minister of the Gospel, was born in 1829y at Gwali, a station o f the Glasgow Missionary Society in the Chumie Valley, Cape Province. His father was one of the chief councillors of Gaika. A poly gamist and husband of eight wives and a father of thirty-nine children, and personally a remarkable man. Xiyo’s mother was the principle w ife o f Soga, and X iy o was her seventh child. Soga was killed in the war of 1878. His wife became a Christian, and young Xiyo began to attend school in the village, taught by his elder brother Festire. From the village school he was sent to M r. William Chalmers who discovered that Xiyo was a bright boy. In 1844 the United Presbyterian Mission sent him to Loved ale. At Lovedale he slowly but surely crept to the head of all his classes. About 1 846 he went to Scotland with Mr. Govan, and continued his studies at Inchinnan, and afterwards at the Glasgow Free Church Normal Seminary. He returned to Africa with the Rev. George Brown. Became an evangelist at Keiskama and at Amatole, and later returned to Scotland with Mr. Niven about 18 50. He entered the Glasgow University in 1851, and in 1852 he began to attend the Xheological Hall of the United Presbyterian Church at Edinburgh. He completed his course in 18 56, and on leaving, his fellow-students presented him with a valuable testimonial in books,, as a mark of universal respect and esteem. Having passed the final examinations, he was licensed at the end o f that year by the United Presbyterian Presbytery of Glasgow to preach the Gospel. Xhe following year he married Miss Janet Burnside in Glasgow. Xhis lady stood faithfully by her hunband’s side through all the difficulties o f his life. X h e late Rev. X iy o Soga was the father o f four sons and three daughters. His sons are well known in South Africa. Xhey are Dr. John William Soga, M.D., C.M., Glasgow University, and Mr. Allen Soga, also at Glasgow University,, who at one time acted as Assistant Magistrate at St. Marks. X h e youngest son, Mr. J. F. Soga, is a M.R.C.V.S. of Dick College. Edinburgh. Xiyo Soga’s eldest daughter died in 1880. Xhe second is engaged in mission work in the Cape Province. Xhe youngest is a music teacher in Glasgow, Scotland. Xhe Rev. Xiyo Soga returned to South Africa in the year 185 7- and proceeded to Peelton, in the district of Kingwilliamstown, a station of the London Missionary Society. Later he moved to Emgwali, where, along with the Rev. R. Johnson, who had been a class-fellow in Edinburgh, he set about reorganising the good work 'hat was broken by the wars o f the previous years. Rev. Soga 91 BIOGRAPHY THE AFRICAN succeeded in converting a very large number of his countrymen. Then came the task of building a church. To do this he visited a number of larger towns to collect funds. He had already preached to many European congregations with great acceptance. In 1860 he received and accepted an invitation to an audience by H.R.H. Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh who was in Cape town at the time. Rev. Soga travelled extensively in the Cape Province and his work grew wonderfully, but in 1866 he had to cease work for a time on account of ill-health. During his illness he completed his translation o f the Pilgrim's Progress into Xosa. He also composed a number of hymns of great merit, including the famous Lizalis' idinga lako (Fulfil Thy promise, O Lord). He gradually became worse until he could move about only with the greatest difficulty. In 1 868 he rendered most valuable service as one of the Board formed for revising the Xosa B ib le, which was translated by the Rev. W . Appleyard. In 1867 the Rev. Tiyo Soga moved from Emgwali to Somerville at the request o f the late C h ief Kreli and continued there in spite o f all diffi culties to preach, organise and translate. In 1871 a change for the worse came about as a result of getting thoroughly wet while visiting Chief Mapasa on mission work. He died on the 12th August in the arms o f his friend, the Rev. Richard Ross, at the age o f 42. T h e Rev. T iy o Soga was neither an enthusiast, a fanatic nor a bigot. He was a true Christian, a thorough gentleman, who died in the service of his Master. From the many articles that appeared in the Press at the death o f the Rev. T iy o Soga, we can only insert the following two:— “ T his gentleman— for in the true meaning o f the word he was, to all intents and purposes, a perfect gentleman was a pure- born Kaffir. His father was, and still is, a councillor o f Sandile’s tribe, and an avowed heathen, in point of fact, a “ Red Kaffir.” H is son, however, as a youth, was sent to the Missionary Institution at Lovedale, and there distinguished himself so much by his keen intelligence and his ready aptitude for learning, that he was sent home to Glasgow to prosecute and complete his studies at the U ni versity of that place. He went through the full curriculum required in Scotland from candidates for the ministry, and in due time was licensed and ordained as a minister-missionary of the United Presbyterian Church. As a preacher, he was eloquent in speech and keen in thought, and talked with a Scottish accent, as strong as if he had been born on the banks o f the Clyde, instead o f those o f the Chumie. H e took a deep interest in everything calculated to advance the civilisation of his countrymen, and did so with a 9 2 y e a r l y r e g i s t e r BIOGRAPHY breadth of view and warmth of sympathy, in which mere sec tarianism had no part. A m ong his accomplished works we may mention his translation o f the Pilgrim'$ Progress into Kaffir, which so high an authority as Mr. Charles Brownlee pronounces to be a. perfect masterpiece of easy idiomatic writing. His services as one of the Board of Revisers of the translation of the B ib le into Kaffir have been invaluable, and will now be seriously missed. In general conversation and discussion on ordinary topics he was one of the most intelligent and best informed men we ever knew; and many an hour have we spent with him, in which one utterly forgot his nationality or his colour.” ■----The Cafe Argus. “ T h e Kaffir youth who six years before left the shores o f South Africa, little removed above his Christianised countrymen, having just as much knowledge as fitted him with efficiency to conduct x station school, and just as much power over the English language as enabled him to be a tolerable interpreter to the preacher yet ignorant o f the Kaffir language, now returns to his native shores and people, thoroughly educated; an ordained minister of the Gospel, an accredited missionary of the Cross, and with a knowledge of and mastery over the English language which has often surprised those best capable of judging. A wonderful transformation has been wrought during these few years. In him there comes a new power into the Colony and Kaffirland, if the Colony and Kaffirland only recognise and receive it. The mental grasp and the moral capability of the Kaffir race are demonstrated in him. Men cannot despise the Kaffir race as they contemplate him. Without race-pattern or precedent, the first of his people, often strangely alone, surrounded and pressed upon by peculiar difficulties, he has manfully and success fully wrought his way up to the comparatively high level of educated English Christian life----the conquered has become the conqueror. “ And how was the Rev. Tiyo Soga received when he returned to his native shores and peoplef Perhaps it was to be expected that in the Colony there should be manifested a great amount of caution and reserve, and that not a little suspicion should be entertained regarding him. Perhaps, too, it was only natural that, with some, special enmity should be aroused, and words of strong indignation used. We can excuse those men and women now who said we had made him specially to order in Scotland, and that he was the finest specimen ever imported of home educational cramming. This was a new thing under the South African sun. The thieving Kaffir,, the marauding Kaffir, the irreclaimable Kaffir, a University-educated missionary of the Cross. This was too good to be true. At least men would wait and see. It was a mere experiment, and time 9 3 BIOGRAPHY THE AFRICAN alone could tell how it would succeed. Few went to the length of Foretelling the time, near at hand, when he would have reverted to the red clay and blanket and all the heathen ways of his people. “ But while there was much of this reserve and caution every where, and not a little such doubt and suspicion, he was received by all missionaries and by all ministers of the Gospel— with one or two painful exceptions— with open arms and with most joyous hearts. From one end of the Eastern Province to the other there were only a few so-called professing Christians----miserable specimens purely of the disciples of the Nazarenc----who did what thev could, by indignant word and threat, to keep him out of the pulpits of the churches to which they belonged, and who absented themselves from divine service, because, despite them, he should conduct it. “ T o the fine sensitive disposition of Tiyo Soga, to his generous manly nature, all such manifestations were very galling, and very difficult to bear. He had strength of mind and he had charity and forebearance enough to rise above them, and wisdom to make of them new incentives to his life-work. “ The colonists, generally, soon came to know him. He was watched with lynx-eyes everywhere on the frontier. Whenever he preached or lectured, or addressed, such criticising crowds flocked to hear him as was the experience of no other South African mis sionary of his day. Nobly he stood this public test. He came out of the fire, in public estimation, purer and stronger than ever Mr. W. D. SOGA was born and edu cated in the Cape Province. He was related to the great Tivo Soga. Mr. Soga took a keen interest in the pro- / gressive life o f his people. H e was a politician and leader. Was a founder and director of the a weekly newspaper printed and published in East London, Cape Province. 94 YEARLY REGISTER BIOGRAPHY Mr. ABRAM SOWAZI was born at Tarkastad, Cape Province. Served the Wesleyan Methodist Church as Preacher and Circuit Steward for 36 years. In 1912, through some misunderstanding, he seceded, and with over two thousand followers, he joined the African Methodist Church, a purely African organisation. Was chief councillor of Zazela, Chief of the Amazizi Tribe. Died on the 29th October, 1913, at the age of 73 years, after giving all his children a sound education. Mrs. A. 1'EM BA is a Mokhatla bv birth. She was born, edu cated and married in the Transvaal. She was a woman of character and did much to help her people. T ook a keen interest in the political and social life o f the Africans. She was one o f the women wrho were elected by the African National Congress to be arrested by the police during the Women’s Pass Test Case. Later she was appointed president of the Women’s Section of the African National Congress. Airs. Temba died in Johannesburg in 1928. Rev. NEHEAIIAH TILE, of the Tcmbu Tribe, was born in Tembuland and educated at Boloto. Went to work at Queenstown. Became a member of the Wesleyan Church and was baptized by Rev. Dugmore, a missionary of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. He soon became a lay preacher and ultimately an evangelist. Was sent to Pondoland in the year 1870. He succeeded in building up con gregations and soon became a personal friend of the Paramount Chief Mhlontlo and Chief Lehane of the Basutos. His congre gations increased. In 1873 he built a church at Cwecwe, Pondo land. Was partly responsible for the establishing of the Umgwali School, now an important educational institution in the Cape. On the recommendation of some ministers, Nchcmiah Tile Was sent to Healdtown Institution where he took the Theological Co urse. After completing his studies he was licensed as a minister ■and sent to Qokolweni. As a minister Nehemiah Tile was a success. A powerful preacher, a devoted servant o f the Church, a friend of his people. His work prospered and his people had great 9S BIOGRAPHY THE AFRICAN admiration for him. The fuss his people made over him did not fail to increase his enemies. Soon Rev. Chubbs, a brother minister of the same church, accused Rev. Tile of (a) taking part in political matters, (b) of stirring up a feeling of hostility against magistrates in Tembuland, (c) of addressing a public meeting on a Sabbath day, (d) of refusing to inform him (Rev. Chubbs) of his activities, (e) of donating an ox at the circumcision of Dalinyebo, heir to the Paramount Chieftaincy (this is a national custom). Rev. Tile was tried by the Wesleyan Methodist Church ministers at a meeting summoned for that purpose. Letters were produced, but the name or names of the writers were concealed. Rev. Nchemiah Tile insisted that he be given the names of the writers. A misunder standing arose, Rev. Nchemiah Tile tendered his resignation, and left the meeting. This was in 1884. After a consultation with Paramount Chief Ngangelizwe and his chief councillors, it was decided that a National Church be established with Nehemiah Tile as head. The whole Tembu Tribe was soon summoned and informed of the Tembu Church that was to be established. It was not long before a Church was erected at the Roval Kraal, and thereafter the work progressed. Chief Ngangelizwe himself became a regular attendant at the new church, later he was converted by Nehemiah Tile to the Christian Faith. Strange as it may seem, yet it is a fact that Nehemiah Tile and all his followers were looked down upon by all or most of their kith and kin who were still members of the F.uropean-controlled Church. Indeed they wrere even refused admis sion to churches at Cwecwe. Even this behaviour failed to daunt the spirits o f T ile and his band o f followers. It was Nehemiah T ile ’s wish that his ministers should be trained in accordance with the Church of England priesthood. Before he died, however, he ordained J. Gqamani, C. Kula, and Mkize as ministe—,. O n his death-bed he appointed Rev. J. Gqamani as his ■successor. Prior to his death he was visited by two European mission aries who tried to persuade him to advise his. followers to join their Church. Needless to say this was rejected. Nehemiah Tile had established the Tembu Church; he was near the end of his life w'hich he had dedicated to the salvation of his people. He now exhorted them not to turn back, but to look forward and upward, lifting ever higher the Banner of the Tembu Church which knew no difference between men, but believed that they w'ere the same in the face of God, with equal rights and privileges. Nehemiah Tile died in 1 885. Present at his death-bed were the Paramount C h ief and natural ruler o f the T em bu T ribe, Dalindyebo, son o f Ngangelizwe, Councillor Mqwetyane, his wife and children, and his successor, Rev. Gqamani. A great man had fallen asleep. He was mourned by the whole Tembu Tribe, and indeed other tribes among whom he had laboured during his lifetime. 96 Collection Number: A1618 Collection Name: T.D. 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