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

Abstract

This article seeks to answer the question of whether the traditional amaXhosa, particularly under the leadership of Khwane, were xenophobic or not. This is examined based on MAP Ngani’s historical drama text Umkhonto kaTshiwo which reflects the response of this community to amaGqunuqhwa (the Griquas) that came to them as strangers. Historical evidence of what this text illustrates is sought from various sources. The introductory section, among other things, proves that xenophobia is not a problem exclusive to South Africa. 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), forms the bulk of the different sections of this discourse. For clarity of the topic, an explanation of the concept of xenophobia is included in the research.