Samuel Edward Krune Loliwe Ngxekengxeke Mqhayi, Imbongi yesizwe jikelele (1 Dec 1875 - 29 July 1945)

Athi ke mna mntu walibelethayo!

Athi ke mna mntu wath'uyakwazi'ukuthetha

Kazi ke nina nanisithi ndisisilo sini na?

Esi sinokuthetha nezinto ezingathethekiyo.

Kunamhla nj'ilizwe liyazuza,

Kunamhla nje lo mhlaba uyalunywa,

Int'esiswini ma zeniyilumkele,

Le nt'isesizalweni ma zendiyindwebele,

Namhla ngathi kuza kuzalw'uGilikanko,

Ngathi kuzak'zalw'isil'esingaziwa mngxuma.

     S.E.K. Mqhayi was born in the village of Gqumahashe near Alice, in the Tyume valley on 1st December 1875. 

Step into the world of South African literature and be enchanted by the captivating works of S.E.K. Mqhayi, a prominent figure in the world of Xhosa poetry. Born in 1875 in the village of Gqumahashe near Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Samuel Edward Krune Mqhayi, emerged as one of the most revered poets during the early 20th century. With his exceptional storytelling abilities and mastery of the Xhosa language, he became an influential voice in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Xhosa people.

Samuel was the son of Ziwani and Qashani, daughter of Bedle. Two years after he was born his mother died. He started attending school at Evergreen, six miles from his home, where he was known as Samuel Krune, using his grandfather's name as his surname. One day, after a successful school celebration, a teacher awarded all the pupils new names; Samuel was given the name of Edward. He thus assumed the name of Samuel Krune Mqhayi, finally adopting his great-grandfather's name in his name.

    In 1885, amid the devastation of the witgatboom famine and the East Coast fever outbreak (historically remembered as umnyaka weNdlala yomPhunzisa or umnyaka wesiTayi), he and his father, Ziwani, relocated to Centane to live under the care of his uncle, Headman Nzanzana.

Among his numerous poetic gems, "A! Silimela" stands as a true testament to Mqhayi's literary prowess. This poem not only showcases his command over language and rhythm but also exemplifies his dedication to preserving the Xhosa oral tradition and history. Through his rich metaphors and vivid imagery, Mqhayi takes us on a journey through the cultural landscape of his people, celebrating their struggles, triumphs, and resilience.

    He died in 1945 at his home on Ntabozuko, outside the little village of Berlin near East London. Two days later he was buried on the lonely slopes of Ntabozuko. On 26 March 1951, an august gathering that included J.A. Calata, A.W. Champion, D.D.T. Jabavu and A.B. Xuma assembled over his grave to unveil a memorial tombstone, which bears the following inscription:

Apha kulele u Samuel Krune Mqhayi,

Uzelwe nge 1st Dec. 1875 - Wabuba nge 29 July 1945.

Imbongi yesizwe, umbhali weencwadi,

Iphakathi lekomKhulu lamaXhosa jikelele,

Inkokeli, umkrestu wenyaniso.

Makaphumle ngoxolo,

Umoya wakhe mauhlale usikhokela.

Eli litye libekwe sisizwe nosapho lwakhe,

Phantsi kwesikumbuzo sikaNtsikana ongcwele.

In a historic moment of cultural exchange and celebration, S.E.K. Mqhayi, the esteemed Xhosa poet,  performed his poem in front of the Prince of Wales in front of a gathered crowd in eQonce. The occasion was nothing short of momentous, as Mqhayi's literary brilliance took center stage, weaving a poetic tapestry that transcended borders and captured the essence of Xhosa heritage.

When the Prince of Wales, a representative of the British monarchy, visited South Africa, Mqhayi seized the opportunity to showcase the rich literary tradition of the Xhosa people. With his melodious voice and impeccable delivery, Mqhayi recited his poem with utmost passion and reverence, leaving the audience enthralled by his words.

Mqhayi's performance not only honored the Prince of Wales but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering mutual understanding between different societies. His ability to captivate and enchant an audience from diverse backgrounds underscored the universal appeal of poetry as a medium to bridge gaps and foster appreciation for each other's unique identities.

The recital by S.E.K. Mqhayi before the Prince of Wales became a cherished memory in South African literary history, symbolizing the profound impact of his works on both local and global stages. Through his poem and performance, Mqhayi left an indelible mark on those present, fostering a spirit of cultural appreciation and respect that continues to resonate to this day.

The Illustrated London News noted that Mqhayi ‘wore a vermilion cape’, while ‘the chiefs behind’ him were ‘attired in a queer mixture of European garments.’ Given the significance of the colour red in Xhosa culture, this is a pointed contrast. However, the authenticity of this photograph is debatable. Other accounts have Mqhayi dressed in the full regalia of an imbongi, including a leopard-skin ‘kaross‘ (cloak), and a spear

Uyeye

Growing up, this is one of the earliest rhymes we, as in almost any other Xhosa homestead, were taught by our parents/minders/guardians .. 

Le mibuzwana, ikunye neempendulo, zizinto ezibe zisakwenziwa emaXhoseni. Injongo yayo ikukwenza ukba ingqondo yomntwana ibe nento eyibambileyo; kuba obesakuthi angaziqondi ezi mpendulo, kwanjengeentsomi, ubekhangelwa njengesityhakala, ahlekwe ngabanye, azame ke ngoko naye 

A! Silimela

"A! Silimela," a timeless ode to the Xhosa heritage that continues to inspire and resonate with readers across generations as recited by the poet laureate himself in 1927.

Audio Clip - A! Silimela S.E.K. Mqhayi's Voice

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Sources and Further Reading

1. Abantu Besizwe, Historical and biographical writings, 1902-1944 S.E.K. Mqhayi Wits University Press, 2009 Opland, Jeff (Ed) 

2. S.E.K. Mqhayi Voice Recording, emandulo.apc.uct.ac.za

3. South African History Online (SAHO). Samuel E. K. Mqhayi. 

4. Wikipedia. Samuel Edward Krune Mqhayi. 

5. Buffalo City Tourism. OUR PEOPLE: The father of Xhosa poetry, S.E.K. Mqhayi. 

6. Encyclopedia Britannica. S.E.K. Mqhayi: South African poet and novelist. 

7. Poetry International. S.E.K. Mqhayi Profile. 

8. Nyamende, A. (2010). The Conception and Application of Justice in SEK Mqhayi’s Ityala Lamawele. Tydskrif vir Letterkunde.