Sekhukhune I: Biography, Facts and Career
Who is Sekhukhune I? An evergreen, sourced profile: biography, key facts and career.
Sekhukhune I (Matsebe; circa 1814 – 13 August 1882) was the paramount King of the Marota, more commonly known as the Bapedi (Pedi people), from 21 September 1861 until his assassination on 13 August 1882 by his rival and half-brother, Mampuru II. As the Pedi paramount leader he was faced with political challenges from Voortrekkers (Boer settlers), the independent South African Republic (Dutch: Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek), the British Empire, and considerable social change caused by Christian missionaries. Following the death of his father, King Sekwati, on 20 September 1861, Sekhukhune successfully defended his right to the throne against his half-brother Mampuru II and heir apparent with the support of his Matuba regiment. Despite his victory, Sekhukhune adhered to the serota tradition and allowed Mampuru to peacefully leave the Bapedi territory. His other known siblings were Legolwana, Kgalema Johannes Dinkwanyane, and Kgoloko. Sekhukhune married Legoadi IV in 1862, and lived on a mountain, now known as Thaba Leolo or Leolo Mountains, which he fortified. To strengthen his kingdom and guard against European colonization, he had his young subjects work in white mines and on farms so that their salaries could be used to buy guns from the Portuguese in Delagoa Bay, as well as livestock.
Sekhukhune fought two notable wars. The first war was successfully fought in 1876, against the ZAR and their Swazi allies. The second war, against the British and Swazi in 1879 in what became known as the Sekhukhune Wars, was less successful. Sekhukhune was detained in Pretoria until 1881. After a return to his kingdom, he was fatally stabbed by an assassin (Mampuru II and his henchmen) in 1882, at Manoge. The assassins are presumed to have been sent by his brother and competitor, Mampuru II.
Quick facts about Sekhukhune I
- Full name: Sekhukhune I
- Born: 1814-01-01
- Known as: Royal
- Wikidata ID: Q17592221
Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Sekhukhune I?
Sekhukhune I (Matsebe; circa 1814 – 13 August 1882) was the paramount King of the Marota, more commonly known as the Bapedi (Pedi people), from 21 September 1861 until his assassination on 13 August 1882 by his rival and half-brother, Mampuru II.
What is Sekhukhune I known for?
Sekhukhune I (Matsebe; circa 1814 – 13 August 1882) was the paramount King of the Marota, more commonly known as the Bapedi (Pedi people), from 21 September 1861 until his assassination on 13 August 1882 by his rival and half-brother, Mampuru II.
When was Sekhukhune I born?
Sekhukhune I was born on 1814-01-01.
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