There are few stories known to me that highlight the danger we face as we call for social change as that of Nongqawuse, especially as now represented by the call for free tertiary education. It is a story we should reflect on, even at the danger of misrepresenting its message. As the story goes, a young maiden named Nongqawuse had a vision that called for the amaXhosa people to destroy their crops and kill their cattle. If they did this, the ancestors in her vision told her, the British settlers responsible for much of the social and economic degradation at the time would be swept into the sea.
ADVERTISING..
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.