Frontier Conflict, Missionaries and Legal Changes.

Why did frontier conflict continue?

Colonial expansion into Xhosa land caused disputes over land, cattle, resources and power. Mistrust and broken treaties continued conflict.

How did the Xhosa, Dutch settlers and British differ?

Xhosa defended land and independence. Dutch settlers wanted land and grazing. British wanted colonial control. Xhosa used ambushes and local knowledge; British had more troops, guns, artillery and supplies.

What were missionaries and mission stations?

Missionaries spread Christianity and education. Missions could change traditional beliefs. Trading centres exchanged good; some places did both.

What was Genadendal?

A Moravian mission founded in 1738 among the Khoikhoi. Its name means “Valley of Grace”. It provided education and Christianity but influenced traditional lifestyles.

What was Ordinance 50?

Introduced in 1828, it removed certain pass laws and legal restrictions on Khoikhoi and other free people of colour, but discrimination continued.

Who was Robert Moffat?

A Scottish missionary who came to the Cape in 1816 for the LMS. He moved to Kuruman in 1821 with his wife Mary and worked there until 1870.

Who was Chief Mothibi?

Tlapeng chief who allowed an LMS mission at Kuruman around 1817 to support Cape trade, especially guns and ammunition, in exchange for trade goods.

Why was Kuruman important?

It became a major centre for LMS missionary work, Christians conversion and trade.

What happened at Dithakong in 1823?

Smaller chiefdoms attacked the Ylapeng capital. Moffat persuaded the Griqua, who used horses and guns, to help the Tlapeng defeat them.

How did Dithakong change Moffat’s views?

After seeing the bloodshed, he believed missionaries should avoid politics and warfare.

What was Moffat’s greatest contribution?

He learned Setswana, published a reading book in 1826 and translated the Bible into Setswana over 30 years. The LMS continued this work.

How were missions and trade connected?

Mothibi allowed the LMS to preach at Kuruman in exchange for trade good. The mission supported trade with the Cape, especially for guns and ammunition.