Black People and Whence They Came

This unique book is the first ever written in isiZulu by a Zulu author. Magema Fuze wrote it in the early 1900s, and published it privately in 1922 under the title Abantu Abamnyama, Lapa Bavela Ngakona. In this fascinating work, the author gives his views on racial origins and differences, and describes the settlement of the black people throughout Natal. He records the traditional customs of the Zulu people, and gives an overview of Zulu history during the turbulent period of the nineteenth century, from the perspective of the black people who lived through it. Integrated with this is Bishop Colenso’s account of Natal history, which Fuze reproduces and comments on. Of added interest is Hlonipha Mokoena’s foreword that offers insightful commentary on the contextual realities and challenges of the time. Abantu Abamnyama is a resource to be valued, providing unique source material on Zulu history and Zulu life in the time of Shaka and beyond. It will be of interest to anyone who has ever asked themselves, 'Where did the black people come from?'.

Magema M. Fuze, the author, was born in Zululand around 1840. His early conversion to Christianity and his lifelong association with Bishop Colenso's home and family did not separate him from his own people; he wrote as a Zulu, drawing on the rich store of oral tradition he assembled from his extraordinarily wide circle of contacts. In 1859, he accompanied Colenso on his famous visit to the king, Mpande, and at the Bishop's request he visited Cetshwayo shortly before the war of 1879. When Dinuzulu was exiled to St. Helena, Fuze was employed as his tutor.Trevor Cope, the editor, was Professor and Head of the Department of Zulu Language and Literature at the University of Natal from 1970 to 1984.Harry Lugg, the translator, served as court interpreter, magistrate and finally as Chief Commissioner for Native Affairs in Natal. He was famous for his sound and wonderful knowledge of the isiZulu language and the customs and beliefs of the people. He first met Magema in 1902.