THE SECRET SON

Much of the Our Story of Matiwane is taken from a rare text by Reverend Albert Hlongwane, who was told the story by his kinsman and Matiwane’s grandson, Msebenzi. In his prime, Matiwane was a short, stout and unimpressive-looking man who normally wore a cloak of black and white calfskin, yet he was widely feared for his ruthlessness, and respected for his resourcefulness and bravery. His leadership of the amaNgwane came about because of the actions of his grandmother and great-grandmother. Read on to find out how these women came to play a significant role