Chief Chungwa Memorial
Chief Chungwa was born in the then disputed Zuurveld region, an area found between the Great Fish and the Sundays Rivers. This area was subjected to much colonial activity, with the indigenous people being victims of their presence. He thus relentlessly fought against colonial domination to keep his authority over the land of his birth. Chief Chungwa and his father, Chief Tshaka, fought in the first four of the nine Frontier Wars. He grew up to an adult age still engaged in conflicts with the colonialists. At one time, when Chief Chungwa was frail and unable to take part in the battle because he was bedridden, his Great Palace was attacked. As the colonial forces approached Chungwa’s Great Place, a group of his followers took him to a place of hiding. But his path was detected, and his cover unveiled. He and his Councillors (Amaphakathi) were killed through the barrel of the gun while sleeping. But the annals of history have not recorded the place of burial for Amaphakathi who were killed together with Chungwa. He was survived by his sons, Pato (eldest), Kobe, and Kama. In honour of the hero Chief Chungwa was and the rich legacy he left behind, the amaGqunukhwebe today have an oath ‘Ndifung’uChungwa efel’eMnyameni’ (I swear by Chungwa who died at Mnyameni). While it is today called Alexandria, the place has always been referred to as Mnyameni by amaGqunukhwebe.
Chief Chungwa was buried at his current resting place on the 4th of January 1812, on top of one of the local mountains, within a natural forest. The Addo bush provided the last stand for Chief Chungwa in his fight against the settlers. Previously, his grave was only marked by a steel pole near two beacons, together with a telecommunication tower belonging to South African Police. The greed of the settlers who wanted land for themselves caused much havoc for amaXhosa and for the amaGqunukhwebe. That pain is symbolised by the memory of Chief Chungwa and his grave.
To honour the memory of Chief Chungwa, a memorial was built. It tells the story of his life and the amaGqunukhwebe in general. The construction of the memorial led to the removal of the two beacons which had been erected in complete disrespect of the Royal burial.
GPS Waypoints: 33°24'50.8"S 26°12'42.1"E