By Celani Sikhakhane
- King Dalindyebo became leader in 1885 after the death of his father, King Ngangelizwe, who was known as a ruthless ruler in the Transkei.
- His legacy of resistance continued through his descendants, including King Sabatha Dalindyebo and the current Abathembu king, Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo.
King Aliva Dalindyebo kaNgangelizwe, who ruled the Abathembu nation from 1885 to 1920, is remembered as a leader who fought against colonial laws and injustice.
He took over after the death of his father, King Ngangelizwe, and became the 9th king of the Abathembu. Unlike many leaders of his time, Dalindyebo embraced education. He studied at Clarkebury Institution and later used his knowledge to challenge European laws that placed black Africans as second-class citizens.
In 1904, he attended the coronation of British King Edward VII in England, a rare opportunity for a black traditional leader. His leadership and defiance earned him the honorary presidency of the African Native Congress, which later became the ANC.
His legacy of resistance continued in his family. King Sabatha Dalindyebo, his descendant, fought against apartheid before being assassinated in exile in front of his son, King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo.
Today, King Buyelekhaya leads the Abathembu nation in the Eastern Cape. He has fought against corruption and recently asked the Eastern Cape government to redirect his R3 million royal salary and benefits towards educating Abathembu children.
Pictured above: King Aliva Dalindyebo kaNgangelizwe of the Abathembu nation, who reigned from 1885 to 1920
Image source: South African History
