David Stuurman: 'last chief of the Hottentots'

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Periodical article

Title:	David Stuurman: 'last chief of the Hottentots'
Author:	Malherbe, V.C.
Year:	1980
Periodical:	African Studies
Volume:	39
Issue:	1
Pages:	47-64
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	The Cape South Africa
Subjects:	Khoikhoi traditional rulers Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/00020188008707549
Abstract:	The story of David Stuurman, who was born around 1773 at the Gamtoos River farm in the eastern Cape, begins with his experience as a farm worker prior to the third frontier war when Cape Khoi bondsmen with neighbouring Xhosa attacked the colonists. His active career as Khoi leader spanned twenty years (1799-1819) and the three frontier wars which fell within this period. His claim to fame, so far as it can be discovered in standard secondary sources, rests on several events in which he is seen as troublesome at best - at worst, a villain. On the other hand 'philanthropic' writers of his period made him out a hero who was unjustly treated. More appropriately, he might be said to epitomize certain aspirations of his people at a crucial juncture of their history. His influence, long remembered by Khoi, was feared by the colonists. Notes.