Dr Treive Nicholas revisits Xhosa tragedy in new book launch in Rosebank
An author’s unexpected journey into South Africa’s past uncovers new truths about a teenage girl, a tragic prophecy, and a history long misunderstood.
A newly launched book in Rosebank is offering a fresh perspective on one of South Africa’s most painful historical events.
Dr Treive Nicholas’s In Search of Nongqawuse explores the tragic story of a teenage Xhosa girl whose prophecy in 1856/57 led to the mass killing of cattle and the death of tens of thousands.
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Nongqawuse claimed that if the Xhosa people destroyed their cattle and crops, the spirits of their ancestors would return and drive the British into the sea. In a time of deep hardship, many followed her instructions. But the prophecy never came true. The result was famine, disease, and the loss of an estimated 40 000 lives.
Nicholas, who began writing in his 60s, was drawn to this story while researching South African history. He was particularly moved by what he saw as an injustice that a young girl was held responsible for such a devastating event.
The book takes readers on a journey through historical records, spiritual exploration, and personal experience. Nicholas considers perspectives from both the Xhosa and British sides, examining how cultural beliefs, colonial pressure and political tensions may have shaped the events.
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Having worked in the Eastern Cape during the 1980s at a school for handicapped children, Nicholas’s experiences in apartheid South Africa added a personal dimension to his research. He also visited key sites linked to the story, including parts of the Wild Coast, which deepened his emotional connection to the narrative.
Rather than writing an academic text, Nicholas aimed to make the book accessible and engaging. He uses a storytelling approach that brings humanity to a complex and sensitive subject.
“I wanted to understand the full story, not just the version we’ve been told,” he said. “It’s about more than just history, it’s about people, belief, and what happens in times of great stress.”
The book also questions long-standing assumptions, suggesting that Nongqawuse may have been a scapegoat, while others in positions of power avoided blame. Nicholas reflects on the important but often overlooked role of women in moments of social crisis, highlighting how cultural influence and spiritual belief intersected at a crucial point in history.
“I hope to make this history more accessible to South Africans, especially the younger generation,” he said.
In Search of Nongqawuse is now available in select bookstores.
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