Makhado

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Makhado (c. 1839 – 3 September 1895) was a king of the Venda people in the 19th century. He led the Singo (also called Vhasenzi) dynasty and ruled the Dzanani area in the Zoutpansberg region of South Africa.

He was the youngest son of King Ramabulana, who died in 1864 when Makhado was about 25. His mother, Limani, was known for her political schemes.

Makhado’s first wife was Nwaphunga. Historian M. H. Nemudzivhadi says Nwaphunga helped a pro-Boer group among the Venda and poisoned Makhado in 1895.

Makhado was buried behind Lutshindwi Mountain.

Limani was the daughter of the chief (khosi) of Tshitavhadulu. Ramabulana wanted Limani to become the new great wife of his younger brother Ramavhoya, who would be king after her sister’s death. With help from the voortrekker Louis Tregardt, Ramabulana later overthrew Ramavhoya and married Limani.