Makhado


Makhado was a 19th-century chief in the Singo dynasty of the Vendas. They ruled over the Dzanani "district" of the Zoutpansberg region of South Africa. He was the youngest son of khosi Ramabulana who died in 1864 when Makhado was about 25. Makhado's mother was Limani, noted for her political intrigue. Makhado's first wife was Nwaphunga. According to Venda historian M. H. Nemudzivhadi, Nwaphunga conspired with a pro-Boer faction among the Venda, and poisoned him in 1895.

Accession

Limani was the daughter of the khosi of Tshitavhadulu. He intended her to become the new great wife of Ramabulana's younger brother Ramavhoya, then khosi, after her sister's passing. With the voortrekker Louis Tregardt's assistance, Ramabulana was able to overthrow Ramavhoya and took the option to marry Limani.

Genealogy