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Sarhili Clan — History & Meaning
Xhosa clan · isiXhosa
History & origin
Sarhili kaHintsa (c.1810-1892), also known as Kreli, was paramount king of the amaGcaleka and senior king of the Xhosa nation from his father Hintsa's death in 1835 until 1892. His reign was dominated by frontier conflict with the Cape Colony and, most consequentially, by the Xhosa Cattle-Killing of 1856-57 following the prophecies of the young Nongqawuse. Sarhili endorsed the prophecies and ordered the destruction of cattle and crops, resulting in catastrophic famine and the collapse of much Gcaleka power. He spent his later years displaced beyond the Mbashe River and died in 1892.
Notable figures & facts
King Sarhili (Kreli); central figure in the 1856-57 Cattle-Killing; father of Sigcawu.
Associated surnames
Surnames that share this clan: Hintsa, Sigcawu, Gcaleka.
We publish the full iziduko (clan praises) only once we can verify them against documented tradition — for this clan they are still being confirmed. If you can share an authoritative version, corrections are warmly welcomed.