THE SKIRMISH AT GATBERG: A PERSPECTIVE ON THE UTILISATION OF BLACK AUXILIARIES DURING THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR ON THE TRANSKEI BORDER (1899–1902)

Abstract

The South African War (1899–1902) created major rifts in the post-war
society as a result of various controversies that emanated from the conflict, which
left a long legacy of bitterness and in many ways inhibited nation-building in the
country. One contentious issue that had a major influence on society during and after
the War was that of the role and participation of black auxiliaries who were
deployed against the Boer forces. After the hostilities had ended, many publications
dealt with the topic at both a general and an individual level. The aim of the study on
which this article reports, was to analyse the topic at an individual level, specifically
focusing on an incident that occurred at Gatberg on 20 November 1901. The
skirmish near the former Transkei border occurred between a Boer commando and a
black unit under the command of a British officer, and resulted in a great deal of
bitterness and controversy that lasted for many years after the conclusion of the War.
In the article, the clash is described and placed in its historical context in order to
explain what transpired on that fateful day. The article explains the animosity that
was generated by the incident, but also the contrasting views that existed after the
incident.
Introduction
The deconstruction in historiography of broader events within a postmodernistic
context significantly highlights lesser-known incidents and role players
within the broader ambit. The shifting and the
sharpening of the focus onto lesser-known
incidents and role players provide new
perspectives or reinforce current perspectives
and insights of events. The deconstructed
Scientia Militaria