This Day in History: October 28, 1887
Additional Date: October 28, 1887
The Paramount Chief Mqikela, eldest son of Chief Faku and first chief of East Pondoland, died in Qawukeni, near Palmerton, Pondoland. Chief Mqikela took over from his father as paramount chief of the Pondos in 1868, but because he supported the Griquas of Kokstad in their revolt against the Cape government in 1878, his recognition as paramount chief was withdrawn and the country was divided into Eastern Pondoland (the Qawukeni) under Mqikela's rule and Western Pondoland (the Nyandeni), ruled by his half brother Victor Poto Ndamase. Mqikela was succeeded by his son Chief Sigcawu (Sigcau).