He was an early leader of the African National Congress (ANC), serving at times as head of the House of Chiefs. He was also among the first leaders of the Natal Native Congress from its founding in 1900 -1901. He became its president in 1927 after a split in which he was allied with J. T. Gumede and A. W. G. Champion against John L. Dube, who set up his own rival Natal Congress that year.
References
• Gerhart G.M and Karis T. (ed)(1977). From Protest to challenge: A documentary History of African Politics in South Africa: 1882-1964, Vol.4 Political Profiles 1882 - 1964. Hoover Institution Pres: Stanford University.