34 Facts About Masopha

Masopha was the third son of Basuto paramount chief Moshoeshoe I During his youth he fought in numerous conflicts against neighboring tribes and European colonists.

Masopha was defeated in July 1898, losing his title of district chief.

Masopha was the third son of the paramount chief of the Basuto people Moshoeshoe I and his senior wife 'MaMohato.

Masopha began studying under the tutelage of the missionaries and was baptized in 1841, taking the name David.

Masopha spent one year in Cape Town, studying English under reverend Thomas Arbousset and familiarizing himself with white society.

Either in 1845 or 1848, Masopha abandoned Christianity over PEMS's opposition towards the war between the Basuto and the Batlokoa.

Masopha distinguished himself as a warrior and was considered the most courageous of Moshoeshoe's sons.

In 1852, Masopha took part in the Battle of Berea where the Basuto fought against a British punitive expedition.

In 1853, Masopha participated in a campaign against Batlakoa chief Kgosi Sekonyela, successfully storming his stronghold Marabeng.

In 1855, he established a village known as Masopha's Mile located 1 mile from the Thupa Kubu stream on the Berea plateau.

Masopha led part of the Basuto army and participated in the peace negotiations that followed.

In 1865, hostilities between the two sides resumed, and Masopha captured numerous heads of cattle from the Boers and their allies.

Masopha's regiments raided the Griqua village of Platberg, killing all the men and enslaving all the women.

Masopha's troops were heavily defeated by the Boers while trying to defend Masopha's Mile, forcing him to abandon it.

Masopha later joined the defense of the Thaba Bosiu stronghold, acting as Moshoeshoe's main military advisor.

Masopha remained insubordinate to colonial rule by failing to enforce colonial legislation and resisting taxation.

Masopha began to fortify Thaba Bosiu, while the supporters of the rebel chiefs began ignoring orders from the local magistrates.

Lerotholi and Masopha collaborated closely and managed to create a stalemate, isolating the Cape's army in the Hlotse, Maseru and Mafeteng Districts.

Masopha blockaded the garrison of Maseru which consisted of 200 Cape Mounted Riflemen.

Masopha burned Maseru's major buildings in his first assault on the town, but further attacks proved less successful.

Masopha emerged as the leader of Basuto opposition to the Award.

Masopha's stance prevented the restitution of property to Basuto loyalists residing in his district.

Gordon sought an audience with Masopha, believing that he would be able to negotiate a satisfactory settlement to the conflict.

Masopha feigned interest in Gordon's proposals, intentionally prolonging the negotiations for an extra day.

Masopha's supporters continued to harass former Basuto loyalists, in an effort to retain property once seized from them.

Masopha eventually re-invited his district's magistrate and sought arbitration from a colonial court, after clashes broke out between his supporters and those of his erstwhile companion Ramanella.

Lerotholi found himself unable to enforce order in Basutoland's central districts where his uncle Masopha held considerable influence.

In October 1897, Lerotholi harrowed four fields in Madisanyane which Masopha continued to claim despite a court order against him.

Masopha responded by giving one of the fields to two of his supporters, warning that he was prepared to fight over the fields if their boundaries were to be violated.

Masopha successfully escaped from jail and fled to Basutoland soon afterwards.

The Free State demanded Moeketsi's extradition, however Masopha refused to comply after facing pressure from his wife.

Masopha was forced to pay a heavy fine and abandon his ancestral village, while being stripped of the privileges he once enjoyed as district chief.

Masopha's funeral was described as "unceremonious" and no major chief attended it.

Songs and poetry honoring Masopha are recited during Basuto male initiation rituals.