Gcaleka ka Phalo (about 1730-1792)

was the founder of the Gcaleka people, a sub-group of the Xhosa nation.

The sons of Phalo were

• Langa,
• Gcaleka (Great House).
• Rharhabe Right Hand House), and
• Lutshaba (1730). Through their rivalry they would lead to the split of the Xhosa nation and set the stage for one of the dramas of Southern Africa.

Gcaleka (1730-1792) - AmaGcaleka :

Gcaleka became paramount in 1775. [Other sources state he became chief in 1750 and died in 1778.]Gcaleka tried to usurp his farther’s rule and interclan war broke out resulting in the Xhosa tribe splitting into two major sub-groups, the Rharhabe and the Gcaleka .

He had 3 known sons

• Khawuta (1761),
• Velelo and
• Nqoko.

Resources:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phalo_kaTshiwo
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gcaleka_ka_Phalo
• Peires, JB: ‘The House of Phalo’. 1981, Raven Press, Johannesburg, SA
• Mostert, Noel: ‘Frontiers’. 1992, Jonathan Cape, London