Abstract
This article seeks to answer the question of whether the traditional amaXhosa, particularly
under the leadership of Khwane, were xenophobic or not. This will be fulfilled by examining
the light shed in M. A. P. Ngani’s historical drama text Umkhonto kaTshiwo (1985) which
reflects the response of this community to amaGqunuqhwa (the Griquas) that came to them as
strangers. Historical evidence of what this text is illustrating will be sought from various
sources. The manner in which these newcomers were accepted and assimilated into the nation
of amaXhosa, and the subsequent formation of the nation of amaGqunukhwebe (a sub-group
of amaXhosa), will form the bulk of the different sections of this discourse. For clarity of the
topic, an explanation of the concept of xenophobia will be included in the research. Towards
the end of the presentation, concluding remarks will be included encompassing the summary
of the study, findings and recommendations. Key words: Xenophobia, amaXhosa,
amaGqunuqhwa (Griquas), Khwane, Mngaza, MAP Ngani, Umkhonto kaTshiwo,
amaGqunukhwebe.