Thuhula [2] Poem by Gert Strydom

(after J. J. R.Jolobe)

From Ndlambe the chieftain, messengers go out
to the captains to gather every impi regiment to bring about
a great war as the chieftain's wife Thulula has been stolen.
"Tsi ha! " The royals, the heroes, the trusted men and everyone do shout.

The witchdoctor does his rite,
at the river they paint their faces black and white
do the attack on the Ngqika tribe begin,
do burn down huts from kraal to kraal through the day and night

until upon a day the opposing Xhosa armies of blood-relatives do meet.
The Ndlambe tribe roars: "Tsi ha! " The battle cry, do thunder with their feet
while the whole valley is filled with glittering spears and in raging fury they charge
with death do the heroes, the royals, the braves and trusted men each other greet

and the Xhosa nation does kill each other for the honor of Thulula.

[Reference:"The battle of Amalinda" by J. J. R.Jolobe.]