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John Tengo JabavuSouth African journalist and public figure.
Date of Birth: 11.01.1859
Country:  South Africa |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Journalism and Political Activism
- Establishment of "Imvo Zabantsundu"
- Changing Political Allegiances
- Anglo-Boer War
- Later Career
- Legacy: Fort Hare College
Early Life and Education
John Tengo Jabavu was born on January 11, 1859, in Thyotyorha village, near Fort Beaufort, Cape Colony, British Empire. Belonging to the Mfenghu (Fingo) ethnic group, he attended elementary school at the Healdtown Mission, where his father served as church choirmaster. Displaying exceptional abilities in mathematics and literature, Jabavu continued his education at a teacher training college. Upon graduating in 1875, he became an elementary school teacher in Somerset East district.
After years of dedicated study, Jabavu passed the entrance examination to the University of Cape Town in 1883, becoming only the second African to do so.
Journalism and Political Activism
Founding of "Isigidimi samaXhosa"In 1881, Jabavu became the editor of "Isigidimi samaXhosa" ("Xhosa Messenger"), the first African newspaper published in Lovemore since 1870. As editor, he devoted significant space to reporting on Cape Parliament debates and supported liberal politicians who opposed repressive laws against Africans.
Establishment of "Imvo Zabantsundu"
Jabavu's political activism led to his resignation as editor of "Isigidimi" after three years. However, the editorship remained in African hands, with William Goba succeeding Jabavu. Upon Goba's death, the newspaper ceased publication.
Undeterred, Jabavu founded "Imvo Zabantsundu" ("Native Opinion") in 1884 with the support of liberal politicians in the Cape Colony. Through its pages, he exposed the flaws of colonialism and denounced discriminatory measures against Africans. Despite facing restrictive legislation for Africans, Jabavu continued to support white politicians.
Changing Political Allegiances
In 1897, "Izwi Labantu" ("Voice of the People"), edited by Reverend Walter Rubusana, emerged as competition for "Imvo." Around the same time, Jabavu's political stance began to shift. He moved from supporting the pro-British "Progressives" in the Cape Parliament to advocating for the Afrikaner Bond, which represented the interests of Afrikaners in the Cape Colony.
Anglo-Boer War
During the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), Jabavu took a controversial anti-British stance, resulting in the temporary closure of his newspaper in 1901.
Later Career
After the war, Jabavu remained politically active. In 1909, he traveled to London with other Africans to protest the British Parliament's "South Africa Act," which disenfranchised the indigenous population in the future Union of South Africa. He opposed the election of Rubusana to the Cape Provincial Parliament, arguing that it would exacerbate restrictions on African political rights.
Jabavu also refused to join the South African Native National Congress (later the ANC) in 1912, objecting to its racially exclusive nature. Instead, he formed the South African Races Congress. His most controversial act was his support for the "Natives Land Act," which prohibited Africans from owning land outside reserves, making up only 8% of the country's territory. This act paved the way for territorial segregation in South Africa.
In the 1914 Cape Provincial Parliament elections, Jabavu ran against Rubusana in the same constituency, splitting the African vote and resulting in a European candidate's victory.
Legacy: Fort Hare College
Jabavu's legacy, however, would be secure despite his controversial actions. He played a pivotal role in establishing the first higher education institution for Africans in South Africa: Fort Hare College. The Native Education Association, of which Jabavu was an active member, and his newspaper "Imvo" served as its mouthpiece. Through their combined efforts, funds were raised throughout South Africa. In 1916, the first African college was established. Jabavu remained on the college's governing council until his death in 1921, and his son, Davidson D.T. Jabavu, became one of its first lecturers. At the insistence of John Tengo Jabavu, the college admitted both men and women, ensuring that higher education was accessible to Africans.
