DC32/NAMM/0013

Chief Nyongane Shikuvati Mkhabela, son of Mhaleni Mkhabela and Ngantangu Ntandane was a royal headman who used to live within the boundaries of the Kruger National Park long before the Park was established on 31st May 1926. The Chief was a respectable and righteous leader, councillor, advisor, and as a traditional captain, married seven wives , fathered 36 children and had 102 grandchildren (born only to his sons). He was known as a wise man who provided advice to the first game warden Stevenson-Hamilton and rangers like Harry Wolhuter , such as the ideal conditions for living and settlement of employees in the Park. As a farmer, carpenter and livestock breeder, he was also commissioned to provide fresh milk from his livestock to the Park's Rest-camps. Forced removals of black communities from the Park took place in the 1930's and eviction notices (Trekpasse in Afrikaans) were issued with the following wording; "The bearer, resident of Pretoriuskop area of Kruger National Park is hereby given 90 (ninety) days notice to remove himself , his family and his possessions from the confines of the Kruger National Park and seek residence elsewhere".