Trekboers from the Cape Colony made their way to the western borders of Basutoland

In 1838, the Trekboers from the Cape Colony made their way to the western borders of Basutoland, marking a significant moment in the region's history. The first Trekboer to settle was Jan de Winnaar, who established himself in the Matlakeng area. This influx of Boers led to attempts to colonize the fertile lands situated between the two rivers and north of the Caledon River. The Trekboers claimed that these lands had been abandoned by the Sotho people, which set the stage for conflict over land rights. In response to the encroachment, Moshoeshoe, the leader of the Sotho people, sought to protect his territory and signed a treaty with Sir George Thomas Napier, the British Governor of the Cape Colony. This treaty resulted in the annexation of the Orange River region, further complicating the dynamics between the indigenous Sotho people and the incoming European settlers. The arrival of the Trekboers not only altered the demographic landscape of Basutoland but also initiated a series of events that would shape the future of the region, leading to ongoing tensions and negotiations over land and sovereignty. #mooflife #mof #MomentOfLife #Trekboers #Basutoland #JanDeWinnaar #Moshoeshoe #CapeColony