As a Reformed Evangelical Xhosa man, reading Roger S. Levine’s A Living Man from Africa has provided me with profound insights into the history of my people and the overarching narrative of God’s grace and providence in southern Africa. The central aim of Levine’s book is to illustrate how Jan Tzatzoe—an African chief, missionary, traveller, and cultural intermediary—navigated the complexities of his time.
The Life and Times of Jan Tzatzoe
Through Tzatzoe’s life story, Levine delves into the broader historical context of the Xhosa nation and its interactions with British colonial powers. The Xhosa nation—particularly between Gqeberha (Bethelsdorp) and King Williams Town—has a rich history. Levine’s book highlights how the British colonial powers established a border between these areas to prevent the Xhosa and Khoisan nations from living or working together. This was an obvious attempt to divide and control.
Levine delves into the broader historical context of the Xhosa nation and its interactions with British colonial powers.
But Jan Tzatzoe’s unique position enabled him to bridge cultural divides, negotiate power dynamics, and play a critical role in the missionary activities and political landscape of his era. This historical detail reminds me of Psalm 33:10-11: “The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”
God’s Plans Differed From Great Britain’s
Tzatzoe’s journey is a testament to God’s unchanging purposes and grace. Despite the challenges of colonialism and the attempt by British powers to create divisions, Tzatzoe’s life reflects the providential hand of God working through history. His role as a cultural intermediary and missionary was instrumental in bringing the message of the gospel to his people, showcasing God’s grace in using individuals to fulfil his divine promises and plans.
Living Man from Africa: Jan Tzatzoe, Xhosa Chief and Missionary, and the Making of Nineteenth-Century South Africa
Roger S. Levine
Living Man from Africa: Jan Tzatzoe, Xhosa Chief and Missionary, and the Making of Nineteenth-Century South Africa
Roger S. Levine
Born into a Xhosa royal family around 1792 in South Africa, Jan Tzatzoe was destined to live in an era of profound change—one that witnessed the arrival and entrenchment of European colonialism. As a missionary, chief, and cultural intermediary on the eastern Cape frontier and in Cape Town and a traveler in Great Britain, Tzatzoe helped foster the merging of African and European worlds into a new South African reality. Yet, by the 1860s, despite his determined resistance, he was an oppressed subject of harsh British colonial rule. In this innovative, richly researched, and splendidly written biography, Roger S. Levine reclaims Tzatzoe’s lost story and analyzes his contributions to, and experiences with, the turbulent colonial world to argue for the crucial role of Africans as agents of cultural and intellectual change.
His journey is a testament to God’s unchanging purposes and grace.
Tzatzoe’s understanding of both Xhosa and British cultures enabled him to act as a bridge between the two. He was able to explain Xhosa customs, traditions, and perspectives to the British, while also helping the Xhosa understand British intentions and policies. This cultural mediation was crucial in fostering a better understanding between the two groups, although it did not always lead to the desired outcomes for the Xhosa people.
An Intermediary Sent by God
Tzatzoe’s role as a missionary further highlighted his intermediary position. He converted to Christianity and worked closely with European missionaries, such as those from the London Missionary Society. As a Christian convert, Tzatzoe travelled extensively, even visiting England, to advocate for the missionary cause and to share his experiences.
Tzatzoe used his position to bring people together and share the gospel’s transformative power.
His Christian faith and missionary work allowed him to introduce elements of Western religious practices to the Xhosa, while also contextualising Christianity within Xhosa cultural frameworks. I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 9:22: “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” Tzatzoe exemplified this principle, using his position and influence to bring people together and share the gospel’s transformative power.
Tzatzoe and the Contemporary Challenge
Levine’s historical account and Jan Tzatzoe’s story challenge me to consider my own role in my community and the broader society.
As a Reformed Evangelical Xhosa man, I am called to be a bridge-builder and a bearer of the gospel, just as Tzatzoe was. This means actively engaging with my cultural heritage while also being a witness to the life-changing message of the gospel that redeems men and women from every culture, tribe and tongue. Through understanding and embracing my history, I can continue the legacy of faith and resilience exemplified by Tzatzoe, and contribute to the ongoing narrative of God’s work in and through the Xhosa people.
God calls us to be bridge-builders and gospel-bearers, just as Tzatzoe was.
The vision in Revelation 7:9-10 encapsulates the hope for every nation, tribe, and tongue, including the Xhosa. It reminds us that, in God’s kingdom, diversity is celebrated and every culture finds its place before the throne of God, united in worship and salvation through Jesus Christ.
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Concluding Reflections
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21)
This proverb reminds me that despite human efforts to control and divide, God’s purpose will always prevail. It encourages me to trust in God’s sovereign plan for my life and my community.
“God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28)
The whole verse reads: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Reflecting on the hardships faced by the Xhosa nation, this verse assures me that God is working all things together for good. It gives me hope and a sense of purpose, knowing that even in difficult times, God is at work.
“Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19)
Again, the whole verse reads: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus’ Great Commission compels me to follow in Jan Tzatzoe’s footsteps, sharing the gospel and making disciples within my community and beyond.
Let us continue our forebears’ legacy of resilience, unity, and faithfulness to God’s calling.
Reading A Living Man From Africa by Roger S. Levine has been an enlightening and spiritually enriching experience. It has deepened my understanding of the Xhosa nation’s history; and reinforced my commitment to living out my faith in practical and transformative ways. As I reflect on the lives of those who came before me, I am inspired to continue their legacy of resilience, unity, and faithfulness to God’s calling.
