In April 1856, the sixteen-year-old amaXhosa prophetess Nongqawuse believes she has received a message from her ancestors that promises deliverance from their hardships if the amaXhosa destroy their cattle.
The return of the ancestors is predicted to occur on 18 February, 1857.
The amaXhosa, mainly chief Kreli of the Gcalekas, heeds the demand and enforces it on others, only to be disappointed on the destined day.
The cattle killings continue into 1858, leading to the starvation of thousands.
