Mmanthatisi
| Mmanthatisi | |
|---|---|
| Successor | Sekonyela wa Mokotjo |
| Born | Monyaduwe 1784 Thaba-Ntsho, near Harrismith |
| Died | Jwala-Boholo |
| Burial | Unknown Jwala-Boholo |
| Spouse | Mokotjo wa Montwedi |
Mmanthatisi (also spelled Manthatisi or MmaNthatisi and erroneously spelled as 'Mantatee’, 'Ma Nthisi, Mantatise; c. 1784 – 1847) was the leader of the Tlokwa people during her son's minority from 1813 until 1824. She came to power as the regent for her son, Sekonyela, (Lentsha) following the death of her husband Kgosi Mokotjo (the previous kgosi). Mmanthatisi was known as a strong, brave and capable leader, both in times of peace and war. She was referred to by her followers as Mosesanyane (the tiny one) because of her slender body.
Although her tribe was known as Balefe, during her reign, they came to be known as boo-Mmanthatisi or Manthatee Horde by the English. In the midst of the Mfecane/Difaqane wars - a period of mass migration, Mmanthatisi used her power, dedication, bravery and staunch character to keep her people together, despite the frequent raids by the Nguni group.