The Presidential Years

Prophet and warrior. He was imprisoned on Robben Island for leading an attack on Grahamstown. In 1819 Makana with about thirty other prisoners, attempted to escape from Robben Island in three boats. The boats capsized and Makana, while marshalling and urging his men to swim to shore, drowned. The island is sometimes referred to as Makana Island with Makana being a lasting symbol of resistance.