Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa
Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa (died approx. 1925) was a member of the
Thembu tribe of
South Africa, and the chief of
Mvero, a tiny village on the banks of the
Mbashe River. He was the father of anti-
apartheid activist and South African president
Nelson Mandela.
As chief, Mphakanyiswa presided in an official capacity at marriages, funerals, and initiations. Though he had no formal education and could not read or write, he was described by Mandela as having a keen sense and appreciation for history.
He had four wives and thirteen children: four sons and nine daughters.
