Charles Bell of Van Riebeeck's
arrival & meeting with the Khoi-Khoi

8 July 1658

Herry*, also known as Autshumao, Khoi-Khoi interpreter and chief of the Goringhaikonas, is banished to Robben Island

The new Dutch colony that settled in the Cape in 1652 presented opportu­nities to Khoikhoi, particularly those with linguistic abilities. A handful of translators, none apparently born of high birth or wealth, rose to become, for a while, eminent and prosperous intermediaries between Euro­peans and Khoikhoi.

Autshumato ('Herry') was a cattleless Strandloper (beachcomber) who, while liv­ing on Robben Island, ran a 'post office' for the English and sailors of other nationalities, who left letters for countrymen passing by in coming months.

In the early years of the settlement, Herry established himself as Commander Van Riebeeck's only interpreter, providing advice on Khoikhoi politics and bringing Khoikhoi cattle traders to the fort. By 1658 Harry had amassed large herds and flocks and emerged as a leader of herders who had once despised him as a scavenger.

In the First Khoikhoi-Dutch War, Van Riebeeck, become suspicious of Herry's shifting alle­giances. On 8 July 1658 he banished Herry to Robben Island with two of his followers after several misdemeanors like murdering a cattle-herd and stealing cattle and barter goods.

Herry eventually escaped from the island in a leaky boat.

* Note: Autshumao is known to the English as ‘Harry’ and to the Dutch as ‘Herry’.

Sources:

1. Wallis, F. (2000). Nuusdagboek: feite en fratse oor 1000 jaar, Kaapstad: Human & Rousseau.  
2. Potgieter, D.J. et al. (eds)(1970). Standard Encyclopedia of Southern Africa, Cape Town: NASOU, v. 5, p. 500).
3. Hermann Giliomee and Bernard Mbenga. (2007). New History of South Africa. Tafelberg Publishers, Cape Town, p 51.