Christian Afrikaner

Christian Afrikaner (before 1820, Bethanie, South West Africa – 15 June 1863, Otjimbingwe, South West Africa) was the oldest son of Jonker Afrikaner and Beetje Boois. He became the fifth Captain of the Orlam Afrikaners in South-West Africa, after the death of his father in 1861.

The Orlams at that time were in constant conflict with the Herero over land and cattle but did not have the support of the European traders in Otjimbingwe, particularly Karl Johan Andersson and Frederick Green. They considered that the war was bad for trade, and helped organising and leading the Herero army. Consequently, the Herero were better equipped and gradually took over military dominance.

Christian Afrikaner died in an attack on Maharero's settlement at Otjimbingwe in 1863. This incident marked the beginning of the erosion of power of the Orlam Afrikaners.

Bibliography

• Dictionary of South African Biography, Vol II. Pretoria: Human Sciences Research Council. 1972. ISBN 0-624-00369-8. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)