Masopha

Masopha
Masopha (right) with his standard bearer
Born	c. 1820
Died	July 1898
House	House of Moshoeshoe
Father	Moshoeshoe I
Mother	’MaMohato

Masopha (c. 1820 – July 1898) was a chief of the Basuto people. He was the third son of Basuto paramount chief Moshoeshoe I. During his youth he fought in numerous conflicts against neighboring tribes and European colonists. According to Basuto praise-poems he was known for his bravery. Following the incorporation of Basutoland into the Cape Colony, Masopha resisted the imposition of colonial rule and emerged as one of the most powerful Basuto chiefs.

In 1880, he became one of the leaders of Basuto resistance to the Cape in the Basuto Gun War. The war resulted in a peace treaty favoring the Basuto. Following the end of the war he came into conflict with his nephew and heir apparent Lerotholi. The two clashed in a brief civil war in January 1898. Masopha was defeated in July 1898, losing his title of district chief. The Basuto continue to honor Masopha during their initiation rituals.