ABSTRACT
In 1886 Mr. Rhodes faced the problem of securing for Great Britain all that was left of Central and Southern Africa. As Matabeleland and Mashonaland were not only nearest to his base of operations, but were in more imminent danger of annexation by European Powers than other parts of this huge area, it was to these two countries that his initial efforts were directed. If the mission proved successful, periodical visits, with the object of promoting the extension of British influence and trade to Matabeleland and Mashonaland, would be arranged. In July 1887 Mr. J. S. Moffat was appointed Assistant Commissioner for the Bechuanaland Protectorate. It is evident that the settlement of Montsioa’s and Mankoroane’s countries resulting from the British Protectorate, and the freedom from Boer depredations which they had since enjoyed, appealed strongly to the Matabele chief, who had an ancient grudge against the Boers.
