ABSTRACT
The first Jesuit mission to eastern Africa was that led by the Spaniard Goncalo da Silveira in 1560. The mission was directed first of all at the Karanga kingdom of Tonge, whose chief was Gamba. The Jesuit letters were written largely to promote the work of the missions and to give a favourable account of their activity. André Fernandes was interested in the African division of labour and in the crops that were grown. He also explained the relationship that existed with the Portuguese who visited the area to trade. The Africans sold ivory and provisions to them, Fernandes believed that the Portuguese were regularly cheated and were very much the underdogs in this exchange. At this stage he reflected the Jesuit view that conversion would come easily, and it is of interest that, as a missionary, he placed as much emphasis on the need to correct faults and sins as on the sacraments.
