HONOURING A RARE INDIVIDUAL
WHERE WAS CHARLOTTE BORN?
Charlotte Makgomo Mannya was born in Ramokgopa in the Polokwane (Pietersburg) District on 7 April 1874. She received a missionary education at Edwards Memorial School in the Eastern Cape in the early 1880s. In 1885, after the discovery of diamonds, Maxeke moved to Kimberley with her family. While in Kimberley, she became a teacher.
As a dedicated churchgoer, Maxeke and her sister, Katie, joined the African Jubilee Choir in 1891, and toured England for two years. During this tour, Maxeke performed for Queen Victoria, allegedly in Victorian costume. Sources state that the sisters were uncomfortable with being treated as novelties in London, and
