The Man Who Crossed Back

Years earlier, English sailors had taken him to Bantam, where he learned English and Dutch. He returned to the Cape able to move between worlds few others could cross. A leader of the Gorinhaikona, he traded cattle, carried messages and signalled to ships entering Table Bay. When the VOC settled at the Cape in 1652, it relied on him to reach Khoikhoi leaders and secure supplies. Autshumato believed language could keep both sides within a bargain. But the bargain changed. The Dutch no longer wanted only trade. They wanted farms, boundaries and permanent possession. Cattle disputes became conflict, Khoikhoi movement was restricted, and every Company success made cooperation less necessary. Autshumato's knowledge had once made him valuable. Now his independence made him dangerous.

In July 1658, the VOC banished him to Robben Island. For more than a year, he watched the mainland across the water. Then, near the end of November 1659, he and another captive stole the island's boat. The current pulled at the hull. Cold water struck their hands. With every stroke, the prison disappeared farther into the dark. At last, the mainland rose ahead. They reached it alive.

The VOC believed Autshumato had drowned. Yet a year later, he sent word asking to live near the settlement again. By 1660, he was interpreting once more. But the Cape he returned to had changed. The Company was stronger. Khoikhoi land, cattle and movement were increasingly controlled. Autshumato could still speak both languages, but translation no longer carried the power it once had. The VOC had learned enough to stop listening.

Autshumato died in 1663. The man who had connected ships and shore ended his life after being imprisoned by the same order that once depended on him.

He crossed the water back to freedom. But he could not return to a world that still needed the bridge.