Johannes Colenbrander

Trader, Interpreter and Rhodes Agent

Colenbrander was the son of Dutch immigrants to South Africa, he is most remembered for the indaba which Cecil Rhodes held in the Matopo Hills with Ndebele Chiefs during the Matebele Rebellion of 1893, where he served as an interpreter. 

He visited Bulawayo in 1888 and became friends with King Lobengula due to his extensive knowledge of Zulu and Zulu customs. He travelled to Bulawayo on separate occasions as an interpreter for groups of concession seekers in their bargaining with King Lobengula. At one time he was attached to the Lippert group which was initially in competition with Rhodes, Rhodes would soon buy out this group and Colenbrander subsequently became Rhode’s agent gathering intelligence at the kraal in Bulawayo.

Collenbrander was earlier in his career working for Rhodes assigned to accompany together with E.A Maund to London and King Lobengula’s indunas Mshete and Babyana as an interpreter and guide, as the King wanted to understand and have a clearer vision of the white man’s world. The party travelled to London in March 1899 and met with Queen Victoria. 

On returning to Bulawayo he started trading and became a representative of the British South Africa Company. In 1890 King Lobengula sent him to meet with Lt Colonel Pennefeather commander of the Pioneer Column with instructions and advice for him to turn back and return to South Africa. He left Bulawayo before the Matebele War and later became a Native Commissioner.

He served in the Matabele Rebellion (1896) and acted as interpreter during C.Rhodes Matopo indaba with rebel chiefs. Also served in the Anglo-Boer War.

Died on the 10 February 1918, South Africa while filming a movie.