David Stuurman (c. 1773 – 22 February 1830)[1] was a Khoi chief and political activist who fought against Dutch and British colonial administration.
David Stuurman was a leader of the Khoi people, who fought against Dutch and British colonial rule in the Eastern Cape.
Stuurman became involved in political activism during the 18th century when both the Khoi and San people were systematically dispossessed of their lands under “on ordinance by the colonists”.
[2] During the 1790s, when the second of the Xhosa Wars broke out, Stuurman, his brother Klaas, the chief and their family abandoned Vermaak's farm along with several other Khoi in the region.
[citation needed] In August, 1802, in an effort to regain Khoi independence, Stuurman led 700 men and 300 horsemen with 150 firearms, against Uniondale field cornet.
[citation needed] In an effort to establish peace after the skirmish, Governor Francis Dundas granted land to Klaas Stuurman and his men.
He was now a two-time escapee from Robben Island, but at the trial at least one white overseer vouched for him based on a previous incident, saying he owed his life to Stuurman.
[5] Plans by the National Heritage Council to repatriate the human remains of David Stuurman from Sydney were anticipated to be realised in April 2014, as a part of the events to commemorate and celebrate 20 years of democracy in South Africa.
After years-long negotiations between multiple stakeholders, including Australian and South African authorities, traditional spiritual repatriation ceremonies went ahead in 2017.