This article handles the thoughts, ideas and knowledge embedded in the writings of SEK Mqhayi, during the 19th and 20th centuries, centering on his biographical poems mainly. In the light of present discussions in higher education on transformation in the academy, and the plea for thought of indigenous ways of knowing in the teaching, learning and research practices of the higher education institutions, Mqhayi’s writings have much to conduce. The article draws on an assay of thirty poems which formed the data of the author’s PhD research. The poems were first issued in old isiXhosa newspapers provided by the Opland Collection of Xhosa Literature in London. They were retyped and translated into English by the author. Theoretically, this paper is underpinned by historical-biographical criticism.