Some aspects of Ndebele relations with the Shona in the nineteenth century

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Periodical article

Title:	Some aspects of Ndebele relations with the Shona in the nineteenth century
Author:	Bhebe, N.M.B.
Year:	1973
Periodical:	Rhodesian History
Volume:	4
Pages:	31-38
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Southern Africa
Subjects:	ethnic relations Shona Ndebele (South Africa) Ndebele (Zimbabwe) history 1800-1899
Abstract:	In 1822 Mzilikazi broke away from the Zulu nation with a small following, probably consisting in the main of his own sib, the Kumalo. He first led his people to the Transvaal highveld, then inhabited by the Sotho-Tswana speaking peoples. By incorporating conquered local people and welcoming refugees from Zululand, Mzilikazi's nascent state grew by leaps and bounds, perhaps to about 80,000 persons. In 1837, the Ndebele state was forced to migrate into the present day Matabeleland by the Boers and the Zulu. After the settlement of the Thanayezinduna crisis, Mzilikazi directed his attention to the organisation of his people and the conquest of the Shona. After describing the conquests and extent of Ndebele power the author discusses the relationships that arose between the Ndebele and the Shona. The most important aspect of these relations was the practice of incorporating Shona youths into the Ndebele system. Besides this incorporating system, trade also brought the peoples into close relationships. Notes.