African History Notes O Level
African History Notes O Level
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Crops grown. Economic activities.
- Bulrush millet. - hunting.
- Finger millet. - pastoralism or livestock keeping.
- Sorghum. - gathering.
- Rapoko. - mining.
- Pumpkins. - internal and external trade.
- Gourds. - tribute.
- Cowpeas. - agriculture.
- Melons. - craftwork e.g.pottery, weaving,basketry and
- Beans. drum making.
- raiding.
- fishing.
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- Hoes made the work fast and easy.
iv) Mining was a seasonal activity done in the dry season after the rains.
- They mined minerals like gold, tin, copper, silver and iron.
- Simple tools were used to mine e.g. ropes, hoes and wooden bowls.
- The miners first studied the rocks, soil, vegetation and the colour of
the water.
v) Specialization developed because of division of labour based on skills.
Craftwork led to specialization e.g. iron working, smelting, weaving,
basketry, carving, tanning, masonry (stone building) and blacksmithing.
vi) Livestock keeping – Shona people kept animals like cattle, goats,
sheep and dogs.
Importance of cattle.
- For labour. - skins for clothes, drums, shields and
- Wealth. mats.
- For cultivation. - trade.
- For paying tribute. - meat.
- Fines. - milk.
- Rituals. - skins.
- Traditional ceremonies. - loan cattle.
vii) Trade developed in the Iron Age.
a) Internal Trade e.g. Iron tools for cattle.
b) External Trade e.g. cloth for gold.
viii) Raiding began as a result of stronger weapons. Powerful states got
richer from raids. Raiders captured livestock, women , children, grain, food,
minerals, ivory and tools.
ix) Tribute payment.
- The rulers demanded tribute from weaker groups. The ruling class
became richer.
- Tribute was paid in many forms.
Items / forms/ commodities used to pay tribute.
- Minerals :- gold, tin and silver. - animal skins.
- Crops :- pumpkins, beans and millet. - salt.
- Tools :- axes and hoes. - cloth.
- Cattle (livestock). - baskets.
- Labour. - Crafts e.g mats & clay pots.
- Wives. - young men and women.
- ivory.
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x) More wealth in the Iron Age.
SOCIAL CHANGES FROM THE STONE AGE TO THE IRON AGE .
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-
NB J2015: Items used to pay Lobola in Late Stone Age.
- e.g. grain, cattle, hoes, hammers, spears, axes, gold, ivory, labour,
goats, pottery and skins.
- The Shona believed that spirits lived in forests, rivers, pools,
mountains i.e. sacred places.
- Rest days were important to honor the ancestors of ruling (class)
family. The days were called Chisi.
- There was belief in witchcraft which caused bad luck e.g. barreness,
illness, mental illness, bad luck, death.
- The Shona religion brought unity because the Shona believed the King
had devine power.
- There were family, regional and national mediums. (3marks).
- Mediums installed the king.
- There was belief in life after death.
- Beer offering to ancestors.
- There was belief in avenging spirits (ngozi).
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- The chiefs demanded respect for their ancestors. For example, chisi
(rest days) were there to respect the founders of the ruling class.
Religion strengthened the political authority of the chiefs or rulers.
i. The Chief/ King’s power was devine. The result was that rulers were feared
and respected.
ii. Mediums solved succession disputes so this brought peace.
iii. Installation of a new ruler was the duty of the mediums hence the rulers
were feared and respected.
iv. Rain making ceremonies brought good yields in the fields.
v. Mediums communicated with God and the ancestors.
vi. Mediums gave advise in times of drought, war & disease.
- Rulers had authority over others because of powerful armies. The
armies had important functions:
* Collecting tribute. * Protecting the state and king.
* Punishing rebels. * Controlling external trade.
* Raiding. * Hunting elephants for the king.
* conquering new areas. * Maintained peace and order
- Intermarriages brought unity. The king married wives from the Chiefs
and sub – Chiefs.
- Loan cattle (kuronzera) were used to gain followers. The Ironsmiths
and the ruling lineages were the wealthiest people so they gained
power over others.
- New States began to rise in the Early Iron Age e.g. Mapungubwe and
Great Zimbabwe.
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- State formation.
- More wealth from trade.
However, the changes in the Iron Age brought harm.
– exploitation of women and children.
- exploitation of man by man.
- development of classes of rich and poor.
- mining caused land degredation.
- Poor people were forced to pay tribute.
- The number of raids and wars increased leading to death of people.
Question: How far did trade contribute to state formation in
Southern Africa during the Iron Age?.
C2 Other factors.
- ambitious leaders.
- succession disputes.
- state formation resulted from need to control fertile soils.
- Need to control pastures.
- Loaning of cattle to other communities led to spread of influence.
- Polygamy was an important source of labour.
- Marriage alliances were a source of power.
- Strong armies helped in state formation.
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THE GREAT ZIMBABWE STATE.
Sub-topics.
a) The reasons why Great Zimbabwe was built.
b) The factors that led to the rise of Great Zimbabwe.
Economic factors.
Social factors.
Political factors/ military.
Decline of Great Zimbabwe.
Uses of cattle in the Great Zimbabwe State (Nov 2011).
- Trade.
- Ritual purposes: rain making, appeasing spirits, symbol of ancestors.
- Payment of lobola (bride price).
- Form of wealth/status symbol.
- Tribute payment.
- For food: meat, milk.
- Form of transport/draught power.
- Skins: mats, clothes, blankets, making shields, drum making, sandals.
- Paying fines.
- Manure for agriculture.
- Fuel from manure e.g. in blast furnaces.
- Doing for polishing floors.
- Ropes.
- Loaning cattle for political influence.
Crafts practised by the people of Great Zimbabwe.
- Drum making.
- Building in stone (masonry).
- Making jewellery.
- Carving.
- Iron smelting.
- Blacksmithing.
- Ornament making.
- Pottery.
- Basketry.
- Weaving.
- Sculpture.
- Leather tanning.
Nov 2014.
2a) Identify any six artefacts that were discovered at Great Zimbabwe –
NB made by people for use.
- Beads.
- Figurines.
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- Iron tools: spearheads, hoes, axes.
- Porcelain dishes.
- Chinaware (dishes, plates, cups).
- Shells.
- Iron gongs.
- Bangles.
- Soapstone bowls.
- Anklets.
b) Construction and functions of Great Zimbabwe as a city.
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THE FACTORS WHICH LED TO THE RISE OF GREAT ZIMBABWE
ECONOMIC SOCIAL AND POLITICAL FACTORS LED TO THE RISE.
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- The army collected tribute, raided, punished rebels, maintained law
and order, protected the king and the state.
- There were powerful/ influential and ambitious leaders who began to
control other lineages.
- The ability of the ruling families to demand tribute from weaker
lineages. Tribute brought wealth e.g. cattle, grain and women.
- Raiding was used to get more wealth for the ruling lineage.
- Rulers were feared and respected because it was believed they were
divine rulers.
- Intermarriages brought unity and peace in the state.
- Great Zimbabwe’s rise was associated with the fall of the Mapungubwe
state across the Limpopo river.
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- As a king’s court (administration center).
- It was an expression of fertility and success e.g. shape of conical tower
represents the male sex organ. The V shape on the stone walls
represent the female sex organ. Some historians claim that the conical
tower’s shape represents a grain bin.
- For protection against bad weather e.g. wind.
SOCIAL ORGANISATION
- There was division of labour which was based on sex.
- Men’s work: hunting, mining, fishing, basketry, carving, clearing
land, iron working, building huts and kraals.
- Women’s work: gathering, fetching firewood, looking after children,
cooking, farming, pottery, looking after children, cooking, farming,
pottery, weeding.
- Lobola was paid using cattle.
- The status of a men was brought by having many wives, children and
cattle.
- A man married from different lineage.
- Polygamy was practiced.
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- Clothes were made from animal skins.
- They lived in pole and dagga huts.
- Intermarriage brought unity. The king (ruling class) married wives
from chiefs and sub-chiefs.
- There were classes of rich and poor people
- Loan cattle system was practiced.
- Exploitation of man by man.
- NB. Social classes/ groups at Great Zimbabwe (Nov 2007).
- farmers.
- traders.
-hunters.
-miners.
-Spirit mediums.
-potters.
-herbalist.
- war captives.
- blacksmiths.
-masons.
- They worshiped high God called Mwari.
- They believed in ancestral spirits.
- Succession disputes were solved by mediums.
- Mediums installed the king.
- Spirit mediums communicated with the ancestors and God.
POLITICAL ORGANISATION
-kingship was hereditary.
The kings duties.
- The king was a religious leader who led in religious ceremonies.
- Controlled tribute.
- Was the head of the state.
- He was the commander of the army.
- Controlled external trade.
- Protected the state through the army.
- Punished rebels.
- He had the right of life and death.
- Fed the people in times of drought.
- He distributed land.
- Highest judge.
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- Marriage alliances brought unity. The king married the daughters of
the lesser chiefs.
- King appointed and dismissed chiefs.
- Tribute payment was important
i) it showed loyalty.
ii) it showed respect.
iii) it showed allegiance.
iv) it brought wealth which the rulers gave as
gifts to loyal subjects e.g. generals.
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- Shortage of gold for external trade.
- Shortage of wild life- shortage of ivory, meat and skins.
- The Mutirikwi and Save rivers became silted and this affected external
trade.
- Drought affected agriculture and livestock keeping.
- Cholera outbreak caused by poor sanitation.
- A great fire broke out and burnt the buildings.
Economic factors.
- Environmental problems apply e.g. shortage of resources.
- The trade routes shifted northwards to Mazoe and Zambezi Valley. This
led to decline in external trade. There was now less wealth at Great
Zimbabwe.
- The shortage of ivory and gold led to the decline of external trade.
- Droughts affected agriculture and livestock.
Political factors.
- Weaknesses of the ruling family:
- People refused to pay tribute.
- Weak leaders.
- The state was attacked by neighbouring groups.
- Succession disputes in the ruling family e.g. when the King died they
fought for who succeeded him. After the death of Chibatamatosi there
was civil war- led to the migration of Nyatsimba Mutota to the Dande
area. Torwa migrated Westwards.
- Ambitious leaders broke away e.g. Nyatsimba Mutota.
Social factors.
- The population increased to about 10 000 People – Great Zimbabwe
become overpopulated.
- Diseases affected the people e.g. cholera and small pox.
- Cattle were affected by diseases like nagana.
- A great fire destroyed the buildings.
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THE MUTAPA STATE/MUNHUMUTAPA STATE
( C. 1450-1900).
- Also called Monomutapa state.
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c) Mutota’s military achievements.
- Nyatsimba Mutota was the founder of the Mutapa state.
- He left Great Zimbabwe around 1450 with a strong army.
- He used his army to conquer the Tonga, Tavara and Korekore gps in
the Dande – Chidima area.(3 marks).
- Mutota established his capital at Chitako Hill.
- The army was used to conquer, protect the king, raided, control trade.
- He was the commander of the army.
- The Tonga gave him the praise name Munhumutapa which means the
ruler of the conquered.
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-Chioko.
- Nyamhita Nehanda.
- Neshangwe
THE EXPANSION OF THE MUTAPA STATE.
- Nyatsimba Mutota’s son, Nyanhewe Matope, was responsible for the
expansion of the Mutapa State.
- Matope conquered new Chiefdoms/ provinces e.g. Barwe, Manyika,
Guruuswa, Sanga, Uteve and Mudanda.
- The military maintained law and order, raided, protected the state,
controlled external trade e.t.c.
- At its highest peak, the Mutapa State extended from Limpopo to
Zambezi rivers and from the East coast of Mozambique to the Kalahari
desert (Botswana).
- Matope established an alliance/ friendship with the Tavara high God,
Dzivaguru. This brought peace and unity in the state. Matope was
helped to rule by his half sister, Nyamhita Nehanda.
- Matope used marriage alliances to strengthen the state. He married to
the daughters of lesser chiefs.
- Tribute payment was a method used to bring wealth and to establish
loyalty and allegiance. Vassal chiefs paid tribute to the Munhumutapa
in many forms e.g. minerals like gold, crops like millet, tools, labour,
wives, ivory, baskets, mats, clay pots, salt, skins, cloth and jewellery.
- The system of loan cattle strengthened the state because the
Munhumutapa got followers. It also brought together both the rich and
poor.
- Religion was a factor which bought stability/ peace.
i) They worshipped one God.
ii) Succession disputes were solved by mediums.
iii) Installation of rulers by spirit mediums.
iv) All people gathered for rain making.
v) Mediums give advice in times of crises.
vi) The mediums treated sick people.
-Vassal chiefs were forced to light their own fires from the royal fire (moto
mutsva) every year. It was a sign of loyalty and allegiance to the King.
-The Munhumutapa was helped to rule by many government officials.
-Head door keeper. -Senior son in law ( mbokorume).
-Court chamberlain. -Nengomasha (commander of the army).
-Head cook. -Mukomohasha.
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-Queen mother. -Treasurer.
-King’s nine principal wives. -Priests.
-Head drummer.
-Messengers.
Economic system
- Agriculture was the backbone of the economy. It provide food to feed
the Shona people.
- Livestock keeping: cattle, sheep and goats were the banks of the
Shona. Livestock had important functions e.g. paying lobola, tribute,
meat, milk, skins.
- Mining of iron, gold, silver, copper. It provided iron tools weapons for
the army. Minerals like gold led to the rise of external trade.
- External trade with the Swahili and the Portuguese. The state become
rich through foreign goods e.g. cloth, jewellery, guns, sugar, umbrella,
sea shells, chinaware, candles, tobacco, mirrors, wines etc.
- Hunting it brought wealth e.g. ivory, meat, skins. This improved
external trade.
- Raiding brought wealth e.g. cattle.
- Gathering e.g. vegetables, honey, milk, locusts.
- Crafts were practised e.g. tanning, carving, weaving, pottery,
sculpture and iron smithing.
- Fishing.
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- N’angas (spiritual healers) were consulted by the army before it went
to war. They doctored the soldiers to make them brave. They also
treated sick soilders.
- Weapons used included spears, bows and arrows, swords, catapults,
knobkerries, guns, battle axes (gano).
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- He presided the Council/ chaired.
- Declared war.
- Fed the people in times of drought.
- Punished rebels.
- Right of death and life.
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- Drought led to poor yields in agriculture. Poor pastures led to death of
livestock.
- People moved to areas with higher rainfall because of drought.
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THE PORTUGUESE IN THE MUTAPA STATE.
Aims of the Portuguese/ Reasons for Portuguese penetration.
- To trade.
- To mine.
- To replace Swahili trade.
- To drive away the Muslims.
- To spread Christianity and Civilization.
- To obtain slaves.
- To obtain land for agriculture.
- To hunt animals.
- To find Prestor John.
- To colonise the Mutapa.
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Names of Portuguese men/ nationals who visited the
Mutapa State.
- Fernendez. - Silveira.
- Francesco Barreto. - Vasco Homem.
- Perreira. - Caiado.
- Gouveia. - Lobo.
- Meneses . - Gomes.
- Fr Luiz. - Bocarro.
- Fr Sardinha. - Dona Katarina.
- Madeira.
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They refused to pay curva.
Intermarriage e.g. Mulatos were born.
Slave trade was introduced were slaves were sold in
Mozambique.They were then transported to Brazil.
Raped African women.
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THE PRAZO SYSTEM.
Prazero was the land owner or prazo holder.
Prazo was the land or estate.
Social activities.
- Slavery – Africans were sold to slave dealers in Mozambique
- Prisons.
- Ill- treatment/ brutal to Africans e.g. beaten using sjambok.
- They bad mouthed Africans.
- Rape of Africans ---Mulatos ,( mixed blood).
- The Portuguese married African women.
- The Portuguese use African women as concubines.
- Marijuana was smoked.
- Fed on exotic meat and expensive wines.
- Prazeros refused to pay curva.
- Lived in plastered huts.
- Prazeros were rude, arrogant, disrespectful to the Munhumutapa
hence they were a multitude of sinners.
- The life for prazeros was more comfortable compared to Africans.
- Christian work was practiced.
- They built a few small schools to educate Africans.
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Political activities.
- After the death of Silveria in 1561 the Portuguese declared war on the
Mutapa State. The government of Portugal sent an army led by
Barreto to avenge the death. The invasion was unsuccessful because
of many reasons :
i) Heat.
ii) Malaria.
ii) Fever.
iv) Heavy clothes.
v) Lack of Knowlwdge of the area.
vi) The Portuguese were attacked by the Maravi.
- Another army was sent, led by Vasco Homem. It was also
unsuccessful.
- The Portuguese were involved in the succession disputes and civil wars
of the Mutapa State.
- They helped weak claimants like Gatsi Rusere and Mavhura Mhande to
come to power.
- The Portuguese signed treaties/ Alliances with the two puppet rulers.
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- The missionaries were allowed to build schools.
- The captain of Massapa was given authority over everyone in the area
whether black or white.
- The Portuguese would maintain Mavhura Mhande on the throne.
- The Portuguese demanded that Mavhura Mhande pay tribute to the
government of Portugal.
- The political activities of the Portuguese led to the decline of the
Mutapa State.
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QN: To what extent did Portuguese political activities lead
to the decline of their influence in the region?
C1 – Political activities.
C2 – Other factors led to the decline.
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Christian work of Missionaries.
Alliances/ treaties with Rusere and Mavhura Mhande.
Trade centres/ market places.
Forced labour.
Marriages.
Ill-treatment.
Slavery.
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THE ROZVI STATE.
(C. 1650-1840). Nov 2014
Six Chiefdoms conquered by Changamire Dombo.
- Zvimba.
- Torwa.
- Nyashanu.
- Barwe.
- Chiweshe.
- Bocha.
- Marange.
- Uteve.
- Madanda/Sedanda.
- Mutema.
- Chikanga
- Mutasa.
- Makoni.
- Manyika.
Rozvi capitals/ centres of power.
- Khami.
- Naletale.
- Danamombe / Dhlodhlo.
- Manyanga.
- Nhava ya Tumbare.
- Insukhamini.
- Jere.
- Matendere.
- Great Zimbabwe.
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THE ORIGINS OF THE ROZVI STATE.
- There are different theories which explain the origins of the Rozvi
State.
- It was an off shoot of the Mutapa State.
- The Rozvi State was founded by a leader whose name was Dombo of
the Mwoyo totem.
- Changamire Dombo was a headman under Mutapa Mukombwe.
- In the 1670s Dombo gathered followers around himself and declared
independents from Mutapa Mukombwe. Dombo was a rebel.
- Used loan cattle to gain followers.
- He was a cattle thief who changes the colour of cattle.
- Dombo used supernatural power to gain followers of a rainmaker.
- He was a cattle thief who changes the colour of cattle.
- He seized Mutapa lands and a serious civil war broke out in the Mutapa
Empire.
- Dombo was forced to move away from the Mutapa towards the South
West in the Torwa area.
- He fought, conquered and absorbed the Torwa and Kalanga people.
- Dombo established his powerful state in the area of Butua (Butwa) /
Guruuswa and established his capital called Danan’ombe.
- The state adopted the name “Kurozva” they were given this name
because of the nature of their conquest of the subject people. They
were destroyers.
- West Zimbabwe the Rozvi embarked/began on military the conquest.
- The army was very helpful in conquering the number of chiefdom and
it saw the Rozvi growing until it covered the rest of Zimbabwe.
- Dombo was a charismatic leader loved by his followers.
- His powerful army used the cow horn formation
- Detected the Portuguese and drove them out of the Zimbabwean
plateau.
- Dombo’s military achievements led to the rise of the Rozvi State.
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Tribute items
- Livestock.
- Grain/ crops.
- Labour.
- Minerals.
- Ivory.
- Skins.
- Meat.
- Daughters.
- Iron tools.
- Cloth.
- Jewellery.
- Salt.
- Mats.
- Baskets.
- carvings.
J 2012
Three exports from Rozvi State
- Pigs, sheep, cattle, gold, ivory, crops, ostrich feathers, animal
skins/hides, tools, pottery, crafts.
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- Young men provided cattle herders.
C2-Other economic activities were important.
– Agriculture was important because crops provided food.
- Mining brought iron tools.
- Gold was used for external trade.
- Cattle were a form of storing wealth.
- Social life of the Rozvi State
- Loan cattle.
- Marriage × 3 marks for explanation.
- Clothes- Skins.
- Shelter- Pole and dagga huts.
- Religion.
- Social classes of rich and poor people.
- Status of a man.
- Village cooperatives.
- Exploitation of women.
- Division of labour based on sex.
- The Shona were patrilineal.
- Moyo totem used by Mambos.
- Religion.
- They believed in Mwari.
- The Shona believed that the spirits lived in forests, mountains and
pools.
- The spirit mediums choose the King (installation).
- Mediums gave advice in times of war, drought, disease and famine.
- They believed that there was bad luck e.g. barrenness.
- King was a divine ruler.
- The Shona had family, regional and national mediums.
- Traditional healers doctored the soldiers before war.
- Believed in life after death.
- Ceremonies were held to appease the ancestors e.g. rain making.
- Ancestral bulls. The shona offered beer to the ancestors.
- Belief in avenging spirit called “Ngozi”.
- The rest days (Chisi).
- Believe in life after death.
- Beer was offered to the ancestors.
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Political Organisation of the state.
35
The military organisation/ system.
36
External factors/Aggression
- Portuguese pressure e.g. military attack; they took land and mines,
they practices unfair trade.
- Attacks from the Hiya of Dondo area disturbed trade and agricultural
activities.
- Attacks from 6 Mfecane/NGUNI GROUPS/MIGRANTS.
- They raided for livestock, women, grain, young men.
1. Ngoni of Zwangendaba.
2. Ngoni of Nxaba.
3. Ngoni of Maseko.
4. Soshangane.
5. Ngoni of Nyamazana – she killed Mambo Chirisamhuru by skinning him
alive to see if he had two hearts. No new Mambo was chosen after the
death of Chirisamhuru.
6. Finally, the Ndebele led by Mzilikazi defeated and absorbed the Rozvi.
THE MFECANE.
- This was a time of crushing, a time of plunder and destruction.
- In Nguniland it can be also called Difecane.
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Causes of Mfecane –see Nov 2014.
- Population expansion or overpopulation in Nguniland leading to
pressure on land.
- Competition for grazing and cultivation land and minerals.
- Desire to control ivory, skins and cattle trade with with the
Portuguese.
- European expansion in the interior from the cape blocking Nguni
expansion line Southwards. The Boers from the Cape.
- Demand for labour by Boers and Portuguese led to raid for slaves.
- Madlatule long drought led to shortage of food and this led to hunger
and famine.
- Rise of ambitious leaders like Tshaka Zwide, Sobuza and Dingiswayo.
- Tshaka’s military reforms.
Benefits of Mfecane.
- It led to the rise of strong leaders like Dingiswayo and Sobhuza.
- Strong states like the Zulu, Ndebele, Gaza and Lozi were created.
- Several tribes that fled went and created strong states elsewhere in
other parts of Africa.
- It reduced population in Nguniland.
- Resources become easy and manage to control since a lot of people
ran away e.g. land.
- Powerful rulers gain prestige e.g. Soshangane, M,oshoeshoe, Tshaka,
Muzilikazi and Sebitwane.
- Zulu state become united, wealthy and strong.
- Spread of Zulu culture and traditions in Southern and Central Africa.
Non-benefits of Mfecane.
- There was wide spread death and destruction.
- People lost homes and property.
- Problem of refugees.
- Fear and insecurity.
- There was loss of grain and cattle.
- Loss of grazing and cultivation land.
- Agriculture was disturbed.
- Great famine as more time was spent on fighting.
- Hunger led cannibalism.
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- Some people forced to live on mountain tops.
- Weakened Africans so colonization by Whites become easy.
- The Mfecane wars saw three leaders rising as the best because of their
military tactics these were
i) Dingisiwayo - Mthethwa.
ii) Sobhuza – Ngwane.
iii) Zwide – Ndwandwe.
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TSHAKA’S MILITARY REFORMS.
Weapons (June 2013)
- Battle axes.
- Assegais (short stabbing spears) ikiwa.
- Long shields/ isijula.
- Knobkerries.
- Guns.
- Tshaka introduced a stabbing spear called assegai for close combat.
He introduced use of a long spear.
- A soldier who lost the assegai was killed.
- Tshaka banned the use of wooden sandals for speed.
- He used barefooted soldiers.
- He trained his soldiers to run in thorns for them to harden their feet.
- Tshaka introduced baggage carriers who would carry mats and food for
soldiers. This was done in order to avoid making the soldiers getting
tired before the battle.
- Tshaka introduced the cow-horn formation to encircle the whole
enemy completely.
- Tshaka send out spies to check on the enemy.
- No marriage before the age of 40. This was because he did not want
family issues to disturb his military strategy.
- All soldiers stayed in barracks or regiments to be always ready and
prepared for war.
- Female regiments grew crops.
- Tshaka introduced mobile doctors who treated soldiers when they get
injured during war.
- Tshaka introduced smoke signals for communication.
- Soilders who had wounds at the back were killed by Tshaka.
- Tshaka instilled total discipline in the army. His soldiers did not involve
themselves with women during the period in army.
- If this rule was breached (broken) it was punished by death.
- Any women who became pregnant along with her lover would
immediately put to death.
- There was an element of total warfare.
Features of total warfare (J2013).
- Burning of homesteads.
- Absorbed enemy’s women and children killed the royal family of the
enemy.
- Captured the enemy’s livestock.
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- Destroyed/ took the enemy’s food reserves.
- Poisoned the water resources.
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- No one was allowed to cultivate crops for a year.
- Children were not allowed to be breast fed.
- People were forced to contribute something towards the funeral and failure
meant destruction.
- Sex was banned for one year.
People who plotted the downfall/ death of Tshaka.
- Dingane.
- Mhlangane.
- Mbopa.
- Mkabayi.
- Mfokozana.
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Part C: To what extent did ZULU people benefit
from Tshaka’s leadership?
C1- benefit
- He united the Zulu through one language and inkhata.
- Wealth e.g. tribute brought livestock.
- More grazing lands.
- Fertile soils.
- Regimental towns defended the people.
- Raids brought wealth e.g. livestock and grain.
- Strong and superior army which controlled Natal.
- He defeated in Ndwandwe.
- He brought political stability.
- Promoted able soldiers.
- Increased population from raids.
- Access to trade.
C2 Non – benefits because the methods were cruel.
- People forced to speak Zulu language.
- Late marriage.
- Fear of Tshaka.
- Dictatorship/All power centred on Tshaka.
- Exploitation of women.
- Continuous wars led to tiredness and dissatisfaction.
- Killed many people.
- Loss of culture.
How important was the army in the political
system?
C1 – importance of the army in the political system.
- Used to expand the state.
- Collection of tribute.
- Raided for wealth – livestock.
- Protected the king and the state (2 marks).
- Protected trade routes and hunting grounds (2marks).
- Hunted elephants for the King.
- Maintained law and order.
- Punishment of rebels.
C2 Offer factors were important in the political system.
- -chiefs, councilors and female relatives helped to administer the state.
- External trade brought foreign goods.
- Marriage alliances.
- King’s personality e.g. He was a no nonsense leader.
- Charismatic.
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- tribute payment was a sign of loyalty and allegiance.
- religion united the state.
- Inxwala ceremony united people.
- Use of Zulu language as a national language.
- Loan cattle united the people.
- Inkhata dress was a symbol of unity.
Ndebele Settlements.
- Ekupumuleni.
- Mosega.
- Tshwenyane.
- Endinaneni.
- Egabeni.
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- Enkuqini.
- Gibixhegu.
- Inyati.
45
DESCRIBE THE NDEBELE MIGRATION FROM
NGUNILAND TO WESTERN ZIMBABWE.
- Mzilikazi was chief of the Khumalo. The Khumalo were under the rule
of Tshaka.
- In 1821 Mzilikazi raided the Sotho and kept the booty.
- He cut the plumes of the messengers sent by Tshaka to collect the
booty. It was a sign of disobedience/ disloyalty.
- Tshaka sent an army to punish the Khumalo. The small army was
defeated.
- Mzilikazi decided to leave Nguniland before Tshaka sent s bigger army.
- He left with about 300 followers.
- They crossed the Drakensberg mountains and reached the land of the
Sotho – movement Westwards.
- Mzilikazi established a settlement called Ekupumuleni. It means the
place of rest.
- The Sotho gave the Khumalo the nickname “Matebele”. It means men
of long shields or people from the East.
- The Ndebele raided the Sotho for livestock, grain and women.
- Mzilikazi was forced to leave/abandon Ekupumuleni because of
problems:
- i) Zulu attacks.
- ii) drought.
- iii) lack of pastures.
- He moved into the Transvaal and established settlements like
Mhlahlandlela, Egabeni and Tshwenyane.
- The Ndebele were attacked by the Zulu, Griquas, Boers, Kora, Khoisan
and Rolong.
- He met Robert Moffat, a missionary. The two become friends.
- The Ndebele established a settlement called Mosega in the Transvaal.
- Moffat advised Mzilikazi to leave the Transvaal.
- They were defeated by a combined force in 1937 e.g. Boers, Griquas,
Kora, Tlokwa and the Zulu (Max 2).
- Mzilikazi decided to leave Mosega.
- He divided or split his people into two groups:
- The main group was led by Induna Gundwane Ndiweni. It included old
people, children, Mzilikazi’s wives, livestock.
- It also included Mzilikazi’s sons e.g. Nkulumane and Lobengula.
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- Moved Northwards across Limpopo.
- The group followed a shorter route.
- It followed the Muzingwane river valley.
- The group settled at Gibixhegu near the Matopo hills.
- They lost hope of uniting with Mzilikazi and installed Nkulumane as
king.
- The 2nd group was led by Mzilikazi. It was smaller.
- it moved from Mosega in a Westward direction through the territory of
the Ngwato.
- Mzilikazi was following the Kololo.
- He failed to defeat the Kololo and faced attacks by tsetse flies.
- He moved Southwards to meet the main group.
- Mzilikazi heard about the installation of Nkulumane.
- He rushed to Gibixhegu.
- Ndiweni and other Indunas responsible for the installation of
Nkulumane were executed (killed) for treason.
- What happened to Nkulumane is unclear. Some historians say he was
killed. Others say he fled southwards.
- Mzilikazi established his capital at Inyati near modern day Bulawayo.
- Mzilikazi married Nyamazana, a Ngoni leader who had broken away
from Zwangendaba.
- The local shona people offered less resistance and fell under Mzilikazi’s
control.
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- Availability of resources e.g. pastures for livestock.
- Free from tsetse flies.
- Good pastures.
- Mineral wealth e.g. gold.
- Availability of wild animals.
- Access to trade with the Portuguese and Arabs.
- The area was sparsely populated.
- Exhaustion from previous war.
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C2 - Unity caused by other factors.
- Intermarriages united them e.g. Shona, Sotho and Tswana.
- The Inxwala ceremony (festival of the first fruits).
- loan cattle.
- The hardships which were faced as a group from Nguniland to Western
Zimbabwe e.g. drought.
- Religion e.g. The Ndebele adopted the worshipping of Umlimo.
- There was fear of Mzilikazi. He was a no nonsense or strict leader
hence he was fered.
- Leader who heavily punished people who were disloyal e.g. he
executed Induna Gundwane Ndiweni and his own first son,Nkulumane.
- Mzilikazi had good leadership qualities e.g. he rewarded soldiers with
livestock and women. He was generous so he was loved by his people.
- The army was divided into regiments which included people of
different origion eg Tswana, Sotho, Kora and Shona.
- People who were absorbed were forced to speak Sindebele language.
- The group become bigger and had pride in being called Nebele.
- Mzilikazi used Zulu tactics of war and weapons to defeat enemies.
- The Ndebele adopted the culture of other groups like Sotho, Shona
and Tswana e.g. worshiping Mwari through priests at Njelele.
- Mzilikazi made use of Shona Medicine Men.
- Tribute payment was used to show loyalty.
- Mzilikazi used his relatives to control the people. They become chiefs
(indunas).
THE ORGANISATION OF THE NDEBELE STATE.
a) Economy/economic organisation.
- Agriculture. - Hunting.
- Gathering. - Mining.
- Trade (internal/ external). - Raiding.
- Fishing. - Tribute payment.
- Livestock keeping. - Craftwork (give examples).
49
Qn: To what extent did raiding contribute to the growth of
the Ndebele?
C1– Importance of raiding.
- Wealth e.g. livestock, women, grain.
b) Social organisation.
- lobola paid using cattle.
- Polygamy was allowed.
- Shelter – pole and dagga huts.
- Loan cattle.
- Classes of rich and poor.
- Exploitation.
- Patrilineal – they followed the father line.
- Religion – NB all religious aspects apply here.
- Clothes - skin clothes.
- Village cooperatives.
- Division of labour based on sex (give examples).
- The Ndebele had three 3 social classes: Zansi, Enhla and Hole.
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ii) Enhla.
- These were people absorbed during the journey from Nguniland e.g.
Tswana and Sotho origin.
- There were 25% of the population.
- They were the middle class.
iii) Hole.
- These were people of Shona origin.
- They were the bottom class.
- They were the inferior (they were considered as a lower class).
- They formed the majority of the population.
- 60% of the population.
- They were the cattle herders.
- Joined the regiments as soldiers.
- The Hole was used in the frontline during battles.
- A few of them rose to important positions as Indunas.
- Not allowed to marry the Zansi people at first.
- The Hole were given loan cattle.
- They began to speak Sindebele.
- They adopted Ndebele customs like names e.g. Mpofu for Mhofu and
Ncube for Soko.
- The Nguni custom of piercing men’s ears.
Question: Part C.
To what extent did the Ndebele social system beneficial to
all the classes/people?
C1 – benefits.
- Poor people given loan cattle.
- Intermarriages united people of different origins.
- Inxwala brought the whole nation together.
- They spoke one language, Sindebele.
- Mixing/ adoption of Shona customs e.g. the worshipping of Mwari.
- Village cooperatives brought villagers together.
- Worshipped one God so there was unity.
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- Most of the Hole could not occupy important positions such as
Indunas.
- Marriages were not allowed at first between Hole and Zansi.
c) Political organisation.
-The Ndebele system was centralized / the king had the total control.
-The King was an absolute king or a dictator.
-He had many responsibilities/ roles: [3marks].
He made the final decision on important issues like
raids, war and treaties.
The army commander.
The religious leader.
Controlled external trade and hunting of elephants.
Distribution land.
He has the right of life and death.
He appointed and dismissed indunas (chiefs).
Punished rebels.
Highest judge.
- The kingship was hereditary. The king was succeeded by his eldest son
- Tribute was paid to the King by the defeated groups e.g. Shona. It was
paid in many forms: Cattle, grain, iron tools. (3 examples).
- The Inxwala ceremony united the Ndebele. The whole nation
gathered at Bulawayo for the festival of the first fruits.
- Importance;
i) It showed Ndebele unity.
ii) It was time to thank the ancestors for the new crops.
ii) Attendance of the Indunas was a sign of loyalty and
allegiance.
iv) It showed the growth/ fertility of the state.
v) It was time to display the military strength of the.
Ndebele army. Ndebele regiments were displayed.
vi) The king led the dances and rituals so it showed his
power.
vii) The king displayed his wealth. A lot of cattle were
killed to feel the nation. He showed he was generous.
- The king was assisted by two Councils to get advice.
i) The Umphakati – The king presided/ chaired.
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- It was made of close relatives and elders known for their wisdom and
knowledge about Ndebele customs.
ii) The Izikulu
- It was made up of Indunas.
- The army was important in the administration of the state.
- The army was important in the political system:
Soldiers were united by staying in regiments. The
regiments were made up of people of different
origin.
Army raided.
Punished rebels.
Collected tribute.
Protected the state and the king.
- Loan cattle brought unity.
- Intermarriages: the king married daughters of lesser chiefs.
- Mzilikazi sent female relatives to stay in the regimental towns. They
reported the events in the outlying areas.
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Protected people and properties.
Weapons : assegai, bows and arrows, shields, knobkerries, battle axe
Methods of war e.g. cow horn formation .
Surprise attack e.g. attack at dawn.
Smoke signals for communication.
The use of spies.
- The army harvested.
- The army soldiers were miners.
- The army herded cattle in peace times.
- The army provided labour in king’s fields.
- The king was the commander in chief. He made the final decision on
raiding and war.
- The king consulted the Umphakati and the Izikulu before war. He
received advice.
- Ndebele armies were doctored by traditional healers before war to
make them brave.
- Chants and war cries were used to create fear among enemies – they
intimidated the enemies.
- The king distributed booty to the loyal and brave men e.g. livestock
and women
- Defeated groups near the Ndebele were absorbed in the regiments.
- Royal women were placed in the regimental towns to report on
developments.
- Army was divided into age regiments.
- Women were used in the army as prostitutes and cooks.
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Why way the myth accepted?
Reasons.
i) Missionaries who failed to spread Christianity in Matebeleland wrote
negative reports about the Ndebele because missionary work had failed.
- They wanted their mother countries to destroy the Ndebele religion and
political system first.
- These missionaries include John Moffat, C.D. Helm and Carnagie.
ii) Rhodes wanted to justify the colonization. The colonizers wanted to be
seen as saviors of the Shona.
iii) The Ndebele king, Lobengula, wanted to be seen as a great king. He
claimed total control over all the Shona in the East. He exaggerated his
power or influence.
iv) The Shona exaggerated the effects of the Ndebele raids to gain
sympathy.
55
- Areas far away from Matebeleland were independent. They never had
contact with the Ndebele. They were free of Ndebele control e.g. East
of Harare – Mutoko, Murewa and Manicaland were never raided.
- Some Shona groups fought on the side of the Ndebele against the
BSAC in the Anglo- Ndebele war and Umvukela 1. This shows the unity
between the two.
- Nemakonde and Chivi were killed by Lobengula for failing to pay
tribute.
56
MISSIONARY WORK IN ZIMBABWE (1850-1900).
Sub – Topics:
- The aims of missionaries.
- Names of missionary societies/ organizations / groups.
- Names of Pioneer missionaries’.
- Names of Pioneer mission stations.
- Outline the work of the missionaries in Matebeleland and Mashonaland.
- Problems faced by missionaries.
- Reasons why Africans resisted missionary influence.
- Methods used by Africans in resisting missionary (Christian) influence?
- Did Christianity benefit Africans?
57
Names of Pioneer African evangelists/ Catechists {J 2012}
- Bernard Mizeki. - Madzima.
- Samuel. -Shumba Chekai.
- Sehahabane. -Knotshe.
- Joshua Morudu. - Isiah Khumalo.
- Petros Morudu. -Funzane.
- David Molia. -Makgatho.
- Petros Khobe.
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- Mt . Selinda (Church Of Christ).
- Nhowe. (Church Of Christ).
- Selous (Seventh Day Adventist).
- Panda Matenga.
- Chibi/ Chivi.
- Mposi;
- Pfumbi.
- Matibi.
- Baremba.
- Mzila.
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- Treated Lobengula who suffered from gout, and sore eyes.
- Wrote the King’s letters.
- Interpreters/translators.
- gave advise to Lobengula and Mzilikazi on how to deal with Whites.
- the Jescuits opened a station at Empandeni. Another one was opened
near Bulawayo.
- Missionaries paved way for the colonization of Matebeleland (Agents of
colonization).
- Helm and J. Moffat signed treaties with Lobengula.
- They acted as agents of Rhodes.
- Acted as false witnesses.
- Persuaded Lobengula to talk to Rhodes’ men.
- Wrote negative reports about the Ndebele.
- Their preaching divided the Ndebele.
- White hunters, traders, miners first visited their white friends at
mission stations.
- Missionaries hunted elephants for ivory.
- Cleared roads.
- Traded with Africans.
- Gathering.
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- They were few (shortage of manpower).
- They walked long distance – shortage of transport.
- Shortage of basic European goods e.g. food, clothes, tools, medicine.
- Cultural differences so Christians had difficulty in converting people.
- Tropical disease e.g. malaria, fever and sleeping sickness.
- Local people were hostile.
- Competition from other religions e.g. Islam.
- African people could not read and write.
- They were associated with colonizers. They were treated with
suspicion.
- They was lack of shelter.
- Missionaries were not familiar with the geographical terran (areas).
Questions to Part C.
To what extent were missionaries able to solve these problems at
that time?
C1 – missionaries were successful in solving their problems.
- they brought medicine guanine to fight malaria.
- Taught African children to read and write.
- Learned to speak African language which helped in communication and
preaching.
- They cleared roads.
- They established friendship with African rulers.
- They built clinics to cure diseases.
- They grew their own crops.
- They used African preachers (evangelists).
- They translated the bible and hymn books to local languages.
- They worked together with Rhodes in the colonization of Matebeleland.
- They converted one leper on his death bed in Matebeleland.
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Question: How successful was African resistance to
missionary influence.
C1 – African resistance was successful.
- they refused to attend church services.
- they refused to give missionaries land.
- they refused to change their customs.
- they were few converts.
- they killed converts.
- they accused missionaries of causing natural disasters e.g. droughts
and locusts.
- they refused to receive gifts from missionaries e.g. sugar and sweets.
- They refused to attend school and church services.
- They accused missionaries of using forbidden roads.
62
- They was influence from Islam/competition of other religions.
- Christianity attacked African administrative system e.g. preaching
about equality.
- Fear of being punished or killed by rulers.
63
- They was use of mission stations by white visitors like soldiers,
hunters, miners and traders.
64
Six African Kingdoms colonized by the whites during the Scramble
for Southern Africa.
65
- Moshoeshoe.
- Shona leaders e.g.Mangwende, Makoni, Mapondera, Mashayamombe
and Seke.
- Witbooi.
B. Social factors.
- There was desire to stop the slave trade and slavery.
- Need to spread 3cs: Christianity, Commerce and Civilisation.
- Europeans believed they had superior race. Africa was seen as the
dark continent. The Africans were regarded as barbaric and salvage
people.
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- Desire to spread Western education 3Rs: e.g. reading, arithmatic and
writing.
- There was need to resettle excess population and troublesome citizens
e.g. thieves, murderes and riff raffs.
C. Political Factors.
- Need for military bases.
- There was need to protect strategic routes and areas. There was need
to control sea route to India.
(i) Egypt and the Suez canal.
(ii) The Cape.
(iii) The missionaries’ road via Bechuanaland.
- Need for prestige and pride.
- Need for greatness.
- Local agents like Rhodes played an important role.
- Africans had poor weapons.
- Disunity or divisions among Africans.
- Poor strategy.
- Others remained neutral.
- Others signed treaties e.g. Lobengula.
Terms (promises).
- It was a treaty of friendship.
- Lobengula agreed to help the Boers with soldiers whenever he
was asked to help.
- Lobengula to allow Whites with passports from the Transvaal to
enter Matebeleland.
- Lobengula agreed to give protection to Boer hunters and traders
in Matebeleland .
- A representative of the Boers to stay at Bulawayo.
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- Lobengula agreed to send back criminals who fled from the
Transvaal.
- The Boers agreed to recognize Lobengula as King of the
Ndebele.
- There was going to be everlasting peace between the Boers and
the Ndebele.
- Boers to hunt and trade freely in Matebeleland.
The terms.
- It cancelled the Grobler Treaty.
- Lobengula promised to be a friend of the Queen of Britain.
- Lobengula promised not to sign any treaty with another power
without the knowledge of the British.
- Lobengula not to give any part of the country without consulting
the British.
Comments.
- Moffat pretended to be a friend of Lobengula.
- Moffat was now an agent of Rhodes.
- Rhodes used him because he was a family friend to Lobengula.
- Moffat pretended to represent the Queens of Britain. He
represented Rhodes.
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The Rudd Concession, October 1888.
Rhodes sent 3 men to go to negotiate.
(i) Charles Rudd – a business partner and friend of Rhodes.
(ii) Rotchfort Maguire – a lawyer.
(iii) Francis Thompson – a fluent Ndebele speaker nicknamed
“Matabele.” He was used as an interpreter.
- They spent 5 weeks without getting the chance to speak to
Lobengula. Lobengula had sleepless nights caused by concession
seekers so did not want to talk to this delegation.
- Lotshe and Sikombo were bribed (trusted indunas) to persuade
Lobengula to talk to them.
- Missionaries persuaded Lobengula to sign e.g. Helm.
- Helm acted as a false witness.
Written terms.
Promises made by Rhodes.
100 pounds per month or a monthly salary/Money per month.
1000 rifles – guns.
100 000 rounds of ammunition – bullets.
A gunboat to patrol the Zambezi river or 500 pounds.
Lobengula’s promises.
He promised to give all minerals rights to Rhodes.
He gave power to the British to do what they deemed necessary to
protect their interest.
Lobengula promised not to sign any other treaties without permission
from the British.
Rhodes given power to collect and enjoy mineral profits.
Verbal terms.
British visitors were going to surrender weapons and obey Ndebele
laws and customs.
Not more than 10 white men at a time.
British to dig one hole at a time.
British not to dig near towns.
Rhodes was to put notices in South African newspapers to warn other
countries to keep out of Ndebele country (Rhodes was based in Cape
Town).
No miners were to enter Matebeleland before the 1st monthly salary
was paid.
69
Qn. Did Lobengula and the Ndebele benefit from terms
of the Rudd Concession?
C1
– lobengula benefitted from the Rudd Concession.
He received the first monthly salary.
He received some guns.
He established friendship with Britain.
Lobengula and the Ndebele were no longer bothered by other white
people who wanted to control Matebeleland e.g. Boers.
Lobengula was treated by Doctor Leander Star Jameson e.g. gout.
He traded with the whites.
The Ndebele received material gains e.g. cloths, blankets, umbrellas
and mirrors.
C2 Non – benefits of the Rudd Concession.
The Ndebele lost control of land and minerals.
Lobengula now understood the white people as crooks who cheated to
achieve their aims.
The Ndebele were cheated by Concession seekers.
Lobengula stopped trusting his indunas.
It led to the death of Lotshe and Sikombo.
Lobengula did not receive the gun boat.
There was loss of independence.
Loss of cattle.
The treaty led to the invasion of the country because it gave Rhodes
the right to occupy Matabeleland.
Led to disunity.
Loss of power.
It led to death of Lobengula during the Anglo-Ndebele war.
It led to the destruction of the Ndebele state.
70
Missionaries become false witness.
Close indunas were bribed: Lotshe and Sikombo.
he was illiterate.
Signing or not signing the Ndebele state was going to be colonized.
Rhodes had too much money to bribe rivals.
Lobengula took steps to avoid colonization e.g. he killed Lotshe and
Sikombo. He also died while fighting the British in the Anglo- Ndebele
war.
71
- He signed the Lippert Concession.
- Lobengula publicly renounced the Rudd Concession.
- He sent a search party to look for Maguire.
72
The Pioneer Column, 1890
Sub – Topics.
- Selection.
- Recruitment.
- Organisation.
- Leaders of the Pioneer Column.
- The Journey/March of the Pioneer Column.
- Problems of the Pioneer Column.
- Reasons for easy occupation of Mashonaland.
73
The March/Journey of the Pioneer Column into Mashonaland (Nov
2010).
- Leaders (max 2).
- The Pioneer Column began the March on 27 June 1890.
- They wanted to complete the 640km journey before the rains began.
The destination was Mt Hampden, near Harare.
- They crossed the Maklautse River.
- Selous led the Pioneers as the scout.
- 500 BSAP provided security.
- The 1st stop was at Shashe River where they built Fort Tuli.
- Pioneers avoided the Ndebele state for fear of attacks.
- Supplies of the pioneers were carried in 117 wagons.
- Scouts patrolled area ahead.
- They travelled 16km per day.
- Laagers were built at night for protection.
- Searchlights were also used at night.
- Travelled by day and rested at night.
- Lobengula protested at the Pioneer Column invasion.
- Pioneers often met small groups of Ndebele warriors.
- A mobile clinic treated the sick.
- Forts were built: e.g. Tuli, Fort Victoria, Fort Melsetter, Fort Charter,
Fort Salisbury, Fort Martin, and Fort Rixon.
- Khama sent men who cleared the road, looked after oxen and horses.
- The Pioneer Column reached F. Salisbury on 12 September 1890.
- The Union Jack was raised to show that Mashonaland was now under
British rule.
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- It was well equipped with provisions like food and medicines.
- 500 policemen protected the Pioneer Column.
- Heavily armed with 7 pounders and maxim guns.
- There was reliable transport (wagons).
- Laagers and searchlights provided security.
- South African experience.
- No resistance from the Ndebele and Shona.
- Shona were weakened by years of Ndebele raids.
- The Pioneers began to peg farms after raising the Union Jack.
- Others searched for gold.
- They signed a treaty with Chief Mutasa to stop the Portuguese in the
East.
- Mashonaland was divided into districts. Each district was under a
magistrate.
- Some Pioneers sold land.
- Built houses using mud, poles and grass.
- They set up towns, post offices, newspapers and bakeries.
- They employed African labourers on their mines and farms.
- Laid roads and streets.
- Established a police force.
- Built Churches.
- Built Schools.
- Built Health centres.
- They set up boundaries between the Shona and Ndebele.
- Introduce taxes.
- Appropriated cattle.
- Forced labour (Cheap labour).
- Hunting.
- Farming.
- Mining.
- Monetarised the economy.
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C2 – Negative (Non – benefits).
- Loss of land.
- Loss of cattle.
- Taxation.
- Forced labour.
- Ill- treatment.
- Chiefs slowly lost power.
- Abuse of women.
- Loss of culture.
- Decline of trade with the Portuguese.
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- To obtain raw materials e.g. ivory, skins.
- To find markets for finished goods e.g. cloth, jewellery, knives,
tobacco.
- To spread the 3Cs– commerce, Christianity and civilisation.
- Rhodes wanted pride and personal glory (greatness).
- The BSAC wanted to improve its share value.
- Missionaries also wanted the Ndebele state to be destroyed.
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- The BSAC accused Gomara’s people of stealing the wire. The BSAC
demanded a fine. Gomara used Lobengula’s cattle to pay the fine.
Lobengula demanded the return of the cattle.
- Jameson returned the cattle. The event increased tension between
Lobengula and the BSAC.
The Promises
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3. To share half of the livestock to be captured from the Ndebele.
- Some white people were recruited from Johannesburg.
- Some of the volunteers were Shonas and Cape Coloureds.
1 100 whites.
2000 Tswana.
400 Shonas and Cape coloureds.
- There were about 18 000 Ndebele fighters.
- The Fort Victoria column and the F. Salisbury Column met at Iron Mine
Hill near Kwekwe.
- The first Battle between the BSAC and the Ndebele was at Lalapanzi.
The Ndebele were defeated.
- The first major battle was the Battle of Shangani.
79
The Battle of Shangani.
- The Ndebele attacked and killed Africans who were sleeping outside
the laager.
- No white died.
- Nearly 500 Ndebele soldiers died.
- The seven pounders and the maxim guns killed many Ndebele people.
- The Ndebele were defeated.
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- Poor communications e.g. Better communication e.g. telegraph
drums, fire/smoke or trumpets. wire.
- Many commanders or indunas.
- Direct war.
- Small pox affected soldiers. One commander.
- No leader after Lobengula’s ……………………..
death. ……………………..
- Open Grasslands with a few Searchlight at night.
hills and mountains so there …………………….
was nowhere to hide Laagers for protection.
- Ndebeles were divided so there
was lack of unity. …………………….
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- Forced labour.
- Taxes.
- Loss of independence or the destruction of the Ndebele monarchy .
- Abuse of women.
- Ill-treatment.
- Disarmament – weapons were taken away.
a) The short Term or immediate causes.
i) Natural disasters: drought, locusts and rinderpest – a cattle
disease.
ii) The Jameson Raid.
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- Religious leaders: Mkwati, Tengera, Umlugulu and Siginyamatshe.
- The BSAC slashed crops and burnt granaries. The Ndebele faced food
shortage leading to hunger and starvation.
- The Ndebele were defeated at the Battle of Umguza.
- Ndebele fighters retreated the Matopo Hills. They began to use guerilla
War hit and run war.
- The young warriors joined Mkwati at his headquarters at NTABA ZIKA
MAMBO meaning the Hill of Chiefs.
- Rhodes came from South Africa and began meetings with Senior
Ndebele leaders to end the war.
Who attended?
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- Rhodes agreed to give the Ndebele grain and seeds for the new
season.
- The Ndebele were promised seeds for new planting season.
- The BSAC accepted or recognized Ndebele chiefs and headman.
- Ndebele chiefs were promised a salary/money per month.
Question:
Did the Ndebele benefit from the Matopo Indaba?
Yes the Ndebele benefited.
- Chiefs were promised salaries.
- Chiefs and headman were recognized.
- Peace was restored to Matebeleland.
- Ndebele people received seeds for the new planting season.
- Ndebele received grain and food. This reduced hunger.
- However, the Ndebele did not benefit from the Indaba at Matopos.
- There was loss of land.
- There was loss of cattle.
- Weapons were taken away.
- Taxes continued to the Ndebeles –Dog tax, Hut tax, Wife tax and Dip
tax.
- Forced labour.
- Loss of Independence/freedom.
- Ill treatment continued e.g. beating of man in front of their women
and children using the sjambok. The sjambok was made from the hide
of a Hippo.
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- Ndebeles were told to leave the route to South open. The whites
were going to escape using the open route.
- Unfortunately, the whites used the open route to bring more
soldiers, weapons, food and medicines.
- Mkwati moved around encouraging Indunas to start the war.
- Chiefs visited Mkwati pretending to look for medicines for locusts.
- Mkwati provided morale and confidence to Ndebele fighters.
- Religious leaders become symbols of resistance.
- Mkwati was based at Manyanya (Ntaba Zika Mambo/The hill of
chiefs.
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THE PART PLAYED BY SPRIT MEDIUMS.
- Mkwati worked together with Shona Chiefs. He united the Shona
Chiefs.
- Nehanda operated from the Mazoe area. She persuaded the Shona
to kill the whites.
- Mediums chaired the meetings to plan the war. They organized
strategies to attack whites.
- They cured the sick and the injured.
- Nehanda became a symbol of resistance because she was able to
avoid being captured for a long time.
- The BSAC used dynamite to kill the Africans who were hiding in
camps.
- Crops were slashed and granaries were burnt. As a result, there
was serious hunger.
- Captured fighters were tortured to get information.
- The BSAC was assisted by reinforcements from South Africa.
- Chief Makoni was finally captured and killed.
- Nehanda and Kaguvi were finally captured and killed (hanged).
- Chief Mapondera continued fighting until 1903 but the rest
surrendered.
- The Shona uprising ended in the defeat of the Shona in 1898.
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- Shona fighters were captured and tortured to give whites
information.
- Some fighters used direct war.
- There was hunger and starvation because granaries were burnt and
crops were slashed.
- Dynamite was used to kill Africans hiding in caves.
- The BSAC was given more reinforcements or soldiers who came
from South Africa.
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