Vusumuzi Dube
Mzala Tom
In the past, we discussed how the Ndebele were pushed out of their second capital in Groot-Marico in the North West province of South Africa. This thread gives a different version of how the Ndebele ended up with two kings.
When the Boers and their allies had defeated them, the Ndebele opted to migrate northwards rather than submit to the Boers. As the Ndebele disintegrated as they fled, they were split into two groups, one led by King Mzilikazi and the other by Gundwane/Khondwane Ndiweni.
Some historians argue that the split was not calculated or arranged but just happened in the chaos as the Ndebele were fleeing from the Boers resulting in one group finding themselves led by Gundwane/Khondwane and another led by King Mzilikazi, both going different directions.
The iSizinda, Amabambo, Msizi, Nkani, Mfakoceba and Mpongo regiments crossed the Limpopo with King Mzilikazi. In 1838 they planted crops in Maroko’s land. In the same year they defeated the Kwena of Sechele. The inxwala of 1838/9 was celebrated in Sekgoma’s country.
On the other hand, a major section of the Ndebele under the leadership of Majijili Gwebu, Nkaliphi Khumalo and Khondwane /Gundwane had migrated north east. This group attempted to settle east of modern day Beitbridge but were attacked by Chief Lulime forcing them to move north.
The group finally settled by the Malungwane hills around 1839/40 after defeating the local Kalanga groups.
The imizi established in this area were Gibixhegu, Iyengo, Intunta, Mzinyathi, Matshetshe, Dukuda, Nkenenkene, Insinga, iNxa, iNdinana and Dlodlo.
King Mzilikazi on the other hand left Ngwato territory around 1839. He sent Insinda to the Kalahari. These men lost track and moved north west attacking the Tawana near lake Ngami. King Mzilikazi raided the Kalanga on the upper Thekwani and Nata where Insinda rejoined him.
King Mzilikazi then left the Kalanga around 1840 heading north through the Okavango into the lower Chobe valley. At the valley, he encountered King Sebetwane’s Kololo who drew him back. The tsetse flies in the area also made it untenable for him to cross the Zambezi river.
Historians argue that had he not encountered any resistance, he would have settled in modern day Zambia or further north. He was forced to change direction and cross east of the upper Thekwani to the Gwayi-Mbembesi confluence. This route led him to Ntabazinduna.
Some argue that his spies had established that Khondwane/Gundwane and others had settled at Ntabazinduna and it is not a coincidence that he headed straight to their newly found territory. King Mzilikazi then built his village at Mkuna near Mawala Hill.
It would seem that the other group was unhappy with being rejoined by King Mzilikazi. The king received a cold reception from the chiefs. Nkulumane had long been ordained King and had presided over the Inxwala ceremony which could only be presided over by a king.
A constitutional crisis had emerged. The fragmented Ndebele now had two kings : Mzilikazi and his son Nkulumane. After heading separate directions during the Boer attacks they had lost contact of each other. No one knew if King Mzilikazi was still alive after these years!
It is said that the king met Khondwane /Gundwane and the chiefs. He accused them of treason, installing his son as King whilst he was still alive.
The chiefs defended themselves and resisted reincorporation under King Mzilikazi. They preferred their newfound independence.
King Mzilikazi then attacked Gibixhegu and forced its induna Mveleleni Mahlangu to flee and migrate back accross the Limpopo. Mahlangu was joined by the Impangele regiment who had strong links to the old Magodonga chieftaincy.
Several of the queens, including the mothers of both Nkulumane and Lobengula were also killed.
It is believed that Nkulumane and his brother Buhlehlo were either killed or escaped the wrath of the King and went on exile across the Limpopo.
The regiments that resisted King Mzilikazi included Mzinyathini, Intunta and Godlwayo. The Godlwayo under Dambisamahubo Mafu lost a battle against King Mzilikazi forcing Dambisamahubo to flee across the Limpopo.
Khondwane /Gundwane and other chiefs being Mhabahaba Mkhwananzi of Intunta, Dolo Mafu, Magalane Dlodlo and Nyathela Khanye were captured and executed at eMputshini Hill now known as Ntabazinduna. Kinng Mzilikazi then reintegrated the Ndebele to one nation under his rule. (@RealMzalaTom)
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