The South Africa Ndebele tribe are mainly centred in the Transvaal Province of South Africa. Their origins are not clear but they are believed to be an offshoot of the Zulu Tribe of KwaZulu-Natal, who moved northwards when a general in Shaka’s army by the name of Mzilikazi broke with Shaka and led his people northwards into what is now Zimbabwe, and so the Matabele tribe came into being and the southern area of Zimbabwe is called Matabeleland.
Apparently a portion of the people who had followed Mzlikazi remained in South Africa and under a chief called Musi settled in the Southern part of the Transvaal Province around the area of Bronkhorstspruit near Pretoria. The Tribe eventually split when Muzi’s sons Manala and Ndzundza became embroiled in a succession dispute and part of the tribe moved further north to the Northern Province and the area of Mpumalanga.
The Ndebele are part of the greater Nguni people but have shaped a very distinct style of house decoration as well as the Ndebele women, who have a unique personal adornment fashion.
Their houses are built from mud and the decoration and art work on the outer walls are traditionally left to the women. The bright colourful symbols that decorate the walls represent a variety of personal expression such as values, emotions and self identity but never express religion and ritual. The designs are passed down by the mothers from generation to generation. Originally earth tones were used made from ochre and other natural pigments but the present day colours used are much brighter and colourful. However white is always used as the background.
A woman’s status in Ndebele society is symbolized by her adornments which become more extravagant and impressive after marriage. Woman adorn themselves with brass neck rings as well as elaborate intricately beaded rings and ropes around the neck, legs and arms.
There are a few Ndebele cultural villages around the area of the Transvaal that are well worth a visit. The Ndebele village,Lesedi cultural village, Johannesburg Gauteng ,The Botshabelo/Mpumalanga Ndebele cultural village, North of Middelburg and others.
related articles African Tribes
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#1 by Malose Nyatlo on August 13, 2011 - 4:05 am
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It’s factually wrong to assert the Ndebele in the former Transvaal province are the descendants of Mzilikazi kaKhumalo. The Ndebele arrived in the Transvaal long before Shaka came to power in Zululand – one group via Pretoria(called Southern Ndebele) whilst the other group came via the eastern Transvaal(called the Northern Ndebele).
The Northern Ndebele identify the Drakensberg as their origin and Langalibalele as their king. The Southern Ndebele say Musi/Muzi is their original King.
Both Langalibalele and Musi and old Hlubi kings.
#2 by admin on August 13, 2011 - 5:04 am
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Thank you for that information.