Mfecane (isiZulu, Zulu pronunciation: [m̩fɛˈkǀaːne]), also known by the Sesotho name Difaqane or Lifaqane (all meaning “crushing, scattering, forced dispersal, forced migration”), was a period of widespread chaos and warfare among indigenous ethnic communities in southern Africa during the period between 1815 and about …

The series of wars that came to be known as the Mfecane happened between the 1820s and 1830s along the coast and in valleys of Southern Africa especially the Pongola River valley. Among the causes of the Mfecane include overpopulation, refugee problems and drought and famine.

The effects of the Mfecane The Mfecane led to the loss of thousands of lives and destablised the region. Many tribes disbanded and the survivors formed new groups. Many people, like the Ngoni and Hlubi were forced to migrate while the Sotho people reformed to establish the country we know as Lesotho.

What was the impact of the Mfecane? The resulting political disruption sent African groups fleeing before the Zulus into both Portuguese coastal regions and the Boer farms of southern Africa. You just studied 10 terms!

Define the Mfecane and its effects on southern Africa. Mfecane, or the “crushing”, was a series of wars and forced migrations that greatly impacted the demographic, social, and political organization of southern and central Africa. Due to many altering parties, new African states, such as the Swazi formed.

Mthethwa and Ndwandwe chiefdoms were powerful as they had control of the amabutho – groups of young soldiers and also hunted elephant in large regiments. Conflict ensued – due to population growth, putting pressure on resources and due to drought, which led to more competition.

The battle commenced and Zwide was safely handed over to Dingiswayo. Shaka believed Zwide should have been killed and intended to kill Zwide if the opportunity presented itself. Events were to prove him wise. Zwide’s casualties were 500 killed, with the same wounded out of a force of 2500.

Leaving Zululand Mzilikazi was originally a lieutenant of Shaka but he and Shaka realised that they had created two centres of power and, out of mutual respect and admiration, they parted ways. Shaka was satisfied that Mzilikazi had served the Zulu Nation well and he rewarded Mzilikazi cattle and soldiers.

The Nguni people were traditionally cattle herders believed to have originated somewhere in the Congo basin in Central Africa – a mystical land called Embo, according to tribal storytellers. They seem to have followed the Zambesi downstram on an inland migratory route.

Benedict Wallet Vilakazi

The Khoisan were the first inhabitants of southern Africa and one of the earliest distinct groups of Homo sapiens, enduring centuries of gradual dispossession at the hands of every new wave of settlers, including the Bantu, whose descendants make up most of South Africa’s black population today.

The Bantu languages are spoken in a very large area, including most of Africa from southern Cameroon eastward to Kenya and southward to the southernmost tip of the continent. Twelve Bantu languages are spoken by more than five million people, including Rundi, Rwanda, Shona, Xhosa, and Zulu.

Religion: The Shona religion is a blend of monotheism and veneration of ancestors. The creator god, Mwari, is omnipotent but also remote; ancestors and other spirits serve as intermediaries between Mwari and the people.

The name Shona is primarily a female name of Hebrew origin that means Fem. Form Of John. Shona is a Scottish form of Joan. Shona is also the name of a people and a language of Zimbabwe.

Shona as a girl’s name is of Irish, Gaelic and Hebrew origin meaning “God is gracious”.

Amazingly, 16 different languages are recognised and spoken in Zimbabwe: Shona, Ndebele, Tonga, Tswana, Kalanga, Venda, Koisan, Shangani, Ndau, Chibarwe, Nambya, Xhosa, Chewa, sign language, Sotho, and finally, English.

Venda people share ancestry with Lobedu people and Kalanga people. They are also related to Sotho-Tswana and Shona groups.

Despite all odds of apartheid system of government that lasted for 50 years, Venda stand a top of all the South African ethnic groups as the most educated and intelligent tribe. They occupy and run almost 60 of professional post in Gauteng and some parts of South Africa.

This has made them even stronger because they adapt easy and learn most languages.The three most educated tribes are:

1. 1 Venda. The venda people where amongst the poorest in South Africa.
2. 2 Tsonga. The tsonga people are well known for their music and the dance that is called shibelani.
3. 3 Pedi.

It was named after the great king of Vhavenda, King Thohoyandou, who ruled the kingdom from somewhere between 1690 and 1730. A stadium was built in this town to celebrate the independence of Venda and was originally named the Venda Independence Stadium. In 1994, its name was changed to Thohoyandou Stadium.

Thohoyandou (Venda: Ṱhohoyanḓou) is a town in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. It is the administrative centre of Vhembe District Municipality and Thulamela Local Municipality….

Thohoyandou is situated in the south of Venda, on the main road between Louis Trichardt and the Kruger National Park. This is the lush agricultural centre of Venda, with its banana plantations, acres of sub-tropical fruit, tobacco and maize lands.

1994

Among the most mystical of Limpopo’s people, the VhaVenda originated from the Great Lakes area of Central Africa, migrating south in waves over centuries. They first settled in the Soutpansberg Mountains; by the 13th century they can be traced to the glorious kingdom of Mapungubwe to the north.

Motto: “Shumela Venda” (Venda) “Always Aspire for Venda”

Musina (formerly Messina) is the northernmost town in the Limpopo province of South Africa. It is located near the confluence of the Limpopo River with the Sand River and the border to Zimbabwe….Musina.

Since the initial establishment of the Messina (Transvaal) Development Company, 40 million tonnes of ore have been mined yielding approximately 700 000 tonnes of copper….

It lies near the Limpopo River, 10 miles (16 km) south of Zimbabwe. Musina is the northernmost town in South Africa. Founded in 1904 as Messina, it officially became a town in 1968. In 1993 the closure of its copper mine was offset by the opening of a nearby diamond mine.

The climate in the Limpopo Province is quite hot since the area is bisected by the tropic of Capricorn. Those who choose to visit this northern tip of the country will find that they can enjoy long sunny days and dry weather on most days.