Post

More from @RealMzalaTom

Mzala Tom

@RealMzalaTom

Feb 21

1. KING SOBHUZA'S KINGDOM🇸🇿

King Sobhuza I was born around 1788. He is considered as the founder of modern Eswatini. His father was King Ndvungunye Zikodze ruler of the Ngwane kingdom. Sobhuza I was also known as Somhlolo.

2. The name Somhlolo ('man of mysteries') is in reference to the mysteries, uncommon wisdom and prophetic gifts that were associated with his life. It is said that on the day that he was born his father was struck by lightning.

3. His reign in the early 1800s marked an important phase in the history of Eswatini. As Sobhuza began his reign, the Ngwane kingdom territory was centered along the Phongolo River to the south of modern ESwatini, and it's northern boundaries covered today's southern ESwatini.

Read 18 tweets

Mzala Tom

@RealMzalaTom

Feb 10

1. SOSHANGANA'S GASA KINGDOM 🇲🇿🇿🇼🇿🇦

King Soshangana was born in present day KwaNongoma in KwaZulu to Zikode kaGasa, a chief of the Ndwandwe empire under King Zwide kaLanga. The Gasa occupied the Mkhuze region around the eTshaneni mountain.

2. After the collapse of the Ndwandwe empire, Soshangana, along with his four brothers followed the example of other Ndwandwe parties by fleeing King Shaka. They took a route along the eastern foothills of Lubombo through Mngomezulu to the upper Tembe River.

3. In the Tembe area, King Soshangana lived for about five years, fortifying his group by constant raids. In about 1825, he crossed the Tembe River and marched north–west. Between 1825 and 1827 he lived on a tributary of the Nkomati River north of present-day Maputo.

Read 20 tweets

Mzala Tom

@RealMzalaTom

Feb 4

1. THE KALANGA CIVILISATION 🇿🇼🇧🇼🇿🇦

Present day Kalanga people of Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa are believed to be descendants of part of the Bantu people who migrated down south from the Great Lakes region around AD900.

2. The early Kalanga ancestors are believed to be the Zhizo farmers whose descendants subsequently established the Leopard's kopje culture between AD 420 and 1050 characterised by special stone architecture and decorative pottery.

3. The Kalanga, Venda and Bolubedu are believed to have established the kingdom of Mapungubwe around 1075-1220 in the area around the confluence of the Limpopo Rivers. The kingdom flourished and attracted many Bantu migrants including the ancestors of modern day Shona groups.

Read 21 tweets

Mzala Tom

@RealMzalaTom

Jan 7

1. MODERN NDEBELE MARRIAGE PRACTICES 🇿🇼

In the previous threads on Ndebele marriage customs we dealt broadly with the ancient practices. The ancient elaborate practices have however, been modernised, though the core foundations of marriage practices have been preserved.

2. Gift exchange : Once the relationship is ripe, the couple intending to get married exchanges gifts to demonstrate their love and commitment. The gift can be a piece of jewelry, handkerchief, a tie etc.

3. Expression of intent to marry : The two then approach their respective elders to advise them that they intend to get married and are ready for the process to start. The elder could be an uncle or aunt. This expression is made in the absence of the other partner.

Read 23 tweets

Mzala Tom

@RealMzalaTom

Dec 20, 2023

1. THE SPECIAL MARRIAGE RITUALS OF THE NDEBELE PEOPLE OF ZIMBABWE 🇿🇼 (PART 3)

To conclude this series we will briefly look at three types of marriages : the remarriage of a divorcee - ukuntshweba; the remarriage of a widow - ukungena and the pledging of a girl - isithembiso.

2. Divorce was very rare in Ndebele societies as marriage was viewed as a permanent covenant. Adultery was not an automatic ground for divorce as the elders intervened to preserve the union. A man could not chase away his wife and was free to marry as many as possible.

3. A woman could be banished in instances where she committed capital offences against her own family and in-laws like murder or witchcraft and such other offences that made it untenable for her to continue staying with her husband and the extended family.

Read 13 tweets

Mzala Tom

@RealMzalaTom

Dec 16, 2023

1. THE 'SHANGWE' PEOPLE OF ZIMBABWE 🇿🇼

The Shangwe people are predominantly found in Gokwe in the northern Zimbabawe plateau. Like the Tonga, they deeply identify themselves with the Zambezi valley.

2. The Shangwe are believed to be descendants of the Mbire - Korekore group and the Hungwe who migrated into the Zambezi Valley at various time intervals from the beginning of the 15th century.

3. The Shangwe and the Tonga lived side by side in the Zambezi valley for centuries and as such they share language and cultural heritage.

Read 12 tweets

Share this page!

Enter URL or ID to Unroll

Mzala Tom

Try unrolling a thread yourself!

More from @RealMzalaTom

Mzala Tom

Mzala Tom

Mzala Tom

Mzala Tom

Mzala Tom

Mzala Tom

Did Thread Reader help you today?

Don't want to be a Premium member but still want to support us?

Send Email!