THE TRADITIONAL HISTORY AND CUSTOMS OF 

 THE MAKARANGA (WAROZWT). 



By E. G. HowMAK. 



For all practical purposes the tribes of Rhodesia can be 

 divided into two peoples, i.e., those who have resided there for 

 many centuries, known to us as Mashonas, Maswina, and Maka- 

 ranga, and those ofif shoots of the Zulu race called Shang-aans and 

 Matabele. 



The former occupied a rather greater extent of country than 

 that now^ known as Southern Rhodesia., whilst the latter took pos- 

 session of the south-east ana south-west portions of the territory, 

 and only penetrated northward when on raiding expeditions. 



At 'the present day the Shangaans, whose correct name is 

 "Bahlengwe," only amount to some 1.500 adult males; the tribe 

 is one of the few that civilisation appears to have improved. 

 AVhilst retaining all the best of their old manners and customs 

 they have merely acquired that portion of civilisation which they 

 have found suitable to their style of living. 



The Shangaans occupied that part of Rhodesia lying east of 

 a line draw^n from Charter through Victoria, and so south, and 

 extending if rom near Umtali in the north to the Crocodile River — 

 this is roughly a stretch of country extending over 300 miles 

 by 150. 



They were in occupation of this country for some consider- 

 able time before they became aware that the Matabele were also 

 in Rhodesia; and it was not until the attack of a Matabele impi on 

 Chipinda's people 35 miles east of Victoria that they were in- 

 formed of the arrival of the Matabele. 



Chipinda's people of the Waduma tribe had for many 

 .years recognised Nyamandi, the Chief O'f the Shangaans, as 

 their overlord, and had paid him their annual tribute of cattle and 

 cat-skins, etc., so when they were suddenly attacked by a regiment 

 coming from the direction of Victoria they retired to their strong- 

 hold on a hill called Chisiana, and sent to Nyamandi for assis- 

 tance. Certain Shangaan headmen were sent to enquire into 

 the matter, and came on the Matabele encamped before the 

 stronghold ; they visited the Matabele, and were astonished to find 

 that, with slight differences, they spoke the same language and 

 were of the same tribe as themselves. 



The result of this historic meeting was that the Shangaan 

 andAIatabele Chiefs exchanged presents and women, and agreed 

 to live at peace. 



A mutual sphere of influence was also agreed upon between 

 the Chiefs, it being settled that the Umtilikwi River, running to 

 the east of Victoria, should be considered the bora'er between 

 them. 



Prior to the arrival of the Shangaans in Rhodesia, an off- 

 shoot of the tribe named Mazwangandaba had broken away 



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