Ndebele

The Ndebele are an ethnic group of southern Africa comprising two main communities: Northern Ndebele in Zimbabwe and Southern Ndebele in South Africa. They are speakers of isiNdebele, a Bantu language of the Nguni branch, and are known for distinctive cultural practices. The term Ndebele is used for the people and their language, while “Matabele” is a historical exonym that appears in colonial-era sources.

Historically, the Ndebele trace origins to Nguni-speaking groups that migrated from the KwaZulu-Natal area in the early 19th century under the leadership of Mzilikazi. They established the Ndebele Kingdom in what is now Matabeleland in Zimbabwe and became a major political force in the region. Their kingdom interacted with nearby Shona states and, after confrontations with colonial powers in the late 19th century, was incorporated into Southern Rhodesia. In South Africa, the Southern Ndebele developed as a distinct community within the broader Nguni-speaking population, with experiences shaped by colonial and post-apartheid governance.

Language status and classification: isiNdebele belongs to the Nguni subgroup of Bantu languages and has two major regional varieties. Northern Ndebele is spoken in Zimbabwe, while Southern Ndebele is spoken in South Africa. The two varieties are related but display noticeable differences; they are taught and used in education, media, and daily life to varying degrees in their respective countries.

Culture and arts: The Ndebele are renowned for beadwork, which plays a significant role in ceremonial and social life. In South Africa, Ndebele house painting features geometric, vivid mural designs that have become widely recognized as a signature art form. Traditional religious practices coexist with Christianity, and social customs include rites of passage and distinctive gender roles within communities.