Tracing Zaka Tribes origins

Following the 1964 delineation exercise, the district comprised the Ndanga Tribal Trust Land and the Sangwe Tribal Trust Land. At that time, the district was home to six chiefs, four of whom were based in the Ndanga Tribal Trust Land and two in the Sangwe Tribal Trust Land. The chiefs in the Ndanga Tribal Trust Land were Nhema, Ndanga, Nyakunhuwa, and Bota. Chief Nhema occupied the largest area, while the other three chiefs presided over areas of roughly equal size. Despite these differences in territorial extent, all chiefs were regarded as equal in status. In the Sangwe Tribal Trust Land, the area was occupied by Chiefs Gudo and Towani. The latter’s territory was previously known as the Ndanga East Reserve. Chief Towani was of Shangaan descent.

CHIEF NHEMA

They are of the Moyo totem, Ngombe (Sithole) and Sayi or Chirandu is their chidawo. They belong to the Muduma tribe. Basis of selection was collateral. The Zibaba or tribal elder was responsible for nomination. The appointment was sanctioned by his Vachinda and the nyika.

Genealogy

The first chief was Masikati followed by Matsika who was succeeded by Bewanda, followed by Pedzisayi. After Pedzisai came Dapi and he was later succeeded by Gutiko.

Brief History

The tribe originally came from Portuguese East Africa (now Mozambique) and moved southwest in a mass migration together with chiefs Gutu, Ziki and Nyashanu. They eventually settled in what is now Bikita/Zaka. Later an offshoot of the tribe moved to the present Gutu district (Chikwanda Tribal Trust Land) where they are still living.

Smaller groups settled in the Fort Victoria (now Masvingo) district under Chief Mugabe. The bulk of the tribe remained in the Zaka/Bikita area which became known as vaDuma after the tribe. The people were ruled by one paramount chief, the ancestor of the present dynasties. Eventually the chieftainship split into two under the sons of Mutonhodza (one time chief) who were Mutindi and Fupajena. Fupajena was in fact Mutindi’s military commander but on his death his line was honoured with a separate chieftaincy. Mutindi’s line remained as the senior chieftaincy and is known today as Mukanganwi chieftainship. Pfupajena gave rise to Mazungunye line which though of inferior rank to Mukanganwi became the larger of the two chiefdoms.

When Ndanga district was subdivided into the Ndanga and Bikita districts, the Vaduma who fell under Zaka were cut off from Mazungunye and the son of the then Mazungunye, one Nhema, became chief of the Zaka Vaduma. This is the origin of the present chieftainship.

The chief has the following subsidised headman under his control: Muroyi, Chipinda, Zibgowa, Chipenzi, Chamburukira and Magatsi (a Shangaan) who controls a small number of people and was moved into area by government.

The following headman though not subsidised are recognised. Matsika- not a true sadunhu for the dunhu is also chief’s own Gadzingo. It is administered jointly by Chief Nhema and a relative Matsika. Other headman include: Mandyoro, Nechaziva, Ndindechineka, Mbuyamaswa, Manokore, Gutusa, Museki, Svina, Maraire, Chidembo, Chinorumba, Gokova.

The following were delineated communities under Chief Nhema: Ndinde Chineka, Gutusa, Gokova, Manokore, Chinorumba, Magatsi, Svina, Museki, Chidembo, Maraire, Mbuyamaswa, Nechaziva, Mandyoro, Mukwirimba, Musimi, Muchembere, Mugudubi, Chida, Zingoni, Mou, Mutsware, Mukumba, Chipenzi, Zibgowa, Bvukuta, Dzinawatonga, Mungwemi, Chengozho and Mukwena.

Boundary

The chief Nhema’s boundary as described by him at an interview with Mr Latham was from Nyamuzara river to Bvokonyore stream, to Chiredzi river and its confluence with Murerezwi river which flowed upstream to Nyamawanga (1) and over the watershed to Nyamawanga (2), to Tugwe river and up to Nyamuzara river and to the starting point.

But after the 1964 delineation his boundary was found to commence at Chiredzi river at its confluence with Chinyika river to its confluence with an unnamed stream near Dembedza school to Chikumgabwe hill to Nyarupiza stream to its confluence with Nyatari up Nyatari  to its confluence with Musorowegudo stream. It extended to Chiramba hill to source of Bvokonyore stream to Musambarambi river to Tugwani river, to Nyamadewe stream, to Govongwe river, to Nyatare river, to Chiredzi river, down Chiredzi river and eastwards, northwards, northwest wards, south wards along the district boundary to the starting point.

Functions of the chief

Judicial– He received cases from all subordinate courts of the headman. Kraalheads from various communities cannot approach the chief directly unless they live in the Gadzingo. These kraals being directly under the chief bring their cases directly to the chief in his capacity as Sadunhu and Chief. Court sits every Wednesday.

Types of cases that are heard included adultery, divorce, quarrels among others. Cases on appeal are referred to the District Commissioner. Councillors at the court were Mandiregerera, Mbuyamaswa and Mudzingwa.

Land allocation– newcomers go to the kraalhead of their choice. If the later approves of the applicant and has land available, he takes them to the headman/sadunhu. In the event of headman’s approval, the Chief is advised and sanctions the application. No land is sold.

Installation of the Chief

Black beads are worn by the Chief to signify the chief’s acceptance by mudzimu. This was done by Zibaba. The Zibaba is described as “muzukuru mukuru”. The advent of rain shortly after the installation is seen as a further sign of spiritual approval.

Rainmaking ceremony

This was known as Dundu, Mukwerera. Seed of finger millet (zviyo) is put in a rock cavity (guvi) but not mixed with water. The spirits are requested to be generous and apparently the seed attracts rain- filling the Guvi. This results in beer drinking and the women ululate in thanksgiving. The tribal svikiro is the person responsible for consulting the spirits to obtain their approval for the appointment of a new chief and for calling the rain.

Headmen under Chief Nhema

Headman Chipenzi

They belong to the Moyo totem and their chidawo is Gonyohori or Pfuwayi.

Early history

Chipenzi Chipenzi was the first appointment in 1920, and he was the second son of Chizu who was second son of Chikwanda. He was a Muchinda. Many years ago, Chikwanda was a chief of the Victoria district. He is now a chief in Chikwanda Tribal Trust Land. It is not clear when exactly did Chipenzi and his followers moved to this area. Office records indicate this movement happened prior 1948. The movement was because this dunhu was proclaimed European farming area- his old area is referred to as Harawe and it is situated in the present day Ndanga Hospital. The Native commissioner of the day was Mangundu and the Chief native commissioner was Zewezewe.

The headmanship consists of the following kraals Chipenzi, Matiki, Mataga, Mukoko, Jaricha, Chivenge and Mudzingati.

Kraals outside his area include Chiwawa (in Museki), Charamba or Tumbare (in sadunhu Gahadziso’s area of Headman Zibgowa).

Villages in this community include Chipenzi, Matiki, Mataga, Mukoko, Jaricha, Chivhenge, Mudzingate, Chiwawa. Whilst Chiwawa is a resident in Museki’s area Chipenzi has judicial authority over him and his people. The same cannot be said of Charamba or Tumbare who originated from Chipenzi butnow acknowledge Zibgowa via sadunhu Gahadziso

Boundary

The boundary commences at a point equidistant from the peaks of Dowa and Dembe hills and in the valley between them, in an easterly direction to a saddle between Demba and Majuru hills known as Mupata wo Rucheni. Through this saddle and around the foot of Demba hill on the eastern side for about half a mile, south eastwards in a straight line to Mazimi river. Downstream approximately half a mile to its confluence with Murerezwi river, downstream to its confluence with Nyamakwada river, northwest to Mutindirindi hill and northwards to the source of Chitora river, northwards to the starting point.

Headman Chipinda

They are of the Moyo totem, Sayi or Chirandu is their chidawo and they are of the Muduma tribe.

Genealogy

Makombi was the first headman followed by Svuwure followed by Munangaidzwa then followed by Marutse succeeded by Makurazita followed by Chinyama. After Chinyama came Rowodzi who was followed by Baye followed by Matengure who was followed by Shumba then followed by Chidembo followed by Chiwanganye who was appointed in 1959.

Boundary

Down Nyamuzare river to Tugwe river, down Tugwe to Tugwana stream up to Saka stream, up the eastern branch of this stream to Rusere school over the watershed to water source leading into Nyamuzara stream and back to the starting point.

Headman Muroyi

They are of the Moyo totem and Sayi is their chidawo. They are of the Muduma (Mukaranga) tribe. The headman is addressed as She or Mambo by his followers. This community is referred to as Kwa Muroyi.

Genealogy

Mudekwa Muroyi was acting headman under government approval after his father Madzowa had passed on 9 April 1963.

Early History

Until 1951 Muroyi was a recognised chief. About then the chieftainship was reduced to headmanship under chief Nhema. It appears that headman Madzowa was the first appointed to the reduced status.

There are six sadunhus subordinate to the headman and each being a leader of a functional community. These sadunhus include Musini, Muchembere, Mugudubi, Zingoni, Chida and Mukwirimba.

Headman Zibgowa

They are of the Moyo totem and their chidawo is Chirandu or Sayi and they are of the Muduma tribe.

Villages under headman Zibgowa include Mugomere, Wudube, Ngwebu, Marugege, Chinoda, Muwadzuri, Mutema, Muzenda, Chirongo, Pedzisayi, Mupiwa, Mutamburi, Janga, Mahohoma, Kufirwa, Marumure, Tapera, Chimharadze, Masunda, Makuwire, Munanga, Mabikiro, Tumbu, Mukandi, Tafirenyika, Masudze, Gadziso, Manyanga, Mupombgwa, Zimunhu and Tumbare.

Boundary

The boundary starts at a point on the Chiredzi river at its confluence with Murerezwi river to its confluence with Nyamakwana to the top of Mutindirani hill, northwest wards, westwards and north wards (to exclude Demba hill) to a point in the valley equidistant from the highest points of Dowa and Dembe hills. It goes along the foot of Dowa hill and westwards to Chiredzana river down to its confluence with Dewe river and up to a point where it is closest to Chiredzi river, across the road to Gahadziko township to a vlei situated about 60 yards to the south of Matisa kraal and down to the vlei to the Chiredzi river down to the starting point.

Movements – Headman Chipenzi and his 7 kraals moved into this area from Harawe- now European farming area near Ndanga hospital. Kraalhead Tawonedebgwe moved from this area to Svina’s dunhu.

The following sadunhus were under Zibgowa: Mutamburi, Chinoda, Masunda, Mugomere and Gahadziso.

Headman Chamburukira

They are of the Moyo totem, Sayi is their chidawo and they are of Muduma tribe.

Brief History

Chamburukira’s area fell under the administration of Chief Mabika originally and it was Mabika who appointed the first Chamburukira. An inspection of the Mabika genealogy reveals that the two were related. When the district boundaries were changed, Chamburukira and his people chose to fall under chief Nhema. The following sadunhus were under Headman Chamburukira: Mukwena, Bvukuta, Mungwemi, Dzinavatonga and Chengozho.

Genealogy

The first head man was Rimai followed by Zimanu and then followed by Watirai. Later came Aisa followed by Takawada who was later followed by Nyemudzo (died 7.11.1961) and Wangwari acted until (1.7.1962).

Headman Magatsi

They are of the Chauke totem, Uyachisa is their chidawo and they are of the Shangaan tribe.

Genealogy

The first headman was Malume followed by Salani who was succeeded by Mujaji who was followed by Chiwawani and then followed by Magatsi Chikumba who was installed in 1959.

Brief history

During the time of the Native commissioner called Zimunga and Macharangwanda (Mr Howman) these Shangaan were moved to Ndanga Tribal Trust Land (they refer to their old area as Hlengweni). However, it is not clear if their moved on their choice or it was the government that moved them.

Some ten kraals consisting of entirely Shangaan people are resident in Chinorumba and Nuseki’s areas near Chiredzi River. They are all focused on Magatsi who performs all functions of an ordinary sadunhu within his dunhu. There are other kraals with lesser degrees of affinity towards Magatsi. They are in the dunhu of Svina, Nganga, Bota, Chidembo, Mariare and Chamburukira.

Some Shangaan Kraals in Magatsi which formed communities comprise of: Mulungise (Located in Svina), Chinanya in Chamburukira, Okeme in Chamburukira, Mashiri in Svina, Salani in Chinorumba, Lihinga in Chinorumba, Save in Chinorumba, Kavani in Chinorumba, Matiosi or Mashamba in Museki, Murahu or Sandako in Chidembo, Mahlawule in Museki, Mujaji Towani in Chinorumba, Chiwaya in Maraire, Munhuki in Maraire, Chikumba in Chinorumba, Fumani in Svina Mangwayani Mukondo in Chinorumba, Zipundu in Ndanga, Makoya in Bota and Chikwesere Chitanga in Gokova.

Boundary

Magatsi has no dunhu of his own he said he lived in Chinorumba’s dunhu. However, he claimed his area is block 55 or Unit 55 on Unit planning system by the Agriculture Department. In this area he has judicial authority and land authority as confirmed by headman Chinorumba.

Kraals that fall in Block 55 according to Magatsi are: Salani, Chiwawani, Lihinga, Zava, Kavani, Chikumba, Mujaji or Towani, Mangwayani, or Mukondo, Matiosi or Mashamba Mahlewule and they have strong sense of community with each other.

The remainder of the kraals that are listed above they seek judicial authority from Magatsi (they have a different language, customs etc).

A dotted line could encircle the first mentioned kraals for they are interspersed with Vaduma under Museki and Chinorumba.

The following are Shangaan kraals that now have little functional need in Magatsi. Their judicial and land authorities are their respective sadunhus. There are others that Magatsi could not recall their names. These include Makeni in Chinorumba, Muleji in Ndanga, Choche or Chipezeze in Ndanga, Denhere in Bota, Kusara in Bota, Chiwetani in Ndanga, Fumani in Svina, Gweme in Chamburukira, Gunyule in Chamburukira and Matsilele in Chamburukira.

Functions of a sadunhu

Cases are received from the Kraalheads and are uplifted to the District Commissioner, Zaka if an acceptable judgement is not delivered. Court sits on Sundays and the councillors are Chipupu, Matiwaya and Kavani. It was noted that appeals used to go chief Towani but it is no longer the case because according to Towani it’s too far to go to him.

CHIEF BOTA

They are of the Moyo totem, Gonyori is their chidawo and they are of the Mujena or VaKaranga tribe.

Brief History

The chief was recognised by government in 1959. There were two svikiros in the area. The tribe claim to have descended from Fupajena whom they regard as the founder of the tribe. The west ward migration is said to have reached Zimbabwe near Morgenster mission and the eldest son of Nyajena set up his chieftaincy whilst a young brother Mariro went together with Mazungunye and chief Nhema’s ancestors moved to their present area.

On arrival they found the Shoko people and they were weakened through fighting, and some were absorbed into this group. For example, kraalhead Chivamba is a true Shoko.

Genealogy

Bota was the first Chief followed by Mtatawigwa who was later followed by Chimbgwembgwe. Nenjana the son of Mtatawigwa took over followed by Mawadzi the son of Chimbgwembgwe who was followed by Bwazo who was succeeded by Chipumo, followed by Murengwi who was followed by Ziwawa, followed by Furanyi who was later succeeded by Mujenya.

Sadunhus under chief Bota include: Bgwazo, Rudanda, Mawadze, Chipumo, Madziwire and Mapanje.

Boundary

There was a longstanding dispute between chief Bota and Nyakunhuwa over their boundary west of Mushavutwe river.

Headmen under Chief Bota

Headman Ruvuyu

They are of the Tembo totem, their chidawo is Mutasa and they belong to the Mundau tribe. The headman is called She, Changamire and he was recognised by government.

Brief history

The Ruvuyu chieftainship was reduced to headmanship under chief Bota on 1^st of July 1951. The tribe is said to have originated from the Mupunga country of chief Mapungwana in the Chipinge District. They do not know whether their ancestors left on their own accord or they were chased away by Mupungwana. The founder of the dynasty is said to be Musimira.

Until 1962 there were no recognised sadunhu under Headman Ruvuyu. There are three sadunhus which are Zimonde, Makumire and Tukununu.

Headman Dzoro

Some of his people went to settle in Mutasa because of the construction of Manjirenji dam. He was reduced to a headman in 1951 and he has 5 sadunhus.

Sadunhus under Dzoro include Mupuwa, Muzondidya, Dabgwa, Machiwa and Chipfunde.

Headman Mushaya

Occupied the area in the southwest which adjoins Bangala dam. He had three sadunhus namely Gorimbo, Chivuru and Mutukirwi. His status was reduced to a headman in 1951.

Headman Dekeza

They are of the Moyo totem, Murambgwi is their chidawo and their language is chiKaranga. He was also reduced to a headman in 1951.

Brief history

The first headman Dekeza was a son of Chief Njajena. It is not known when this was. He had no sadunhu in his area until 1962 when four appointments were made and these included Mamutse, Mashava, Makonese and Chirewa.

Genealogy

The fist headman was Gandamina Chikanda followed by Zimbende, followed by Mutsinzwa followed by Chimbudze who was Zimbende’s son. After Chimbudze there was Dekeza, followed by Makonese and then Maringire who was succeeded by Chiburungwa followed by Guyo who was followed by Kudada and then Nendo followed by Masikati.

CHIEF NYAKUNHUWA

No detailed information was found about his chieftainship. However, villages under him included Mupedzanuna, Manatsa, Murahu, Chipato, Machingambi, Chikara, Mutonhori, Mere, Mutuware, Mudzara, Mutsvangwa, Mada, Murembgwa, Muzimwe, Vanyoro or Nematsa.

CHIEF TOWANI

The right spelling is suggested to be Tshovani. They are of the Chauke totem, Mabaso as their chidawo and they are of the Shangaan tribe. Their area is called Hlengweni.

Brief history

It is said Towani chieftainship will remain in the Muteyo house because Magatsi house has been honoured by the creation of headmaship and the Mahike house is a sadunhu house under Magatsi. Also, the Magatsi and Mahike houses are resident in Ndanga whilst the Muteyo was in Sangwe. The creation of Magatsi headmanship was for administrative convenience to prevent any claims by him and his descendants on the chieftainship and to create leadership for the Shangaan who lived in Ndanga who were cut off from the rest of the tribe in Sangwe.

Genealogy

The first chief was Tivani followed by Mvaile then followed by Hetisani who was followed by his son Mawengi who was later succeded by Magumbe a grandson to Mvaile.

Kraals under chief Towani included: Kuliwale, Mahlaule, Lisenga, Jackson, Mahenye, Mapindani, Masekesa, Mawewe, Masiya, , Matsiyani, Masino, Mashawi, Mugejo, Munyame, Hasani, Mutambandiro 1 and 2, Hlengani, Muteyo, Ngomani, Ngwani, Nyakame, Panzeka,  Rupangwana, Rusengwa, Tsamwise, Marewe, Zibizwapanzi, Zindajwa, Bandama, Baza, Bumburu, Chibavahlengwe, Chidumo, Chikamvi, Chikati, Chisandako 2, Heletani, Chiwani, Gadzanayi, Gwengeja, Hahlani, Jekero 2, Mundawu and Hlangahlakani.

Boundary

The boundary commences at the confluence of Mkwasine and Sabi rivers to the intersection of Mkwasine with the Chizwilizwe/ Sangwe Tribal tTrust boundary fence and southwards along this fence to a point due west of the source of Nyagwamba river to its confluence with Sabi river and up to the staring point.

Headman Chitsa

They are of the Chauke totem, Mabaso as their chidawo and they are Shangaan tribe. Their headman is called Hosi. Succession was collateral.

Brief history

He had 17 kraals, of which 7 occupied Crown Land (Gonarezhou). Previously resident at Lundi/Sabi junction. He had no sadunhus.

The kraals include: Majechekuwona, Judo, Tiwani, Mawume, Musamani, Masiya, Ndari (fall in the Gonarezhou area), Pikelele, Jomboti, Chihosani, Piri, Kupani, Makulombe, Matengu, Kafamuni, Tsowele, Chawani.

Boundary

Their boundary commences at the confluence of Sabi and Nyagwamba rivers up the source of Nyagwamba and southwards along the Sangwe Tribal Trust Land/ Chizwilizwe fence to its intersection of the Chihonja range, eastwards along the crest of the range to the Sabi river and up to the starting point.

CHIEF NDANGA

They are of the Gumbo totem, Madyirapzhe is their chidawo and they are of the Mukaranga tribe. Their chief is called Ishe.

Brief history

The tribe is believed to have originated in Bindura district from the Msana reserve. Four brothers Mabgwazhe, Muparuri, Mudziwapasi and Matsatsuri left Msana and arrived in now chief Munyikwa’s area in Gutu and later moved to Gona hill in Gutu where Mabgwazhe, Muparuri and Mudziwapasi settled but Mutsatsuri who was a blacksmith moved on in search of iron bearing rock for making hoes. Finally, he settled at Ndahumbgwi hill. He found other people already settled there who belonged to the Shiri and Shoko totems. He went back to his brothers to ask for warriors and drove these people away. Mudziwapasi later gave rise to sadunhu Mutimwe and Muparuri to sadunhu Muparuri.

Villages under Chief Ndanga include Chimedza, Mutimwe, Musuka, Zishiri, Gowere, Tinarwo Nemakupi, Muparuri, Nemawuku, Mutamba, Gonese, Mupfurashanga, Wutete and Murerekwa. Chimedza was regarded a senior sadunhu who also acted as Zibaba during the appointment of chief Ndanga.

Genealogy

The first chief was Mutsatsuri, followed by Mukambgwi, followed by Nendanga who was followed by Chivhundu. After Chivhundu, Gowere succeeded him followed by Maparure who was followed by Njerere, followed by Zishiri Ngundu who was followed by Rimai followed by Gwema. After Gwema came Zimini followed by Ratambgwa followed by Jerera who died on 24 June 1956.

Boundary

The boundary starts at Vowe hill down to Rugwe river to its confluence with Chiredzi river up to its confluence with Chinyika river and up to an unnamed stream rising to the east of Dombodema hill to the source of Nyarupiza stream down to its confluence with Nyatari river. It extends to its confluence with Musorowegudo stream and up to Chiramba hill down to Musambarambi river to its confluence with Tugwani up to Mtome hill to an eastern source of Govongwe river to its confluence with Nyatari down to its confluence with Chiredzi river to its confluence with Makambe river to its confluence with Nyabare up to its source. From Nyabare river’s source to Makangare river to its source to Devuri dam up to Devuri river to the source of Mahonga river to its confluence with Mshavutwe river to its sconfluence with Chidyavana stream to its source to the source of Nyabesi river and down to a point south of Chitikiti hill, due north of Chinyembe hill eastwards to Vowe hill to the starting point.

Chief Gudo- no information was found about his chieftainship.

Source National Archives of Zimbabwe  S2929/8/6; S2929/8/6 and S2929/8/4

Research by Dr. Joshua Kumbani who is a seasoned academic in Aechaelogy and has lectured in a number of Universities in South Africa, Spain and German.

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