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Family, Faith, and Colonial Rule in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe: A Historical Exploration

Garrett Powell

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The Gender of Piety: Family, Faith, and Colonial Rule in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe

by Carol Felsenthal

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Matabeleland, a region in western Zimbabwe, holds a rich and captivating history that has been profoundly shaped by the interplay of family, faith, and colonial rule. This article delves into the complex and often tumultuous relationship between these three forces, shedding light on their impact on the region's social, cultural, and political fabric.

Family: The Foundation of Ndebele Society

For the Ndebele people, who have inhabited Matabeleland for centuries, family has always been the cornerstone of their society. Extended families, known as imini, formed the basic unit of social organization, providing support, security, and a sense of belonging to their members. Family ties were revered and played a crucial role in shaping individual identities and community values.

Faith: The Arrival of Christian Missions

In the late 19th century, Christian missionaries arrived in Matabeleland, bringing with them their own beliefs and practices. Missionaries established schools, churches, and hospitals, which had a significant impact on the region. While some Ndebele initially resisted these foreign influences, others embraced the teachings of Christianity, seeing it as a source of hope and salvation.

Colonial Rule: The British South Africa Company

In 1890, the British South Africa Company (BSAC) gained control of Matabeleland, marking the beginning of colonial rule in the region. The BSAC established a system of indirect rule, which involved working through local chiefs and traditional leaders. However, colonial policies often clashed with Ndebele customs and values, leading to tensions and conflict.

The First Chimurenga War

In 1893, the Ndebele people rose up against British rule in a war known as the First Chimurenga. The war was sparked by a combination of factors, including the loss of land, the imposition of taxes, and the erosion of traditional authority. Ndebele warriors fought valiantly, but they were ultimately defeated by the superior firepower of the British.

The Impact of Colonial Rule on Family and Faith

Colonial rule had a profound impact on family and faith in Matabeleland. The BSAC's policies disrupted traditional family structures by forcibly relocating people and imposing new laws that undermined the authority of family elders. Missionaries, who had previously been seen as allies, became associated with colonial power, leading to a decline in their influence among the Ndebele.

African Independent Churches

In response to the decline of mission Christianity, African independent churches emerged in Matabeleland. These churches, led by African pastors, combined traditional beliefs and practices with Christian teachings. African independent churches played a vital role in preserving Ndebele culture and identity during the colonial period.

The Second Chimurenga War

In the 1960s, a second Chimurenga war broke out in Matabeleland, this time against the white-minority government of Rhodesia. The war was fought along ethnic lines, with the Ndebele people playing a prominent role in the resistance movement. Christian leaders and African independent churches played a significant role in providing support and inspiration to the Ndebele during the war.

Post-Colonial Matabeleland

After Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, Matabeleland faced significant challenges related to land redistribution, economic development, and reconciliation. However, the region's rich history of family, faith, and resistance continues to shape its identity and aspirations.

The history of Matabeleland, Zimbabwe, is a testament to the complex and dynamic interplay of family, faith, and colonial rule. These three forces have shaped the region's social, cultural, and political landscape, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to resonate today. By understanding the intricate connections between these elements, we gain a deeper appreciation of the resilience and determination of the Ndebele people.

A Family In Traditional Ndebele Attire Gathering For A Ceremony The Gender Of Piety: Family Faith And Colonial Rule In Matabeleland Zimbabwe

Image caption: A family in traditional Ndebele attire gathering for a ceremony, symbolizing the enduring importance of family in Matabeleland.

References

Ranger, T. O. (1985). Peasant Consciousness and Guerrilla War in Southern Rhodesia. London: James Currey.
Stigger, P. (1992). Colonial Situations: Essays on the Contextualization of Ethnographic Knowledge. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.
Werbner, R. P. (1999). Ritual Passage, Sacred Journey: The Process and Rituals of Death in East and Central Africa. New York: Routledge.

The Gender of Piety: Family, Faith, and Colonial Rule in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe

by Carol Felsenthal

4.7 out of 5