Whilst the majority rushes to the cinemas or to Netflix to get a glimpse of the latest movies on offer some seat back and view the behind the scenes account of some of the most awe inspiring movies. The success of each movie is an outcome of a symbiosis between the account, the storyteller, the actors and the scenes chosen for publication.
We can’t say the same when it comes to history. An account of history does not accommodate edited versions, either/or, omitted scenes or fabricated inclusions. History is a product of close examination and scrutiny. So if you decide to tell a story that is supposed to be part of history you ought to understand that what you are authoring will go through the eyes and minds of the current generation and even of generations beyond your expiry date who will engage it deeply, questioningly, embracingly and even with an intent to build on.
So when did the history of southern Africa begin?
For Africa in the south our story seems dominated by accounts based on dates that are very significant to a minority that found a society or societies in full motion. Many of our texts have told massive accounts of what 1795, 1820, 1835, 1910 and 1948 entailed because a certain predominance was prioritised . Very little has been said of the 09th, 10th, 11th centuries, etcetera. Those dates, looking at our history books at many schools seem to be telling a story led by Europeans whilst negating or under-emphasising the evolution of an African society in southern Africa. Most history books will tell you of a southern Africa that, if they had to talk of earlier African inhabitants, would refer only to the Khoi and the San and insist on their unrecordable pastoralistic manner of living.
OUR HISTORY DID NOT BEGIN IN 1652
The legacy of colonisation continues to shape our understanding of history, often silencing indigenous voices and erasing cultural narratives. From the onset I must declare – HISTORY OF AFRICANS IN THE SOUTH DID NOT BEGIN IN 1652 as many historical texts tend to lazily imply – it begun a number of centuries earlier.
Truth is – deliberately certain elements of our tale were deliberately and systemically reduced to unimportant chapters in our story. 1652 represented an important chapter in representing the first unAfrican audience (Europeans) in the growing socio make-up of the people that chose to make a home in the southern tip of Africa.
This was a chapter in the midst of an evolving story. Failure to recognise and acknowledge this gap will yield to what the history of Northern America has been condemned to. The restructured focus in the history of the North American region is premised on telling the story of the colonialists instead of giving a full picture that recognises that these areas walk into centuries before European colonialists set sail for these lands. The North American history looks like purposely sidelining or telling very little about the aboriginal American Indian inhabitants of that continent before colonial rule.
In Africa, this has profound implications, particularly for generations who grapple with fragmented identities and a disconnection from their heritage. This discussion explores the impact of incomplete history on young minds, examining how skewed narratives affect identity formation and cultural belonging. By confronting these silences, we can begin to reclaim and reimagine a more inclusive past.
History Belongs to All of Us
History is a multifaceted discipline that seeks to reconstruct and interpret the human past, drawing upon a diverse array of sources and methodologies to illuminate the complexities of human experience. By examining the events, cultures, and societies that have shaped our world, historians strive to provide a proper understanding of the forces that have molded human destiny.
As a field of study, history is both retrospective and prospective. It offers insights into the origins of contemporary issues and sheds light on the possibilities for future development. Through its examination of the past, history provides a richly textured context for understanding the pres ent and navigating the challenges of the future, rendering it an essential component of a well-rounded education and informed citizenship.
Southern Africa needs to confront this truth.
Tracing Our Past
The way we tell the stories of, for example, the Great Zimbabwe, Mapungubwe and the rest of southern Africa is problematic.
We’re often presented with a static, decontextualized image of these medieval kingdoms – impressive structures, intriguing artefacts, but little sense of the vibrant societies that thrived there. Attempts have been made to hide these truths but it remains our job as the living to retrace ours true past in order to provide reliable forecast for future generations.
It is as though there is no human story attached to the remaining evidence that points to a thriving society that occupied this significant era in the evolution of the southern Africa that, today, we call home. The strangest feature about this is that for many, it seems, their focus has been on physical remains in these areas which reduces complex, dynamic histories of communities to mere “sites” or tourist attractions, stripping them of their cultural, economic, and historical significance.
By neglecting the true story of these people, the trade networks, and cultural practices that made these places tick, we miss out on a richer understanding of southern Africa’s medieval past and its ongoing impact. We are also depriving current generations of an opportunity to reconnect with a past that they and those before them were systematically deprived of.
Rethinking these narratives means putting the people back at the front and centre of focus. It means exploring the stories of the people who built Great Zimbabwe, the traders who connected Mapungubwe to global networks, the nations that evolved out of this history and the rulers who shaped these kingdoms’ destinies. It also enquires about the contribution that these persons made to the evolution of the southern Africa that we are a constituent of today. This includes the rulers who shaped these kingdoms’ destinies. We must reclaim the stories of our people that have since been confined to what the rulers (at different points) deliberately felt was appropriate to break their pride and resistance.
In fact, Emmanuel Ndzimu-Unami (in a publication made in 2012) argues that the presence of Bakalanga as a tribe in southern Africa, latest 900 AD and earliest 300 AD, shows that ‘it is not likely that the gold traders mentioned by Cosmas could have been Khoi or San who are known to have been the earliest inhabitants of southern Africa to cross the Zambezi River. Had it been them it would have been perfectly logical to have expected that Europeans (at the Cape) would have found them working in gold in the 16th century’.
We should also reclaim the stories of the AmaKhalanga (AmaLala), whose influence echoes through the generations of latter-day tribes like the BaLobedu, BaNambya, AmaBhele, BaLozwi, AmaHlubi, AmaTolo, AmaZizi, AmaZelemu, AmaNtlangwini, AmaCele, AmaWushe, and many others. Unpacking these histories can help us understand the complex webs of identity, culture, and power that shape modern South Africa. By recovering these voices and experiences, we can challenge simplistic stereotypes and build a more nuanced understanding of Africa’s history.
An African story in southern Africa without telling the chapter of AmaKhalanga or AmaLala is definitely incomplete. Just as much as it remains shallow if it does not tell us about the exact story of the Khoi and the San.
09TH TO THE 13TH AND LATER CENTURIES
History dictates that there is a story to tell about southern Africa in the earlier centuries not limited to the Khoi and the San.
Truth is Mapungubwe, the Great Zimbabwe, Mutapa Empire, Khama and many episodes authored and acted by Africans took place and shaped the constituency of the southern Africa that we have today.
Unpacking the complex webs of identity, culture, and power that shape modern Southern Africa and perhaps the rest of the continent is done by recovering these voices and experiences. We can, accordingly, challenge simplistic stereotypes and build a more nuanced understanding of Africa’s history.
Whilst acknowledging the challenges that modern Southern African governments could be facing considering the innumerable presence of different languages we should also not let it minimise our interest in who we truly are.
An incomplete or distorted history of a people is a complete betrayal to past, current and future generations. Nowhere is this more pertinent than in the continent of Africa, where the imperative to reclaim and reassert the continent’s narrative has never been as pressing.
Dutch businessman Jan van Riebeeck of the 1652 fame or an earlier detour by a Portuguese Vasco daGama must be contextualized showing that they found nations of peoples who were responsible for Africa in the South.
The Kingdom of Mapungubwe
Very little is said about the Kingdom of Mapungubwe. From my very younger ages I studied, enjoyed and maybe did well in my educational journey of history. Little did I know that there were many chapters that I was deprived of learning.
At absolutely no class or level did I directly or indirectly study about the story of Mapungubwe or any other presence of Africans in the southern most tip of africa in the early centuries. In fact, I should confess that my first encounter with Mapungubwe was just an eye opener.
Through the story of Mapungubwe I was introduced to the hidden truth about the evolution of southern African people.
I (like many) only discovered the story of Mapungubwe when I was deployed by a previous employer to work on certain aspects related to the project. On the one hand I was excited to work on the project but on the other I was angry and shocked to discover that in my own country sat a truth as loud as this that has, somehow, escaped logical entry or sufficient presence in our history books.
Why would our history negate such chapters in the evolution of the southern African region? The 11 languages that for example the South African government uses as official languages are meant to allow the institutions of the people to communicate adequately with the publics, they do not tell a history of South Africa. However, a general miscomprehension has been built to Define provinces or regions based on these administrative measures.
You can make an analogy with Britain where English may dominate but it does not destroy the presence and impact of the Scottish or the Irish. A Britain without Scotland is incomplete. So is a Southern Africa without AmaKhalanga, AmaHlubi, AmaMbo, AmaNguni, etcetera.
Mapungubwe Hill
Perchedatop a majestic hill, the Mapungubwe stands as a testament to the ingenuity and grandeur of Africa’s medieval kingdoms.
The hilltop structure, with its weathered stone walls, gazes out over the Limpopo Valley, surveying the lands once ruled by the Mapungubwe elite. This sacred site, shrouded in mystery, was likely a place of royal residence, spiritual ritual, or perhaps both, commanding attention with its imposing presence.
The First City State of the Kalanga People
Mapungubwe was the first major phase of city-state development of the Kalanga people of all African peoples south of the Sahara.
Located on the banks of the Limpopo on the confluence of the Limpopo and the Shashe rivers, the Kingdom of Mapungubwe controlled a vast network of trade that extended some 30,000 square kilometres on either side of the two rivers and traded with people as far away as East Africa, Egypt, Persia, Arabia, East Asia, India and China.
A Major Centre of Trade
Mapungubwe was a major center of trade and commerce, with its rulers controlling the flow of gold and ivory from the interior to the Indian Ocean trade routes. European and Middle Eastern traders were already in touch with the city of Mapungubwe and the city’s strategic location allowed it to dominate the regional trade network, and its influence can be seen in the stone walls and structures that still stand today.
The Mapungubwe Kingdom traded in gold, copper, iron, ostrich eggs and eggshell beads, bone, textiles, elephant ivory, hippo ivory, leopard skins, furs and exotic hides like crocodile.
The most spectacular of the gold discoveries is a little golden Rhinoceros, made of gold foil and tacked with minute pins around the wooden core. The rhino, featured in one of South Africa’s new national orders – the Order of Mapungubwe symbolizes the high culture of Mapungubwe. Other artifacts made in similar fashion include the Golden Scepter and the Golden Bowl, found graves on Mapungubwe Hill.
Excavations on the hill have yielded treasures of a bygone era – delicate gold beads, intricately crafted pottery, and other artifacts whispering tales of a sophisticated civilization. These remnants speak to a people who mastered their environment, trading with distant lands and shaping their own destiny.
An Awe Inspiring Treatment (That’s Mapungubwe)
As the wind whispers through the ancient stones, the Mapungubwe Temple remains an awe-inspiring testament to Africa’s rich cultural heritage, beckoning explorers to unravel its secrets.
I still recall standing on that hill, taking in the breathtaking views, and spotting a curious structure that resembled a bathtub – it left me wondering if the royals back then were ahead of their time.
But the real showstopper was the vista unfolding below: giraffes roaming, elephants wandering, and wildlife stretching as far as the eye could see. It felt like standing on a flat-topped mountain, with the landscape sprawling out like a canvas. The royals of this era surely savoured this majestic sight – it’d be hard not to feel like a king up there.
Mapungubwe gave birth to the Great Zimbabwe (City not country). Mapungubwe flourished from the 9th to the 13th centuries and is believed to be the predecessor to The Great Zimbabwe, and the two cities share striking similarities in architecture, culture, and trade networks.
Hiding the Truth About Mapungubwe
The discoveries by archaeologists from the white apartheid government and the university of Pretoria were hidden from the public as it would have disturbed the narrative sponsored by the racist ruling class at the time. The site was discovered in 1932 and has been excavated by the University of Pretoria ever since. The findings were kept quiet at the time since they provided contrary evidence to the racist ideology of black inferiority underpinning apartheid.
The Great Zimbabwe
The great Zimbabwe is another victim. Kindly note that we are talking about Zimbabwe in its original context.
As Great Zimbabwe rose to power, it built upon the foundations laid by Mapungubwe, expanding its trade networks and solidifying its position as a major player in the region. The connection between the two cities is evident in the similarities in their architecture, with both featuring massive stone walls and intricate stone carvings.
The Kingdom of Mapungubwe and the Great Zimbabwe and others testament to Africa’s rich heritage struggle to make their way into mainstream history books, a situation that can only be described as a deliberate attempt to rewrite the continent’s story. It is thus crucial that we prioritise the rewriting of Africa’s true history, one that reflects the complexity, diversity, and grandeur of its past, and serves as a foundation for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Yes, deep in the heart of southern Africa, hidden away in the modern day Zimbabwean countryside, lies one of the continent’s most enigmatic archaeological sites: the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. This sprawling complex of ancient stone structures, once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, has captivated explorers, historians, and treasure hunters for centuries. But very little of its reality has found its way to our history books.
As you approach the Great Zimbabwe ruins, the first thing that always strikes you is the sheer scale of the structures. The massive stone walls, some of which stretch over 10 metres high, seem to defy gravity, their weathered surfaces bearing testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the people who built them over 800 years ago. The air is thick with history, and you can’t help but feel a sense of reverence as you step into the shoes of the ancestors who once walked these streets.
Our African forefathers born and bred within our continent with our own DNA occupied and governed this land. The Great Zimbabwe Ruins show the power and sophistication of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, which flourished in the region from about the 11th to the 13th centuries. At its peak, the kingdom was a major player in the global trade network, trading in goods like gold, ivory, and textiles with merchants from as far afield as China and Persia.
This shows an African continent that already partook as independents in global trade close to 10 centuries ago. So Africa is not new in international trade and politics.
Dry Stone Walling
The name “Zimbabwe” is derived from the Shona phrase “Dzimba dza Mabwe”, which translates to “Houses of Stone”. This name refers to the impressive stone structures that make up the ruins, which were built using a unique technique known as “dry stone walling”. This technique involves stacking stones carefully without mortar, creating a strong and durable structure that has truly withstood the test of time.
The use of stone in building was a significant innovation in the region, around the 11th century and it reflects the advanced engineering skills and craftsmanship of the people who built The Great Zimbabwe. The stone walls were not only functional, but also symbolic of the kingdom’s wealth and power.
The Temple
As you explore the ruins, you’ll notice that the site is divided into several distinct areas, each with its own unique character.
The Hill Complex, perched atop a granite hill, is the oldest and most impressive part of the ruins. Here, you’ll find the Temple, a magnificent structure that was once the heart of the kingdom’s spiritual and political life.
The Temple is a masterclass in African architecture, with its intricate stone carvings and mysterious symbols etched into the walls. The structure is dominated by a massive conical tower, which was once the tallest structure in the kingdom. From the top of the tower, the king and his advisors would survey the surrounding landscape, watching for signs of danger and planning their next move.
Network of Streets, Trade and Structures
The Valley Ruins are a sprawling network of ancient streets and structures, which once housed the kingdom’s artisans, traders, and farmers. As you wander through the ruins, you can still see the remains of ancient homes, workshops, and market stalls, giving you a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who lived and worked here.
The Valley Ruins are a testament to the kingdom’s thriving economy, which was built on the back of its rich natural resources. The kingdom’s gold mines, which were some of the most productive in Africa, brought in a steady stream of revenue, which was used to fund the kingdom’s ambitious building projects and trade with other nations.
The Great Enclosure
The Great Enclosure is the largest and most impressive structure in the ruins, a massive stone wall that encloses an area of over 25 acres. The wall is up to 30 feet high in some places, and is punctuated by a series of imposing entrance gates. The Great Enclosure was once the heart of the kingdom’s royal complex, and was used for ceremonial and administrative purposes.
For the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, archaeologists have made significant progress in recent years in uncovering the secrets of the kingdom. Excavations have revealed a wealth of artifacts, including intricate pottery, jewelry, and tools, which have shed new light on the daily lives of the people who lived here.
One of the most significant discoveries was made in the 1990s, when archaeologists uncovered a cache of Chinese porcelain and Persian glassware, which had been traded with the kingdom’s merchants. The discovery confirmed the kingdom’s status as a major player in the global trade network, and has helped to rewrite the history books on African trade and commerce.
THE KHALANGA – ROOT TO MANY SOUTHERN AFRICAN TRIBES
The story of Mapungubwe and the Great Zimbabwe is closely tied to the evolution of the Kalanga people, a Bantu-speaking group who migrated from the north and settled in the region around the 9th century. John Henderson Soga writes extensively about AmaLala and how they impacted on the history of the East Coast of southern Africa up to the modern western cape.
The Kalanga were part of a larger group of tribes who inhabited the region from the modern-day Zimbabwe to Mozambique and parts of South Africa especially the East Coastal based tribes.
Over time, the Kalanga developed a distinct culture and language, and they established a powerful kingdom that dominated the region. They were skilled farmers, herders, and traders, and they built complex stone structures that reflected their wealth and power.
The AmaLala and Mapungubwe Connection
The AmaLala (AmaKhalanga as they evolved) are believed to have played a significant role in the development of Mapungubwe, a city that flourished from the 9th to the 13th centuries in present-day South Africa.
The AmaLala were likely part of the Mapungubwe kingdom, the Great Zimbabwe and their influence can be seen in the kingdoms’ stone structures and artifacts. The AmaLala were skilled craftsmen and traders, and they played a key role in the kingdoms’ economy and politics.
As Mapungubwe declined, the AmaLala are believed to have migrated northward, eastwards and southwards where they contributed to the development of new societies in those areas.
AmaLala and the South East Coast of Africa
In the South East Coast direction they went in concert with other groups for example AbaMbo and AbeNguni in the battle for space and relevance.
This was diluted by the varied battles to protect identity against colonizers who waged their own battles of influence during the latter centuries in the history of this region.
Zunda and Tekela History
The legacy of the AmaLala is an important part in understanding the complex history of southern Africa.
Soga and Bryant’s observations shed light on the historical division of East Coast tribes along Zunda and Tekela lines.
Tthe AmaNguni were largely influenced by Zunda, while the AmaLala leaned towards Tekela. AbaMbo, like AmaLala, were also influenced by Tekela languages.
These divisions, combined with colonialism and the growth of various groups, led to the absorption and evolution of tribes. Distinct traits remain, shaping the complex identity landscape in these areas. This history continues to influence how we understand identity in the East coast of Southern Africa today.
A LEGACY OF GREATNESS
We need to reopen this debate before it gathers dust. Efforts by former premier of Gauteng Mathole Motsekga are commendable but why is everyone quiet. It was Professor Mathole Motsekga who declared that ‘I am a Khalanga’ in 2007. He went out of the spotlight and the debate also went quiet.
As you leave the City of Mapungubwe and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale and complexity of the structures in these areas. The kingdoms may have disappeared over 500 years ago, but its legacy lives on, a testament to the ingenuity, creativity, and determination of the people who built it.
Today, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a source of national pride for Zimbabweans. Mapungubwe is a pride to many South Africans.
As southern Africa continues to rebuild and redefine itself, Mapungubwe and the ruins serve as a powerful reminder of the magnificent evolution informing the ethnic and cosmopolitan journey travelled by the people of this region and their forebears.
The stories of King Shaka, King Matiwane, and others are commendable but remain incomplete if we do not allow our history to help us trace our journeys to eras before the widely journaled 1652, 1795, 1820, mfecane or apartheid eras. We have a very wide story to tell a – to ourselves and to succeeding generations.
What can this hidden history tell us about us?
Is it a sin for tekeza languages to saved to protect our history from being forcefully categorised as Zunda?
Whilst Leonardo daVinci or Isaac Newton may have managed to occupy my space through history books that have been selective on what to alert me to, is it not time we tell our own story?
Zikomo!