A Social And Cultural History Of The People Under Chief Malaba (Matobo District) 1890-1980

Abstract

The setting of the research was confined to area under Chief Malaba in Matobo district, South- Western Zimbabwe. The Malaba were known because of their charms and magic. The research accounts for the history of the Malaba because they were once the chief doctors of the Ndebele kings both Mzilikazi and Lobengula respectively. As a result, the belief in Mwali cult was of utmost importance. The dissertation seeks to inform readers to understand the history of Malaba people, their chieftaincy and inhabitants under Chief Malaba. Their migrations to present day Zimbabwe from Venda were guided by Mwali cult and informed by a civil war that occurred. It explain how they changed their surname from Ndlovu to Malaba. Transcribed oral sources were consulted to account for the history of the different ethnic groups under Chief Malaba namely the Venda, Nyubi, Kalanga, Sotho and the Ndebele. The dissertation employed the theory cultural hybridity propounded by Homi Bhabha in showing how the colonial condition had a bearing in creating new identities. Again, it concurs to the notion that disputes culture as pure after colonialism. It unpacks the efforts of both the missionaries and colonial government in despising African way of life. The research acknowledges that some of the beliefs, norms and were family oriented and were easy influenced and informed people to negate the customs, norms and values.