The (Ama)Ndebele of Africa and their name '(ama)Ndebele'

Abstract

Some scholars still continue to confuse or to misunderstand the relationship within the (ama)Ndebele of Africa as a result of the divergent opinions propounded by scholars regarding the historical origin these ethnic groups. First, historians, anthropologists and linguists such as Fourie (1921), Van Warmelo (1930), Van Vuuren (1983) and others regard the (ama)Ndebele of the Republic of South Africa (which are divided into Southern and Northern (ama)Ndebele) to be historically related. Others regard them as distinct ethnic groups. Secondly, while some consider the South African (ama)Ndebele and those of Zimbabwe to be distinct from each other, others regard them as related. What makes matters more confusing regarding the relationship of these (ama)Ndebele ethnic groups of Africa, is the fact that they share the same ethnic name ‘(ama)Ndebele’ and the same language ‘isiNdebele’. The aim of this article is, therefore, twofold a) to investigate and discuss the historical background of (ama)Ndebele found within the borders of the Republic of South Africa and those of Zimbabwe and b) to examine and discuss the origin of the ethnic name ‘Ndebele’ or ‘amaNdebele’. The name ‘amaNdebele’ or simply ‘Ndebele’ is a generic name used to refer to the Nguni groups found in and outside the borders of the Republic of South Africa. The historical origin of the name ‘(ama)Ndebele’ is also re-visited, evaluated and discussed. In conclusion, the article shows that the (ama)Ndebele people of the Republic of Africa (i.e., Southern and Northern (ama)Ndebele) are historically related but neither is related to those of Zimbabwe despite the fact that they share the same ethnic name ‘(ama)Ndebele’ and the same language ‘(isiNdebele)’.