Matabeleland

Western portion of Zimbabwe between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, inhabited by the Ndebele people; population (1992) 1,855,300. It is divided into two provinces (Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South); area 181,605 sq km/70,118 sq mi. Towns and cities include Bulawayo and Hwange. The region features rich plains watered by tributaries of the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. Industries include gold and other mineral mines, and engineering. Agricultural products include cotton, sugar, maize, and cattle. The language spoken is Ndebele.

History

Topography Much of the surface consists of rich plains traversed from southwest to northeast by the Motopo and Izimunte Mountains, and drained by tributaries of the Zambezi, Lundi, and Limpopo rivers.

Rural economy Cereals, cotton, sugar, maize, and citrus fruits are grown, and there are large tracts of forest. Extensive cattle rearing is carried out.

Early 19th century The region was named Matabeleland because it was occupied by the Ndebele, an offshoot of the Nguni people of Natal, who, under Mzilikazi, were driven across the Limpopo by the Boers in about 1837.