Ndau people

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The Ndau are an ethnic group indigenous to south-eastern Zimbabwe in the districts of Chipinge and Chimanimani. They are also found in parts of Bikita, in the Zambezi valley, in central Mozambique until the coast and in central Malawi. Their presence in these regions was documented as early as the 1500s by Portuguese missionary João dos Santos.^[1] The etymology of the name "Ndau" has multiple interpretations. In their own language, "Ndau" means "land", similar to how the neighboring Manyika people's name translates to "Owners of the Land". The phrase "Ndau yedu" in the Ndau language means "our land", with an alternative etymology suggesting that the name derives from the Nguni words "Amading'indawo", meaning "those looking for a place", reportedly used by the Gaza Nguni to describe them.

The Ndau people comprise five major subgroups: Magova, Mashanga, Vatomboti, Madanda and Teve. Historical records indicate their early involvement in trade networks centered around Mapungubwe (literally "place of Jackals"), where they engaged with various groups including the Khoisan peoples and Arab traders. Their trade goods included traditional herbs, spiritual items, animal skins and bones. They were particularly known for trading in textiles, called "Mpalu", "Njeti" and "Vukotlo" - distinctive red, white, and blue cloths - as well as golden beads.

The Ndau share historical and cultural connections with several other ethnic groups in the region, including the Kalanga, Venda, and Shona peoples, particularly through their common historical association with the Mapungubwe trading network. In modern times, Nguni influences have also been very strong.