Military Organization of the Ndebele State

Mzilikazi Khumalo

• The Ndebele had a standing army

• The Ndebele also practiced the age regimental system

• Membership in the regimental system was hereditary

• The men could marry after they had been granted permission by the king

• The Ndebele army was not only used for war purposes but also for raiding the Shona and Ngwato

• The army also maintained law and order in the state

• The soldiers were cattle herders in times of peace

• In the late years of Mzilikazi’s reign the army consisted of about 20 000

• Almost every male in the state was enrolled in the army

• Soldiers were allowed to marry and stay with their wives in regimental towns

• Married soldiers were the reserve of the army and called in times of emergency

• Young men in the army played more of production roles such as farming and herding cattle rather than being full time soldiers

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