The role of the amabutho in the Ndebele state

• The amabutho (army) played a central role in the Ndebele state.
• These roles included:
• Protecting the trade routes
• Protecting the king
• Defended the state against incursions.
• Herded cattle during times of peace.
• They were raiders and raiding was an important part of the Ndebele economy.
• Helped during harvest times.
• Sometimes provided labour in the king’s fields.
• Hunted elephants for ivory.
• Some were miners.
• Punished offenders and rebelling chiefs on the king’s orders.

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