The first Chimurenga and the Mbari Clan of Harare

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First Chimurenga and the Mbari Clan

In 1890 Rhodes unleashed the Pioneer Column to invade Mashonaland marking the beginning of the settler occupation in Zimbabwe. The British South Africa Company was empowered by the royal charter from Queen Victoria. The Pioneer Column marched to Mashonaland and established Fort Salisbury which is now known as Harare. Harare was in Chief Makombe’s territory. The First Chimurenga took place from1896 -1897.It started in Matabeleland and then spread to Mashonaland.

Mudavanhu was the medium of Mkwati spirit and he is remembered as the one who signaled the beginning of the uprising in both Mashonaland and Matabeleland. The reasons for the uprisings in both Mashonaland and Matabeleland were social oppressive measures such as the hut tax, loss of land and loss of cattle. Chief Makombe of the Mbari Clan organised the uprising in the Mazowe area. It is believed that about 50 settlers perished in the region. The Native
Commissioner Henry Pollard, the colonial administrator who subjected Makombe’s subjects to forced labour and cruelty was killed by Makombe’s foot soldiers.

Makombe himself was captured three times but due to his deep knowledge of the underground tunnels (ninga) in Mazowe and surrounding areas he managed to escape. History has it in good authority that when Mbuya Nehanda was killed Makombe managed to get hold of her body and was able to bury it at a secret place unknown to the enemies and ordinary Mbari people under his jurisdiction.

The Shumba Gurundoro clan under the able leadership of Makombe were vibrant, united and they rallied behind their commander in chief. Makombe sustained the war because of the unequivocal support and participation he received from his kith and kins. The sons of the late Chief Mbari namely Nyamadzavo, Mutinha and Chiridzambira were steadfast in supporting the rebellion. They participated in the war as individuals with unique and gallant capabilities to wage a war.

Nyamadzavo Mbari’s son, a guerrilla fighter per excellence employed guerrilla tactics to retard the progress of the British settler fighters. He employed guerilla tactics which were never used in either Matabeleland or Mashonaland. He employed surprise attacks, ambush, and siege and hit and run tactics. He also cut off telegraph wires to prevent communication among settler communities in the Mazowe area. The revered and influential spirit of Mbuya Nehanda also offered spiritual guidance to Makombe and his gallant army. Backed with spiritual guidance and guerrilla tactics Makombe’s army became popular, powerful and a household name to the extent that the settlers declared Mazowe as a no go area.

# Mbari clan of Harare
#Paramount Chief Mbari
King Mbari
#Shumba Gurundoro
# Powerful African Kingdoms
# Harare Kingdom