History

It is not clear how long the Nambya people have lived in their home area (the Hwange district in Zimbabwe) but the oral history records at least centuries there.   The archaeological record suggests a similar timeframe (see Culture and Travel).

Hwange (Hwange district) was established by Dendelende Swanga from the Nyai. He was the son of Mambo of the Rozvi Dynasty king. He is said to have fought and captured many tribes.

Below is the history of the Dendelende Sawanga kingship with approximate dates of ruling:

Name of Nambya King Period of Kingship No of years in power
1 Dendelende Sawanga 1737 to 1780 43
2 Chilobamago 1780 to 1807 27
3 Shakwa Dembetembe 1807 to 1822 15
4 Nyanga Chazho 1822 to 1834 12
5 Shana Chazho 1834 to 1860 26
6 Lusumbami Debwelezilawa 1860 to 1868 8
7 Chilisa Mhuru 1868 to 1873 5
8 Chilota Chimukutu 1873 to 1895 22
9 Nchengwa Nengasha 1897 to  1903 6
10 Shambwa Nekatambe 1903 to 1955 52
11 Chimbipo Nemananga 1903 to 1948 45
12 Ndunduli Nedundwi 1950 to 1974 24

King Nchengwa Nengasha was the last King of the baNambya people in terms of authority before white settlers opened the Wankie colliery company. The rebellion from 1893 to 1896  brought down the Wange kingdom. After the death of Nengasha, instead of kingdoms, all leaders were appointed as chiefs of chiefdoms. Thus chief Nemananga and Chief Nekatambe ruled from 1903 to 1950.