Ep14 THE BURNING OF KOBULAWAYO

After the chaos of the Rudd Concession - there are a few years of constructive interaction as King Lobengula ensures the safety of the Pioneer Column and British Representative, John Moffat, runs a tough regime ensuring everyone trying to enter Matabeleland abides by the Kings Rules. But the impi are finding their way of life has changed too much and are becoming increasingly restless.

I would like to mention the excellent work done by the ZimFieldGuide. If this first series of video logs has sparked your interest in our remarkable history - it is a worth while trip through time looking up their website - you will find many thought provoking articles and answers in its collection of well researched and curated items. There are many many fulfilling hours ahead! www.zimfieldguide.com

#4 JABU PROVES HIS MANHOOD

New Podcasts are scheduled to release every Friday at 7 a.m. New Zealand time - so if you get a request to sign in, it means it has not yet reached that time in y our time zone. If you would like to add a comment, click the title above each podcast and this will take you to a new page with comment space below. Always love hearing from you - new thoughts, suggestions, don’t like/do like, other points of interest etc.

In Episode 4 released (from Friday 17th April) Jabu has to prove his manhood following his traditional circumcision ceremony - and two Indunas in London get a surprise!

The use of accents and conversation to bring our history to life - means I have to vary from Scottish, to Irish, to trying to differentiate the accents of three of the main characters, all amaNdebele boys. Very taxing - and sometimes pretty awful - but it does add colour and interest - I hope! Photo: Ant Lourens

#3 THE BUILDING OF MHLANHLANDLELA

King Mzilikazi tears through the Northern Transvaal raiding, killing, capturing and absorbing in what became known as the mfecane. In doing so, he disciplined and inspired a new people who called themselves the amaNdebele. They became known to the tribes in their path as the terrifying amaTebele today known as the Matabele. King Khama seeks help as he gets more anxious at their approach and the Boers are determined to put even more distance between themselves and the British at any cost.

This beautiful painting by William Cornwallis Harris was completed in 1836 after a period as a guest of King Mzilikazi. At this stage the King was heading towards today’s Magaliesberg range where he spent an extended amount of time with one of the Tswana tribes. Why you ask ? Photo: Zimfieldguide.com

#1 ZIMBABWE: Land between Two Rivers

What to we do while we're trying to avoid cabin fever or 'the virus' ... it's just a thought - walk with me as we discover afresh the vibrant history of that land between two rivers - the Zambezi and the Limpopo. I hope it keeps you otherwise occupied for the next ten minutes or os, and that you'll be interested enough to tune in this time next week for the next one.

#1 What were the determining factors which led to the suddenly increased interest in Southern Africa as more than merely a provisioning stop on trade routes to the East . . . or a source of slaves?