Gaza Empire (16th century to 1906)
Gaza empire was a precolonial powerful monarchy that covered parts of southern Mozambique, Western Zimbabwe and North West South Africa from the 16th to 19th century
The Gaza Kingdom, also known as the Gaza Empire, was ruled by the Gaza dynasty. It was a significant political and military power in the southern African region. The kingdom controlled extensive territories, including parts of present-day Mozambique, Swaziland (now Eswatini), and South Africa.
Under the leadership of powerful kings such as Soshangane and Mzila, the Gaza Kingdom resisted colonial encroachment and engaged in territorial expansion through military campaigns. However, in the late 19th century, the kingdom faced pressures from European colonial powers, particularly from the Portuguese in Mozambique. The kingdom eventually succumbed to Portuguese influence and was absorbed into the Portuguese colony of Mozambique.
Today, the name “Gaza” is primarily associated with the province in Mozambique, and it also carries historical and cultural significance. The Tsonga people, who are descendants of the Gaza Kingdom, still reside in the region and maintain their cultural traditions.
The progenitor of this Royal line is soshangaan, a son of a Ndwandwe chief who after mfecane nguni wars fled and formed the Gaza empire that covered parts of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Southern Africa.
Its most famous King was late King Gungunyane also known as Ngungunyane or Gungunhana, was a prominent ruler in the late 19th century in what is now Mozambique. He was the last king of the Gaza Kingdom, which was a powerful Bantu kingdom in southern Africa. Gungunyane ascended to the throne of the Gaza Kingdom in 1884 following the death of his father, Mzila. His reign coincided with a period of intense European colonization and imperial expansion in Africa. Gungunyane resisted Portuguese attempts to control his kingdom and maintain their influence in the region. During his rule, Gungunyane faced significant challenges from Portuguese military forces led by Portuguese colonial officers such as Mouzinho de Albuquerque. The conflict between Gungunyane and the Portuguese, known as the Gaza War or the Nguni Resistance, lasted from 1894 to 1895. Despite his efforts and the valiant resistance of his forces, Gungunyane’s kingdom was eventually defeated by the Portuguese in 1895. He was captured and exiled to the island of Terceira in the Azores, where he remained until his death in 1906. King Gungunyane is regarded as a symbol of resistance against European colonialism in Mozambique. His legacy and the resistance he led are remembered in Mozambican history and culture, particularly among the Tsonga people, who are descendants of the Gaza Kingdom. In recent years, there have been efforts to recognize his role in Mozambican history and preserve his memory.
AmaShangaan under Gaza Royal House
His son and descendants escaped to South Africa today at Ka Mpisane Morden day called Bushbuckridge . Thus the royal house Which reigns the amaShangaan traditional region is today found in South Africa at Newforest in place called “Thulamahashe” after the son
His grandson was the Late HM King Eric Mpisane Nxumalo of the amaShangaan/machangana people of Southern Africa formerly the great Gaza empire (1960-2021). He ascended the throne in 1981 aged 22 and reigned for 40 years. His achievements as king include facilitating building
15 schools – 6 secondary schools
Boreholes
New forest agricultural scheme
HM Hosi (King) Abednego Nxumalo of amaShangaan /Machangana traditional authority of the Royal house of Gaza succeeded his late father Hosi Eric Nxumalo . He was crowned on 3rd June 2023
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