Zebediela

Zebediela is a group of villages in Capricorn District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa.^[2] It is south-east of Polokwane, next to Lebowakgomo. It is well known for the production of citrus fruits, mainly oranges.

Zebediela
Zebediela Show map of Limpopo Zebediela Show map of South Africa
Coordinates: 24.310°S 29.270°E / -24.310; 29.270
Country	South Africa
Province	Limpopo
District	Capricorn
Municipality	Lepelle-Nkumpi
Area [1]
• Total	59.62 km2 (23.02 sq mi)
Population  (2011)[1]
• Total	448,000
• Density	7,500/km2 (19,000/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011) [1]
• Black African	86.7%
• Coloured	0.2%
• Indian/Asian	0.1%
• White	10.4%
• Other	2.6%
First languages (2011) [1]
• Northern Sotho	51.9%
• Afrikaans	9.3%
• Tsonga	5.4%
• English	4.9%
• Ndebele	28.5%
Time zone	UTC+2 (SAST)
Area code	015

Zebediela was home to the Zebediela Citrus Estate (13,785 hectares (34,060 acres)), one of the largest citrus estates in the country. Most of the citrus products produced at the estate were exported to the international market.^[3]

The dominant language in the area is Northern Sotho. The second most commonly spoken native language is 'Northern Ndebele' which is a home language of the Kekana royal family. Minority languages spoken in the area include Afrikaans, Venda, and Tsonga.

Etymology

The proper name of the group of villages is Sebetiela, named after a former Ndebele chief of the area. However, the association with citrus fruit production led to the use of Zebediela instead. It is also known colloquially as "ZB", "Zbee", or Dinamuneng ("place of oranges").

List of villages

These are the primary villages which compose Zebedelia:

• Moletlane
• Mogoto
• Mathibela
• Rakgwatha
• Matome
• Makushwaneng
• Madisha Leolo
• Motserereng
• Madisha Ditoro
• Magatle
• Mapatjakeng
• Makweng
• Ga-Mamogwaša
• Rafiri
• Molapo
• Makgophong
• Drogte
• Volop
• Bolahlakgomo
• Dicheung
• Beldrif
• Malatane
• Mehlareng
• Ga-Molapo
• Khureng
• Seruleng

Each village within Zebediela has their own chief or inDuna, which in turn are beholden to the King, the royal leader of Zebediela.

Attractions

Local tourist attractions include the Leshoka Thabang Game Reserve (next to Ga-Rafiri) and Zebediela Country Club in Farm Kleinwonder.^[4]

Zebediela Plaza is the main shopping center for all of the surrounding villages.

Notable people

1. Kgoši Ndlovu

Originated from Kwa-Zulu Natal, a descendant of the Ndlovu clan.Led his people during the early stages of conflict, causing them to move to modern day Pietersmaritzburg. His descendants continued leadership in the region.

2. Kgoši Gheghe

Took over leadership from his father, Ndlovu. Led the people to modern-day Tshwane. His leadership led to the settlement in different areas, including parts of Transvaal.

3. Kgoši Boloko

Succeeded Kgoši Keke. His leadership left an impact on the structure of Matebele settlements.

4. Kgoši Sekhubathane

A significant leader during a time when the Matebele people began spreading out and interacting with neighboring groups. Under his leadership, the Matebele people spread eastward and confronted neighboring tribes, such as Batlokwa. His regiments were the first to discover the place that is now modern day Zebediela .

5. Kgoši Ramabele

Took over from Sekhubathane. Engaged in battles with other groups, particularly Batlokwa, leading to further territorial shifts. Married and had several offspring, continuing the legacy of leadership.

6. Kgoši Shikwane I

Known for his self-reliance and resilience. Brought unity among the Matebele after conflicts. Confronted various neighboring tribes in his reign.

7. Kgoši Sello I

Known for his leadership, despite personal challenges, such as health issues. Married into other prominent families, strengthening his rule and alliance with neighboring tribes.His reign saw both successes and setbacks.

8. Kgoši Maboyaboya

Took leadership after Sello I.Known for uniting people and maintaining peace during his rule. His reign ended with a shift in leadership after his death.

9. Kgoši Ramabele II

Took over after Maboyaboya. His leadership involved continued alliances and consolidation of Matebele lands.

10. Kgoši Shikwane II

Known for his leadership of the Matebele during a time of internal and external pressures.Led with a focus on protecting and expanding the Matebele people’s influence.

11. Kgoši Shikwane III

Succeeded the earlier Shikwane kings. Faced challenges during his reign, including the division of the people and external conflicts.

12. Kgoši Kgale

Led after Shikwane III. His reign was characterized by internal conflicts but he succeeded in securing his position despite external challenges.Remained in leadership until 2004.

Notable natives of Zebediela include singer-songwriters, Mmatema moremi, Umanji and Steve Kekana, as well as singer/rapper Senyaka.

Well-known football players Alex Bapela, Hlompho Kekana, Paseka Mako, and Motjeka Madisha are from Zebediela.

Healthcare

Groothoek Hospital was one of the biggest hospitals in the northern province before it was shut down. Zebediela Hospital in Magatle and Lebowakgomo Hospital now serve the villages.

Other healthcare providers include Unjani Clinic in Moletlane, as well as many other private general health practitioners and traditional doctors.