Shona Clusters Disputes-Cedar Herald Index

Shona Clusters Disputes are tribal disputes within five Shona clusters. They are mainly driven by cluster extremist in position of power e.g late former President, Robert Gabriel Mugabe of Zezuru cluster and current President, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa of Karanga Cluster. These disputes dates back to 1800s, which ultimately resulted in Shona defeats by Ndebele State. They are also evident among the general public like in the stance of dialects. However, Mugabe is largely blamed for reviving the disputes in 1970s.

Manyika-Karanga Struggle

Masipula Sithole mentioned that in 1971 they arranged power share between Manyika, Karanga and Zezuru which aimed to prevent trialbal hostility, however the Zezuru pulled out which led to direct conflict between Manyika and Karanga. The height of Manyika-Karanga Struggle was evident with the killing of Hebert Chitepo of Manyika cluster in March 1975. In May of 1976, Nabaningi Sithole of Ndau claimed that ZANU structures are propelling tribalism and regionalism. In 1977 Sithole set up his splinter ZANU group to tribal balance into practice, where he chose two from each group including the Ndebele.

Shona Clusters Disputes

Zezuru-Korekore Alliance

This one was an agenda led by Robert Mugabe alongside his Korekore counterparts against Ndau, Manyika and Karanga. However, it met most of its resistance from Karanga.