The Shangaan, or Xi-Tsonga, are a mixture…

The Shangaan, or Xi-Tsonga, are a mixture of Nguni (a language group which includes Swazi, Zulu and Xhosa), and Tsonga speakers (Ronga, Ndzawu, Shona, Chopi tribes), which Soshangane has conquered and subjugated.

Soshangane has insisted that Nguni customs be adopted, and that the Tsonga learn the Zulu language.

Young Tsonga men are assigned to the army as 'mabulandlela' (those who open the road).

Soshangane also imposes Shaka's military system of dominion and teaches the people the Zulu ways of fighting.

Soshangane’s army overruns the Portuguese settlements in Mozambique, at Delagoa Bay, ...