The Ndebele led by Lobengula is a custom civilization by RawSasquatch, with contributions from TopHatPaladin, Zharques, and DarthKyofu.
This mod requires Brave New World.
Overview[]
The Ndebele[]
The Ndebele, colloquially known as the Matebele and academically known as the Northern Ndebele, are a Nguni ethnic group native to Southern Africa, with most of the population living in modern Zimbabwe. As their first king, Mzilikazi, defied Shaka and eventually carved out a kingdom for himself, fleeing both the Zulu and the Boers. Mzilikazi organized his ethnically diverse nation into a militaristic system of regimental towns and established his capital at Bulawayo. He was succeeded by Lobengula, his son and the last king of the Ndebele.
Lobengula[]
Lobengula Khumalo was the second and last official king of the Ndebele of Matabeleland, son of the first king Mzilikazi. While he tried to avoid outright war with the British South Africa Company’s pioneers due to the firepower difference, raids on smaller tribes made it inevitable, leading to the First Matabele War. He had well over 20 wives, possibly many more; among them were Xwalile, daughter of king Mzila of the Gaza Empire, and Lozikeyi.
Dawn of Man[]
"It is time for you to escape the clutches of the menacing chameleon oh indomitable Lobengula of the Ndebele, King of Matabeleland. Although you were born to King Mzilikazi, you were forced to contest your throne through the arbitration of the assegai and won the respect of the iziNduna in doing so. But after the joys of your coronation were over, you had to navigate the grim reality of colonisation. The perfidious British tricked you into signing a disadvantageous treaty and then refused to listen to your pleas about their insincerity. And so it came to war, and while you were sick the British South Africa Company under Cecil Rhodes struck, and went to war on flimsy pretences. Despite the courage of your warriors, they were no match for the Maxim guns, and you eventually died after fleeing your capital, your empire in ruins but your people still defiant.

Art by RawSasquatch
So take arms, disciplined King Lobengula, and restore your kingdom from the clutches of the vengeful ones. Take your box of gold sovereigns and your dedicated soldiers and carve out a new area for your people and for you to rule over. Can you take revenge for your kingdom’s destruction without revealing your true intentions? Will you build a civilization that can stand the test of time."
Introduction: "Welcome to my kingdom, which was built by my father, Mzilikazi. You will respect me or you will be used by my warriors for training."
Defeat: "Take this and go back. I am conquered."
Unique Attributes[]
The Ndebele (Lobengula)
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![]() Art by RawSasquatch Luxury Resources further increase the |
![]() Art by RawSasquatch |
![]() Art by RawSasquatch
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City List
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Spy List
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Strategy[]

Music[]
Peace Theme | War Theme |
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"Akungihlephunele", performed by Insingizi. | "Zulu/Ndebele Dance (Shield Wave)", performed by Amawumbo Dance Company. |
Mod Support[]
Mod Support | |
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Additional Achievements
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Unknown |
No | |
Yes | |
Yes | |
Ethnic Units/R.E.D.
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No |
No | |
Yes | |
Map Labels
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No |
No | |
Unique Cultural Influence
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No |
YnAEMP
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Yes |
Full Credits List[]
Steam Workshop | |
Latest Version: | v 1 |
Last Updated: | 24 December 2023 |
- RawSasquatch: Creator, XML, Art
- TopHatPaladin: Lua
- Zharques: Pedias, DOM, Dialogue
- DarthKyofu: Civ Icon