Matiwane

The cunning of Matiwane would keep the amaNgwane one step ahead of the ravages of the rising Zulu kingdom, but their actions also set the Mfecane in motion.

[1] The desperate amaNgwane under Matiwane's leadership moved westwards, where they attacked the Hlubi, a larger kingdom built by Bhungane, in a quest to recover their cattle.

For the next three to four years Matiwane, now settled at Ntenjwa, now became the ruler of the upper Thukela region, near present-day Bergville, as he incorporated smaller tribes like the Bhele (relations of the Hlubi) and Zizi.

[4] In 1821 or 1822 Matiwane, expecting an attack from Shaka, fled over the Drakensberg and drove the Tlokwa tribe of chieftainess Mantatese (mother of Sekonyela) from their land in the Harrismith-Vrede region.

[1] Matiwane established himself at Mabolela hill, near present day Clocolan, and Moshoeshoe complained to Shaka that this prevented him from sending tribute.

Fleeing the Mthethwa and Zulu coalition, the amaNgwane under Matiwane, with some elements of the Hlubi , cross the Drakensberg to raid the Tlôkwa and Basuto of the highveld , before entering Xhosa territory.
A section of the Hlubi people, once scattered by Matiwane's assault on their homeland, joined a coalition of peoples known as the Fengu .