the following are similarities between the sotho and the nguni
- They all spoke the Bantu language
- They belonged to the negroid race of West Africa
- They moved to South Africa about 2000 years ago
- They shared the suffix “ndu and ntu” in their language.
- Their leadership was hereditary
- The chiefs had absolute control over the land, religion, and economic welfare of the state.
- They all established a standing army during the period of Mfecane
- The family was the smallest unit among them
- They carried out initiation ceremonies like circumcision every after six or seven years.
- They considered the spirit of the dead so much.
- Land was communally owned in their societies.
- The societies were built up basing on military power
- They were cultivators who grew millet, pumpkins, and calabashes.
- They carried out cattle raiding.
- They were pastorals who reared cattle, sheep, and goats.
- They trade with their neighbors especially the Europeans
- The chiefs had a council of advisers formed by elder men.
- Tribe made their biggest social unit.
- A council of elders which was made up of all elder people practiced justice in their society.
- Europeans like the Dutch, British affected their political, social and economic life.
- Circumcision of boys was vital at the age of 6 and 7 because it initiated them to adulthood.