Zingha Mbandi Ngola, Anna

(also, Nzinga Mbandi Ngola or Ginga Mbandi Ngola). Born 1581 or 1582; died Dec. 17, 1663. Became ruler of the state of Ndongo (Angola) in 1624 or 1623 and of Matamba in the late 1620’s.

During the reign of her brother, Ngola Mbandi (1617–24 or 1617–23), Zingha Mbandi Ngola conducted peace negotiations with the Portuguese governor in Luanda. It was at this time that her outstanding diplomatic talent was revealed. She became the queen of Ndongo after her brother’s death and pursued a policy of independence from Portugal. In 1626 the Portuguese placed one of their henchmen on the throne. The queen and her followers escaped into remote areas of the country. Assisted by the Jaga nation, Zingha Mbandi Ngola conquered Matamba and created a state there. For more than 30 years, she headed the people’s war against the Portuguese. This war impeded the progress of the Portuguese for a long time, delaying their seizure of interior Angola. Zingha Mbandi Ngola is a folk heroine in Angola.