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Among the original places where the first Dzata settlers came from was Tshiendeulu, and Khosi Netshiendeulu was one of the earlier leaders. The son of chief Dimbanyika, who was called Dyambeu, built the chief’s village at Nzhelele. After his father (Dimbanyika) passed away at Tshiendeulu he moved to Nzhelele where he built his settlement. These people moved from Tshiendeulu to Nhzelele in about 1723.They settled and lived at Dzata until about 1760. The groups that were around that area at that time, like all the Bantu-speaking communities, had migrated from northern and central parts of Africa. The communities which settled in the Dzata  and surrounding areas, are the ancestors of the present Venda people as we know them today

One of the most revered leaders who was a descendent from Dzata was Khosi Makhado. Khosi Makhado was regarded by the colonial forces as “the troublesome Venda chief” because of his power and their inability to defeat him. Makhado was indeed powerful as he settled in the mountainous stronghold which made it difficult, if not impossible, for his enemies to dislodge him. His position was also strengthened by a string of alliances he forged with other strong Black chiefs like Sekhukhune and Malebogo.

After establishing the ZAR government following the 1852 Sand River Convention, the Boers set themselves a task to subjugate Black chiefdoms. This task proved to be a hard nut to crack when they eventually arrived in the north, coming face to face with Makhado.

The Voortrekkers had established their settlement next to the Venda chiefdom, naming it Schoemansdal, and this set out a scene for direct confrontation. By 1867, the Boers had assembled a formidable force under the command of Paul Kruger. A fierce war ensured in which the Boers eventually retreated, abandoning Schoemansdal. The Boers retreated to Marabastad in the vicinity of the present-day Polokwane. To the Venda, this was a significant victory against the Boers who intended to subjugate them.

According to available sources, Makhado was born between 1830 and 1840, and was the son of Khosi Mphephu Ramabulana and his wife Lemani. He worked as a labourer on White owned farms and also, importantly, as a tracker for elephant hunters. He was such a good assistant and gun carrier that the hunters taught him to use a gun and he became a good shot. He also earned their trust to such an extent that they gave him and his men guns to hunt on their own. Many of these guns were never returned, and were later to be used against their attacking enemies, particularly the Boers.

When Ramabulana died in 1864, Makhado’s brother, Davhana, was supposed to take over the reigns. However, Makhado succeeded to take over power whereupon his brother fled. During his reign, troubles with the ZAR government surfaced when he refused census among his people, while he also refused to pay ZAR taxes. The Boers, just like in all instances, regarded this as defiance of their authority and then they waged war against Makhado, which led to their humiliating retreat in 1867.

Khosi Makhado died on 11 September 1895, allegedly from poisoning which happened during a brandy-drinking session at John Cooksly’s shop. After the death of the powerful Makhado, the Boers were able to return to the north four years later, to establish another small town not far from the abandoned Schoemansdal, naming it Louis Trichardt, after another pioneering Voortrekker leader.