How did southern Africa become a battleground for rival groups?

Southern Africa became a battleground for rival groups due to a combination of colonialism, economic exploitation, and ethnic tensions. European powers, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, imposed artificial borders and systems that often disregarded existing social and ethnic divisions. This led to conflicts over land, resources, and political power among indigenous groups, colonial authorities, and emerging nationalist movements. Additionally, the Cold War dynamics further fueled these rivalries as external powers backed different factions to promote their geopolitical interests.