Because of its location on the railway line, Marula started as a social and religious centre for the surrounding farms in the early colonial period, following the eviction of the Kalanga people from the area by the British South Africa Company.
The development of Marula as a social and religious center was influenced by its proximity to the railway line, which facilitated trade and communication with other areas. This location also led to the displacement of the Kalanga people from the area, who were forced out by the British South Africa Company.