Final answer:
The Bantu settled near rivers and lakes primarily for agriculture, ironworking, and livestock herding, with additional benefits in trade and governance that these water sources supported.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most significant reason the Bantu people settled near rivers and lakes was to access fertile land for farming, resources for ironworking, and favorable conditions for livestock herding. The Limpopo River basin, with its temperate climate and well-watered landscape, encouraged Bantu migration and settlement. These areas provided them with suitable land for their agricultural practices, access to water for irrigation, and a means to sustain large herds of cattle, which was essential for their livelihood and the growth of their communities.
Their knowledge of ironworking also enabled them to create advanced tools and weapons, which facilitated the clearing of fields for agriculture. Rivers and lakes served as a hub for trade and development of centralized governance systems, further enhancing the desirability of such locations for the establishment of growing Bantu kingdoms.