Izithakazelo zakwa Amahlubi Clan Names History and Origin
The Hlubi Nation was one of the larger nations within eMbo, boasting strength and power that rattled neighbouring nations.
Notwithstanding their efforts, however, Hlubi people eventually lost both their land and wealth to marauding gangs of colonialists and settlers and have since been dispersed across South Africa; you are unlikely not to come across Hlubi people somewhere along your journey.
AmaHlubi Clan Names (Izithakazelo)
The AmaHlubi clan is one of the Nguni-speaking groups, primarily found in South Africa. The clan has a rich cultural heritage, and its praise names (izithakazelo) reflect its lineage and historical significance.
- Hadebe
- Bhungane
- Mashiya
- Zelele
- Mthimkhulu
- Mabaso
- Mdubusi
- Mahaye
- Wena owahlangabeza izinkonjane
- Mabhengu
Ncobo
The Hlubi was an independent nation that ruled over KZN, the Eastern Cape, parts of Mpumalanga and some areas in Northern Cape and Mpumalanga. They did not pay allegiance to Zulu kings or any other authority.
Peace-loving Ngcobo people were known for their peaceful way of life and respected one another, earning them the name “People of the Ngcobo“.
Unfortunately, their homeland was invaded by Zulu warlord Mthimkhulu in 1818 leading them to scatter across the landscape; some joined Shaka while others joined amaNgwane or fled west while still others moved northward into Cape Colony or further east.
Today, Hlubis can be found throughout South Africa. Their clan is widely recognized and esteemed; notable members include musician Ntuthuko Ngcobo, politician Phakalitha Mosisili, author NF Mbhele, footballer Lucas Radebe of Sundowns FC amongst others.
Within Zulu society they enjoy great respect with individuals like Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Dr Mzobanzi Mboya being prime examples.
Legal battles between them and the government over their status as an independent nation are ongoing, leading them to currently seek protection by the Estcourt Royal House following an Nhlapo Commission decision which stated they could not return their status as an independent nation with their own king since their original inhabitants had dispersed prior to colonisation in the 19th century.
Hadebe
Hadebe is a family name that originated with the Hlubi clan in South Africa. These Hlubis reside primarily in KZN and the Eastern Cape as well as parts of Zimbabwe (Ciskei and Transkei areas).
Hlubi was decimated by colonial invaders, splitting into rival factions. Their king was imprisoned, his land confiscated, and many members moved away – many moving to Eastern Cape and Free State regions in particular.
Hlubi people were known for being hard workers. Not only could they accomplish any necessary task, they were also known for living harmoniously with neighboring tribes despite any expansionist goals they might have had.
Their conquests of other tribes often resulted in gifts to newcomers as they taught them how to herd cattle and farm for food as well as maize and fruit cultivation techniques.
Historical records provide an in-depth view into the lives of your family members, such as birth and death dates, addresses where they lived, occupations they held and more.
You can access this information in records like marriage/divorce certificates, immigration data and death/burial records that provide this insight. Discovering your ancestry’s roots allows researchers to gain an even deeper insight into its beliefs and culture.
Langalibalele
Langalibalele was best known as Ingonyama Muziwenkosi ka Tatazela ka Siyephu ka Langalibalele, leading the Hlubi people during their revolt against British colonists in 1872.
The rebellion had its origins in attempts to have their king deposed and replaced by a colonial governor – something Langalibalele strongly disagreed with as violating ancient rights and traditions of his people.
Rebellion ended quickly, with rebel forces being defeated and many killed by British colonial troops.
King Langalibalele himself was captured and sentenced to imprisonment on Robben Island until 1879 when his release came with the creation of a Native High Court to arbitrate Native Law disputes; it marked Natal’s transition to responsible government over two decades after Langalibalele’s rebellion had begun.
While imprisoned at Pietermaritzburg, King George VI was subjected to brutal and inhuman treatment from British troops and his family was also detained and jailed by them. Later he was transferred to Uitvlugt Farm near what are now Pinelands and Langa areas in Cape Town for further imprisonment.
Later in his life, the king became actively engaged in the struggle for African liberation from foreign control and supported its goals through advocating and supporting the African National Congress. After his death at age eighty-six in 1913, Prince Sondezi Hadebe became King of Hlubi people at Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal.
Ukuqonqa
Ukuqonqa, as an African clan name, represents the power of spirit: specifically that of an ancestor’s spirit who would protect and bless their descendants. This belief formed an essential tenet of African culture and society and also played a significant role in homestead creation aimed at honoring and protecting these spirits of ancestors.
The Kumsida Olukhulu was an important instrument used to maintain traditional values, traditions, and customs as well as enforce authority from chiefs or resolve disputes between communities. Additionally, many believed its powerful voice protected owners against witchcraft or spells cast against them.
After the collapse of Bhungane’s kingdom, some members of his tribe dispersed in different directions. Some joined amaNgwane and Shaka while others became part of amaZulu and later were fully integrated into Zulu nationhood.
Today, many people are confused about their heritage. Some assume they are Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho or Swati when in reality their ancestry comes from multiple Southern African nations like Hlubi. Although vanquished, the Hlubi still retain their identities and dignity – unfortunately some current leaders in KwaZulu-Natal like King Zwelithini treat amaHlubi with disdain.
