Izithakazelo zakwa Amampondomise Clan Names History and Origin
The Mpondomise are an ancient group with roots in what is now Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. They possess their own culture and traditions as well as practicing African religions – one such belief is in uMajola, an invisible snake said to visit newborn babies to ensure a successful future life.
Mhlontlo, Paramount Chief of the Mpondomise tribe in South Africa’s Eastern Cape region, lured Hamilton Hope – magistrate at Qumbu in Eastern Cape Province – to Sulenkama where he murdered him.
AmaMpondomise Clan Names (Iziduko/Izithakazelo)
The AmaMpondomise clan is part of the Xhosa-speaking communities in South Africa, with a rich history and lineage. Their clan names, or izithakazelo, reflect their heritage and are used to honor their ancestors.
- Mdinga
- Jola
- Gawulayo
- Zwelibanzi
- Nyanda
- Ngwanya
- Nondzaba
- Velelo
- Nyukwana
- Mthwaku
Dosini
Dosini is one of many royal houses that claim they are descended from Sibiside who sired Njanya as its progenitor.
Njanya had twin sons named Mpondomise and Cira; neither could be disinherited due to custom or law. Following King Ngcwina’s preference of Cira for the kingship, his brother Dosini was disinherited, leading to conflict between both families; ultimately Cira triumphed.
Nqabashe
Nqabashe is one of the most powerful clans within amampondomise, having originated from traditional Southern Nguni and Mbo lands and now living primarily in KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. They include politicians such as Fikile Mbalula who belongs to this clan as well as Enoch Sontonga who wrote Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, South Africa’s national anthem.
People revered and feared them because they were always faithful servants to their kings and never rebelled against them. Additionally, these warriors were skilled soldiers who battled hard against any enemies they came up against – something their opponents knew too well about! For these reasons they were widely respected.
Nceleduna
Nceleduna is one of several clans that make up ama-Mpondomise, an ethnic group which speaks Xhosa and lives primarily in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province today; historically they were present both within Ciskei and Transkei regions.
Many ama-Mpondomise practice African religions alongside Christianity. This includes ancestral worship and Totemism – the belief that certain animals and plants possess spiritual meaning; for instance, mole snakes are believed to visit newborns while an appearance by uMajola is taken as a sign of good luck.
Mqhorana
Mqhorana is the clan name borne of one of Dosini’s descendants; since 15 generations ago they have claimed kingship of their respective region.
Mqhorana clan members have long been known for their cunning. Through dances and songs, Mqhorana can easily charm snakes and other animals into dancing for them, thus leading to good fortune and success for its bearers.
Killing one is considered an offense against God’s will; his/her ancestors may punish any who kill such an animal by visiting bad luck upon them in some form or fashion.
Hala
Hala Lihlela Ingozi Ngokufanayo Njengemfazwe Kunye Nokuza Ukuhambuka Komoya. This clan name is commonly associated with Nkwali yeNdwandwe and its descendants such as Bukula and Maphela who belong to this clan.
AmaMpondomise are increasingly learning Xhosa at school and being required to select it as their preferred language on official documents, leading them away from their native tongue and towards it as the official preferred one.
Unfortunately, this could result in them losing their identity completely as this may become a natural progression over time. Let us hope for the best though and remain hopeful.
Marule
Mr Madasa and Mr Molosi provided evidence in letters addressed to the Minister of Provincial and Local Government that 15 generations had reigned as Kings since Mpondomise and Cira were forced out by colonial regime forces in 1904. They asserted this fact as well.
After this point, Mpondomise became home to various clans arising from various houses and branches of its monarchs, and also from their cadet branches. From these clans came people like Ncele, Ntose, Nqabashe Ngcelenduna Mqhorhana and Mpinga (Source: uMajola).
Mpinga
Mpinga is one of several clans within Amampondomise people and their members are related through Sibiside as the ancestors of Mpondomise.
This clan is well known for caring for the cows of Kabaka. A visit from this clan often signifies good fortune and shows favor from one’s ancestors to one’s family or tribe.
Ntombenkonzo, a South African politician hailing from this clan, currently claims the crown and hails from its Mpinga branch as its claimant kingship claimant. He is related to Dosini, Nqabashe and Nceleduna as his uncles are.
Mqhorhana
Mqhorhana is one of ten clans within the Mpondomise community and forms part of their Right House branch. Primarily situated in South Africa’s Eastern Cape region, these members speak a dialect of Xhosa language.
Intermarrying was common, which can be seen through their clicks and language. They spoke Mqhorhana which resembles Xhosa; some colonists confused these languages and mistook Mqhorhana for Xhosa.
Ntombenkonzo
Basimba society is a patrilineal one; upon birth, children automatically take on their father’s clan through naming conventions and other cultural practices associated with Clan spirit. For instance, children belonging to Leopard totem Clan will often take the name Katunku or Ngulya after them.
The President’s letter mentioned above acknowledges the presence of a dispute as to who should ascend the throne; however, due to their application being about recognising AmaMpondomise kingship they did not seek any court a quo relief that might help resolve that dispute.
Ntamnani
Ntamnani is the Nguni clan name of the Mpondomise people of Mpondomise Island in Tanzania.
These people practice African religions and Totemism which venerate a spiritual significance associated with various animals or plants – for instance uMajola is sacred animal that visits newborn babies to prepare them for adulthood successfully.
amaMpondomise are increasingly aligning themselves linguistically with amaXhosa by choosing Xhosa on official government forms despite maintaining their ethnic identity as amaMpondomise. This trend represents an important shift as language provides a means of building national and cultural identity.
