Izithakazelo zakwa Bataung and Bakuena Clan Names History and Origin
Clan names serve to distinguish members of one tribe. This practice was crucial in preventing incest among clan members and showing they understood who they were as individuals. Clan names also serve to help prevent members of different clans from cohabiting sexually with each other; further demonstrating they knew themselves.
Discovering one’s clan name and history is an honor, yet unfortunately this knowledge is becoming less prevalent due to western influences.
Bakuena Clan Names (Izithakazelo/Iziduko):
Bakuena (also spelled Bakwena or Bakoena) is another prominent Tswana and Sotho clan, known for their emblem of the crocodile (Kwena). The name “Bakuena” means “People of the Crocodile” in Setswana and Sesotho. The crocodile symbolizes the Bakuena’s association with water, fertility, and adaptability.
- Kwena
- Mokotedi
- Motebang
- Motshudi
- Modimakwane
- Motsumi
- Molefe
BaTaung
The Bataung clan is one of the oldest in South Africa. Dating back to 1700s, their members have made significant contributions towards shaping southern Africa as it stands today.
Representing strength and pride within this culture, their totem – the buffalo – stands as an ode to them that is celebrated throughout Basotho culture as an important aspect.
Kgosi Phologolo was the inaugural Chief of the Bataung and reigned between approximately 1800-1818. During this time, they were attacked by Batlhakwana tribal members.
But thanks to Kgosi Phologolo they managed to repel this attack, helping defeat them and secure King Thabo III’s offer of land that later became Kokstad as a reward.
Kgosi Molefiane became leader of the bataung clan in 1902 when he purchased land from Bakwena ba Modimosana ba Ga Ramanamela at Sefanyeskraal. While in power he fought against whites while simultaneously working towards peace restoration within his community.
In 1997, the Bataung community in the Free State approached traditional Royalty from both Moshoeshoe Ill and Moletsane II in Lesotho to seek recognition as a Traditional Authority.
Unfortunately, however, their efforts went unheeded by government. Instead, people united against apartheid continued fighting it despite all odds, while today their clan continues to thrive across various aspects of South African life while adhering to their culture and tradition.
Bakuena
The Bakuena are an expansive Sotho-Tswana clan living in southern Africa. Their history can be traced back to Kwena, who was both a warrior and hunter renowned for killing enemies with one blow – earning him the fearsome reputation amongst his peers as well.
He died in 1450 and was given a burial plot near Heildelberg at Ntsuanatsatsi. Masilo II and Napo were his sons; Napo married one of the daughters belonging to Bafokeng chief, marrying into that tribe’s lineage and fathering Motjhudi (Mokotedi), Motebang, Diksema and Molapo through this union. Once Motebang had passed.
His tribe left Ntsuanatsatsi and settled at Tebang (now Heildelberg district). Over time Tsholo and Tsolwane decided to relocate north and join their relatives – this eventually led to the appearance of Bakuena in Northern Botswana.
At this time, the Bakuena had amassed a great wealth in cattle and were seen as an extremely important tribe. Unfortunately for Mocwasele II, however, his inappropriate actions towards their wives caused great disapproval amongst his people.
Consequently they murdered him and installed another usurper as ruler – this having previously been an orderly and peaceful tribe unlike its coastal Kaffir counterparts.
Khoapa
Khoapa served as national adviser and director of SPROCAS (Study Project on Christianity in an Apartheid Society), and helped found and build the Black People’s Convention (BPC). Additionally, he became first black vice-chancellor at Technikon Natal while also aiding in merging three higher education institutions together.
Furthermore, Khoapa wrote numerous presentations and publications, as well as serving on multiple international and domestic boards including that of Black Economic Empowerment Council.
Khoapa Royal Family are descendants of Chief Ramokhele or Moletsane (Montueli), from the fourth branch of BaTaung Clan. His marriage to one of Monyane Bakuena’s top allies allowed him to gain control of parts of Eastern Griqualand area.
Charles Talija Khoapa, Bethuel Mamphi’s eldest son and current leader, serves as traditional leader for ha Khoapa Matatiele of South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. They reside within an area spanning from Matatiele Municipal District up to Umzimvubu River Cedarville which forms part of the historic Griqua Trek of 1800’s; land here was officially settled in 1882 where today lies our Khoapa community.
