Izithakazelo zakwa Deyi Clan Names History and Origin

Deyi clan names are the surnames given at birth to all Xhosa males and females to identify where they belong within Xhosa society. Women tend to keep their clan name while adding her husband’s surname at marriage; this article will explore their history and origin.

Deyi Clan Names

• Deyi
• Mpafane
• Mgezeni
• Dumakude
• Ncwane
• Ntongela
• Khawula
• Mawandla
• Mdluli
• Mthikrakra

Nkwali

The Nkwali clan, a subclan of the Xhosa people, can be found in Mbembesi area. Their village name derives from their clan name by altering prefix and suffix. Reportedly they were one of two first clans to settle there alongside Hlubi clan which also forms subclan of Xhosa; both boast extensive histories with diverse cultures.

Xhosa people are known for being highly territorial and revere their clans, which is why they made efforts to settle according to clans.

This way, each clan could defend its territories from invaders while helping out when needed and eventually growing into one large collective that could sustain itself and their natural environment.

Nkwali are widely considered one of the richest tribes in Africa, boasting an intriguing and rich heritage worth discovering. Additionally, their peaceful and welcoming culture makes them ideal for supporting one another when needed.

Hence their designation as “people of peace.” They serve as an inspiring model to other nations around the globe.

Ntshilibe

Deyi peoples have an impressively long and turbulent history of warfare and conflict, becoming one of the first nations to form armies and use them in battle, which laid the groundwork for their success later on the African continent and beyond. Additionally, they are well known for their welcoming hospitality towards visitors.

The Ntshilibe clan hails from South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. A large and powerful clan, they were one of the first to employ military conquest as part of their strategy to take over smaller forces and establish dominion over territory.

Though powerful, they do have enemies. Ngxangxa clan, who is their sworn enemy, have tried unsuccessfully to take over their land several times in the past; yet these determined and strong groups have held up well against Ntshilibe.

There is much mythology associated with the Ntshilibe tribe of South Africa, but this does not stand up under scrutiny. It was created by their victorious rulers to give their lineage credibility, yet any truth or relevance remains unknown at this point.

What remains clear however, is that one of South Africa’s most prestigious and influential tribes, one should never take for granted what this group represents.

Qhinebe

Qhinebe is a clan of the Wonga Guntu people of South Africa. This influential clan is notable as having produced many legendary leaders, including Nelson Mandela and Jacob Zuma (first black President of South Africa).

People belonging to Qhinebe have great compassion, loyalty, generosity and always put family first – which explains their renown as master planners and executors of projects.

Qhinebe-named people tend to love domestic life and enjoy keeping their home beautifully decorated. These individuals possess strong traditional values and don’t easily bend to peer pressure.

Instead they remain true to what they believe in and will always stand up for what’s right. Additionally, these generous and loyal individuals always willingly lend a helping hand when needed.

Clan names serve as an expression of cultural identity for an individual, dating back to African kingdoms of old. Today, these clans can still be found across the country and serve as links to their culture and heritage that continue to influence new generations of Africans.

Zangwa

Zangwa is a clan name from Zimbabwe and one that Nelson Mandela belonged to, as part of abaThembu and some of its offshoots (Mpinga, Ngwevu and Mpondomise).

It originated as an early pre-Nguni creation that eventually integrated with //Kosa and Koni civilisations within abaThembu as an integral component.

Zangwa was the clan of King Hlubi who was an influential ruler of southern provinces. Its members were famed for their wealth and splendor; among these was Maphela who is said to have been so abundant with riches that his wealth spread like cockroaches; this earned him his name: Maphela.

Early clan histories are fragmented and do not give an accurate representation of political organisation at that time. George Theal, who composed South Africa’s national anthem Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika in 1736, provided one of the first substantial accounts written during that era.

The clan names listed above were formed through combining elements of other existing names, and by introducing new concepts and terms.

This process continued into the future as new concepts and ideas were brought in from outside, as well as being hastened along by technological innovations like farming, metallurgy and transportation technologies.