Izithakazelo zakwa Dludlu Clan Names History and Origin
Dludlu is a Zulu clan name, hailing from South Africa’s Thembu Nation and currently led by Kind Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo. Nelson Mandela himself belonged to this noble clan.
Clans and surnames help define authentic African identities, with many African communities having children take on their paternal clan names as they grow up. Such connections span deep cultural, personal and familial lines.
Dludlu Clan Names (Izithakazelo)
The Dludlu clan, found among the Nguni-speaking people, has specific praise names (izithakazelo) that reflect its lineage and cultural heritage. These names are integral to the identity of the Dludlu people and are used to honor their ancestors.
- Dludlu
- Mdungazwe
- Mwelase
- Mnguni
- Nzima
- Phakathwayo
- Magangati
Nkwali
Nkwali is a clan name which translates to “future” in Xhosa. Clan names, which are more important than surnames for tracking family history back to specific male ancestors or stocks, are an expression of respect that should be mentioned when speaking with people.
While it is polite to inquire as to their clan name when meeting new acquaintances or acquaintances. Furthermore, upon marrying into another clan they must change their clan name accordingly to reflect this change.
The Nkwali clan originated from a kingdom established by Mlabatheki of the amaHlubi tribe. Nkwali himself was born ebukhosini bukaNdwandwe and soon joined this amaHlubi clan.
One notable member was Bukula who became King of AmaHlubi kingdom during 17th century, becoming famous for his immense wealth and luxurious lifestyle (he even earned himself the name “Cockroach”)
The Nkwali clan is one of the AmaHlubi clans most prominently recognized, and its members can be found across southern Africa – some reside in South Africa while others travel as far as America or Australia to share experiences that unite them all.
Through this platform they easily connect with others around the globe who share similar experiences.
Bukula
Bukula is a surname originating in Africa; those with this surname belong to the Zulu clan and could have either been born there or of African ancestry.
Bukula can take many forms such as Bukula, Bumbula, Bubukula, Bokuyu, bukula and Mukula and can be found throughout various regions such as South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia as well as in industries like healthcare and education as well as some professions like engineering and business.
Bukula can be traced to Africa, specifically to southern regions like Zimbabwe or Mozambique where their surname may have originated from the Kingdom of Ndobe oMzantsi or from Ngxala Empire, one of the earliest African kingdoms that was dominated by Zulu tribe kings and queens who ruled over it.
The Ngxala Empire was an immense power in its day, yet was eventually defeated by British colonization of southern Africa.
Many members of this empire and other indigenous tribes eventually moved into Zimbabwe where they formed what is today known as Zimbabwean Zulus; today these Zulus make up approximately 40% of Zimbabwe’s population.
Mapela
Mapela was an enigmatic site for more than a century. Devoid of monumental architecture or any evidence of class distinction like that found at K2 and Mapungubwe.
Its colossal stone walls, piles of fossilised animal excrement and thousands of glass beads suggest its significance as an important long distance trading hub – its position along the Gwanda-West Nicholson gold belt further indicated this fact.
Garlake’s cursory excavations at Mapela were limited to the summit of its main hill and did not extend down below it, leaving out much of an area beneath. Yet its abundant terraces along various contours of the mountain suggest it was once home to Zimbabwe culture times with class distinction being marked through occupation of elite dwellings.
Bayesian chronology suggests that Mapela flourished between CE1055 and CE1400 based on ceramic and glass bead typologies. This predates and postdates generally accepted dates for the Zimbabwe cultural renaissance at K2 and Mapungubwe.
Mapela’s appearance of prestige stone walling, dhaka floors, class distinction, as well as prestige stone walls prompts one to reconsider where social-political complexity originated in southern Africa.
Community resistance to mining operations has been supported by ad hoc structures like Mapela Executive Committee and Mohlotlo Development Committee – created as alternatives to formal political representative bodies – as well as non-governmental organisations which provide on-the-ground support.
