Izithakazelo Zakwa Jili Clan Names History and Origin
History and Origin of Jili Clan Names in Xhosa (also called amaGcina in Thembuland). Zangwa (Khwalo, Ncuthu, Sohobese – amaMpondo). Finally Nkwali (born Ebukhosini Buka Ndwandwe), gave birth to Bukula and Maphela clans.
Jili Clan Names (Izithakazelo):
The Jili clan, like many other clans in the Nguni culture, has its own set of praise names (Izithakazelo) that are used to honor and remember their ancestors.
- Jili
- Ndabezitha
- Mlotshwa
- Mlambo
- Malandela
- Mafu
Zulu
Zulus are an indigenous Bantu people who came together under Shaka’s leadership, merging into one community before expanding exponentially in size and strength. Renowned for their ceremonies and beadwork, as well as military tactics rooted in clan systems, the Zulus are famously revered across Africa today.
Zulu society defines family as any group living together in one homestead who are related to one another through blood, marriage or adoption.
Umndeni can also refer to an entire community composed of families living on one homestead and sharing its responsibilities; its social structure includes children eating from one large basin-shaped plate in order to promote friendship.
Boys born into this highly organized military society were recruited at an early age into age sets that formed units of their army, often stationed away from home at royal barracks and under direct control by the king.
Men served by this regiment included protecting homesteads from attack by raiding bands of pirates while simultaneously raising cattle, manufacturing weapons and tools, building dwellings, as well as maintaining weapons themselves; women performed domestic tasks while tending crops of predominantly grains.
Mpangela
Mpangela jilis are members of the Mpangela clan in southern Africa. This tribe is well known for their love of music and are thought to have first arrived around 1300 CE; at first, the clan lived along Lubombo Mountains but then gradually spread north, eventually settling in Swaziland (known today). These clans may even have close ties to amaSwazi (ama means father in Swazi).
Mpangela tribal group members are widely recognized as some of the most influential people in their region. Their distinct features set them apart from other African cultures: long hair, traditional dress, beautiful faces and an impressive musical talent make the Mpangela one of the region’s primary cultural and economic forces.
Tshezi
Tradition held that clan names were more significant among Xhosa people. Clans distinguished between tribes, and to mention someone’s clan name was considered an act of great respect; when first meeting someone it was polite to inquire as to their clan.
Not like other African languages, isiXhosa stands out with its abundance of verbal expression. From folktales and proverbs to praise poems such as isibongo (praise poems), its language provides ample scope for creative verbal storytelling.
At the time of colonisation, some clans acquired foreign ancestry. Naming these clans was determined according to tradition; however, sometimes deviating from local convention. For instance, the abeLungu clan derives its name from a greeting in isiXhosa offered to its founders by their hosts.
Similarly abeMolo and amaCaine clans use surnames of founders rather than their European ancestry even though DNA analysis has indicated different haplogroup membership within these clans despite oral traditions indicating shared ancestral links amongst these clans and host communities alike.
AmaMfene
AmaMfene (ngakumgangatho ngoMpuma Koloni), one of seven clans comprising the AmaXhosa nation, is a powerful and proud clan with a long history of fighting for its people. They boast strong links with the sea as well as legendary warriors in their ranks.
Mngxongo was at the helm of AmaMfene during its sixteenth-century period of prosperity, fighting British colonizers while becoming chief of Mpuma clan and later amalgamating it with Mpangela clan to form AmaXhosa.
Mpuma Sigcawu and Mntuthu from AmaMfene clan were prominent figures within abaThembu society; among the others were Mphosesebeni from Mngxongo’s lineage who became heroes for abaThembu due to being denied his rightful place on royal throne and so became iconic figures of abaThembu culture.
Another story tells of how Dlomo and Hlanga once slaughtered a cow and shared its meat between themselves, then presented the right hindquarter as a gesture meant to show royal authority – this made all of the maidens cry with delight!
Mkhumbeni
Mkhumbeni was King Matiwane’s younger brother and an important leader who led a fight against British and settlers in Bulwer and Bergville in KwaZulu-Natal. He led his people well, earning them respect from others across the country; thanks to him, Zikhali family still exist today!
Mkhumbeni led the Ngwane army during a fierce battle with the British Heavy Artillery Battalion. As leader of his soldiers who ventured out and engaged British soldiers defending their home town, they killed some.
Mkhumbeni is remembered for being courageous and great soldier – with one single tusk used to stab enemies directly in their side in painful fashion; thus giving rise to his name (stabbed them all in the side). Additionally, Mkhumbeni was famously strong; easily lifting heavy weapons like British cannons while being adept at using them against them opponents.
