Izithakazelo Zakwa Jiyane Clan Names History and Origin
People with similar surnames tend to share similar origins and ancestry, particularly within clans. Not all clans are the same; for example, some clans such as the Dubes may not belong to abaThembu but still fall under its jurisdiction. Mthembus have different totems and therefore do not identify with abaThembu at all.
Jiyane Clan Names
- Jiyane
- Magwaza
- Mlotshwa
- Zulu
- Mashimane
- Mdakane
- Luvuno
- Mavuso
- Nondaba
- Mntungwa
Zulu
Zulu people believe in amadlozi or abaphansi, their spirits of ancestors. Additionally, they hold to belief in Umveliqangi who acts as an intermediary between these spirits of ancestors and those alive on Earth.
Zulu households typically include a man, his wife(s), and their children. After birthing, parents introduce the infant to its ancestors through IMBELEKO ceremony.
First menstruation marks an event known as UMHLONYANE in which goats are slaughtered as part of this rite-of-passage rite; marriage is marked with UMEMULO ceremony while funeral rites take place as mournful events occuring after death occurs.
AmaKhwemte
AmaKhwemte were an unyielding tribe that battled for independence. Renowned for their hospitality and bravery on the battlefield, these descendants of a woman who married Abathembu’s king are considered one of the earliest groups to create distinct social identities and cultures.
As soon as they arrived in what is now known as the Eastern Cape, AmaKhwemte paid tribute in cattle to Mguti who then told Mngxongo to confiscate their land – something which the AmaKhwemte were not pleased about and attacked him; Mngxongo ultimately killed all except one and this is where their name of Khwemte came from – currently known as South Africans as Khwemte.
Madiba
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was an anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader and philanthropist from South Africa. Born into the Thembu clan, Mandela also earned the name Madiba after its 19th-century chief was recognized by this name.
Mandela descended from Mphakanyiswa Gadla Mandela, a paramount chief in the southern African kingdom of Xhosa and principal counsellor to Transkei’s regent Jongintaba Dalindyebo.
At 16 he underwent traditional African ritual ulwaluko to transition into manhood before enrolling at Clarkebury boarding school (now University of Fort Hare), Healdtown college (now University of Fort Hare) where Miss Mdingane gave him his English name Nelson.
Ndungwana
Ndungwana clan was one of the earliest to settle in Southern Africa and is widely recognized for their energy and acumen. Each household in Ndungwana’s territory is treated as one family unit. Furthermore, they are highly welcoming and generous people.
Ndungwana came upon strangers from the Mpemvu tribe and shared food. After feeling honored by them, he established himself as their Nkosi. This meant that when Dlomo slaughtered cows he would send the right hindquarter (inxaxheba) straight over to Ndungwana as soon as Dlomo slaughtered a bovine carcass for slaughtering.
At some point, two clans joined to form one kingdom which eventually came to be known as AmaGcaleka and located at Nqadu Great Place near Gatyane in Eastern Cape.
Qhudeni
This Ndau-Shangani clan can be found throughout South Africa, but most often reside in the Northern Eastern Cape region such as Aliwal North and Sterkspruit – though some also reside in Matatiele. These individuals possess strong Nguni roots and often descend from clans in Zululand such as Sithole.
These descendants are descendants of those overrun by Nguni armies led by Soshangane in 1820s due to drought-induced conflict.
Shudeni is the 2,372,517th most prevalent surname globally and held by 63 individuals; it may occur as variant Shutsoni; however, most commonly in Namibia it accounts for 98% of Shudenis.
AmaChiya
Machiya are easily distinguished from one another by the intricate latticed front doors, known as kosh (Ge Zi). Each style of kosh used to indicate what type of shop or business the machiya held: silk/thread shops, rice sellers and even geisha houses had unique kosh designs that signified their function within the community. In addition, each neighborhood typically had different kosh styles.
Machiya houses typically feature an entrance with only a small opening; however, their buildings often stretch back quite far to give an illusion that their house is smaller than it really is; hence its unique name of Machiya which uses Japanese characters (katakana) to write its word.
AmaHlubi
AmaHlubi are an ancient clan rooted in history that dates back centuries – possibly as far as King Chibi! Their lineage can be traced all the way back.
But in 2010, the Commission on Traditional Leadership and Claims determined that amaHlubi did not constitute a kingdom, effectively demoting Langalibalele II to being under his more powerful neighbor Goodwill Zwelithini of amaZulu.
Hlubi are in an awkward situation because they believe that their nation was more powerful and should have their kingship restored, but this has been denied by government and so has been brought before the High Court for consideration.
Mafuz
Mafuz is a family name derived from an Arabic root word that translates to “protector.” This last name is often seen among families in Levant countries and often honors an influential ancestor or family tradition.
Mafuz names often symbolize courage and bravery, so parents may choose this name in the hopes that their children will embrace these traits. There are various forms of this name; Mahfouze, Maafouze, Mohfouzey Mafouzey Muhfuze are some variations. Additionally, its length varies by country as well as being written differently in different regions; often tied into regional dialects.