Izithakazelo Zakwa Khumbeni Clan Names History and Origin
Clan names are an integral component of an individual’s identity and represent their ancestry and place in society as well as being an indicator of honor and respect.
Due to globalization, surnames can now be found across numerous nations worldwide. It isn’t unusual to encounter African surnames in Europe and Indian surnames in Oceania.
Khumbeni Clan Names (Izithakazelo):
The Khumbeni clan, like other Nguni clans, has its own set of praise names (Izithakazelo) that are used to honor their ancestors and preserve their cultural heritage.
- Khumbeni
- Mabhengu
- Zikode
- Nkomo kaziphanjelwa
- Ngwane
- Ndlangisa
- Dlamini
Khonjwayo
The Khonjwayo clan is one of South Africa’s most influential. Renowned for their strength and sense of humor in confronting life’s obstacles, its members take great pride in upholding their cultural identity by working tirelessly to uphold it.
Khonjwayo clan history dates back to when Mpondo and Mpondomise, twin brothers, engaged in an argument over who should skin certain animals (according to custom, the senior had priority for such tasks).
According to legend, when Mpondo killed a lion without giving it over as per custom (he had first right of refusal for skinning certain species), war ensued between them and eventually Mpondo and his followers were driven from their home; henceforth known by Khonjwayo.
There are various clans with roots in Mpondo-land; some descendents of King Mpondo while others pay him tribute, as well as those born out of Mpondo-land but settled elsewhere; the Ngcekula clan having connections to amaMpondo and amaQwathi are an example of such clans.
Enoch Sontonga, author of South Africa’s national anthem Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika and Ndubuisi Mdlala who sing the Uyatshayo song that forms part of it all come from this clan.
Even though all Khuboni clans belong to one family, each has its own distinct culture and beliefs that have developed through interactions with other communities both locally and abroad. Each interaction has left its mark on them; therefore it is crucial that various stakeholders work together to protect our cultural heritage.
National Archives and Records Services explain archiving as an avenue of preservation; departments of Land Affairs and Environment discuss land legislation’s contribution; an emissary from Chief Gwadiso speaks about traditional leaders’ role in safeguarding cultural traditions;
Khonjwaya
September marks the beginning of a new year according to Mpondo Calendar. People living in Mpondo know that Pleiades (isilimela) signal this coming of year; thus “ko mnye ayisi oluhlobo” or “it’s about time for the start of another year”.
Thulani and his team conducted various workshop initiatives, such as a talk by the National Archives about archiving records and their role in cultural history preservation; a presentation on land legislation by the provincial department of land affairs.
An explanation of land ownership and governance from a ward councillor; a talk on traditional leaders’ involvement in heritage conservation by a representative from the House of Traditional Leaders; and an emissary from Chief Gwadiso of Khonjwayo on their local ancestral origin and historical significance.
Historiographers know that some Khoena migrated south from Limpopo and further along the Gariep River before moving into Eastern Cape and Western Cape up until reaching Cape Peninsula over 1000 years after initial settlement of South Africa by /Xam Tshua San and Khoena Royalty.
Migration was a key element in the formation of new nation-states and further increased pressure on mixed Cobuqua and Khoena communities who lived north of Mfecane River. Over time these new migrants created two powerful kingdoms known as Nguni and Mfecane Kingdoms respectively.
Khoena continued living in Cape Town without becoming truly indigenous in terms of traditional definitions of that word; their descendants belong to Tshua San and thus remain marginalised within modern South African society.
Khumbeni
Ibamba Khumbeni is a large village located in Mpumalanga province of South Africa. This agriculturally rich region also serves as an industrial and transportation hub, with about 110.000 residents inhabiting it near Gauteng’s borders and offering well-regarded schools and universities, in addition to offering tourism facilities.
Ibamba lonjwayo is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts as it contains several parks, reserves and forests – particularly Bergville Reserve with its wide array of bird species and endangered animal population. Another popular park is Kruger National Park which is an enormous sprawling park home to numerous animals, birds, plants and flowers – an absolute must see!
The people of the Khumbeni clan are very welcoming and friendly. They take great pride in their land and history, working hard to improve it as much as possible while remaining faithful and dedicated members of their families, always willing to assist those in need, treating all equally.
The Khumbeni are extremely close, always coming together when there is trouble. Their community members are extremely proud to celebrate their heritage for generations to come, with particular thanks to Mkhumbeni for helping preserve King Matiwane’s royal blood as well as keeping amaNgwane safe during exile.
