Izithakazelo zakwa Khwalo Clan Names History and Origin
Clan names play an integral part in Xhosa culture and should always be inquired upon upon meeting someone new as this shows respect and pride in heritage. When greeting newcomers it is also customary to inquire as to their clan name as this shows they respect your culture.
Khwalo clan names are an integral part of Xhosa culture and celebrate ancestors by keeping their memory alive.
Khwalo Clan Names (Izithakazelo)
The Khwalo clan is a part of the Nguni-speaking communities, and like other clans, they have specific praise names (izithakazelo) that are used to honor their heritage and ancestors.
- Khwalo
- Mwelase
- Mnguni
- Mkhathini
- Ndabakansele
- Luvuno
Khwalo – AmaMpondo
The Mpondo people are one of the many tribes that comprise Thembu nation. Known for their talent in Maskandi music and performing traditional “imfene” dance to its sound, these people stand out due to having their own distinct lineage distinct from other Thembu clans.
Due to having settled Thembuland over 350 years ago they have managed to cultivate both cultural and political identities of their own.
The Mpondo clan can be traced back to Sibiside through Dlemini who fathered Njanya who fathered both Mpondo and Mpondomise (twins) who in turn begot Xesibe.
These clans then having evolved into what are today known as amaMpondo, amaMpondomise, and amaXesibe nations which differ culturally and politically from amaQwathi nations.
The Mpondo clan can be found throughout South Africa, especially in areas like Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Northern Cape. With an especially strong presence in Johannesburg – where their primary economic activities include agriculture and fishing.
Their people are widely known for being intelligent yet friendly individuals and possessing rich cultures rich in music and dance that has contributed significantly to South African economy; additionally they are famed for traditional cuisine and hospitality.
Khwalo – KoMkhulu
Khwalo- KoMkhulu are one of the largest clans of amaMpondo found in northern Thembu land. While their history remains obscure, they were involved in an anticolonial revolt of 1880 which ended when British colonists destroyed them and their kingdom remains uncertain due to disputes between Matanzima descendants and Dalindyebo descendants over who controls it.
Khwalo-KoMkhulu are another powerful and prosperous tribe derived from agriculture, gold mining, and diamond extraction. As one of the largest tribes in Africa and considered most influential within Mfengu/Hlubi region. They are famed for having prominent rulers and chiefs such as Mthikrakrakra, Mlabatheki Mapela Madiba Nelson Mandela.
This clan is part of the Mfengu/Hlubi family and comprises various smaller clans such as Mntywayo, Mlabatheki and Nkwali. Nkwali originated as part of Buka Ndwandwe and came to prominence during King Dlomo ka Thembu’s rule; their warriors and leaders include Mtshikile Sibetha Maphela as well as several others.
Khwalo – KoMkhulu has several traditional weapons such as the rooster-shaped spear, ntsika-mafu and ngosha-mafu spears; all renowned for their war tactics and songs. Ntsika-mafu is used for fighting as well as hunting game. Additionally it is utilized for war dances and ceremonial duties.
Khwalo – Mbembesi
This study seeks to explore selected Xhosa toponyms in Mbembesi area of Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland Province. Although much is known about their culture, little research has been conducted on their toponyms.
This research seeks to address that by tracing their history. Furthermore, this endeavour also attempts to understand the art and science behind naming within Xhosa culture.
Research was carried out using semi-structured interviews with elders of Xhosa communities in Mbembesi. Respondents were asked about their village names and histories.
Physical and cultural landscape features; as well as any changes since last time. Interview results were then analysed using descriptive survey techniques.
An example of such locatives discussed during interviews is eMarhawana, a village named after its river boundary between it and KoMkhulu.
This name recalls residents relocated by Chief Nqakala from another village – who then built homes that differ greatly from those already existing – thus prompting him to name them accordingly.
Other location locatives, like eMandluntsha and eEmaNtanjeni are historical or commemorative toponyms that refer to clans that settled in a village as part of Xhosa settlement practices brought from Eastern Cape homelands.
