Langa Clan Names History and Origin
Langa Clan Names History and Origin is the story of a group of people that inhabit parts of Southern Africa, descended from members of the Nguni tribe whose ancestors belonged to Zwide kaLanga’s and Mkhatshwa’s clans respectively. Additionally, this clan can claim credit for creating numerous Nguni Kings like Zwide kaLanga himself as well as many others such as Mkhatshwa himself and many more.
Langa Clan Names
- Langa
- Zulu
- Buthelezi
- Mthethwa
- Ndlovu
- Khumalo
- Ntuli
- Mthembu
- Ngcobo
- Nxumalo
- Cele
- Dlamini
- Gumede
- Shabalala
- Zungu
- Mkhize
- Majozi
- Hlongwane
- Zwane
- Sithole
Zulu
Before the Zulu joined with other northern Nguni groups under Shaka in the early 19th century to form their nation, they existed as individual clans (ukungqubani). These remain an essential aspect of family and community organization today; those genealogically senior remain chief while headmen (induna) usually related to him continue their duties within sections of their clan.
Clans typically possess patrilineal heirlooms and adhere strictly to patriarchal rules. A typical household consists of one man living with his wife or wives and their children – the father is typically the sole authority in the home. Polygyny is common, with men often having numerous wives that rank strictly seniority below one other who serves as their heir.
The Zulu are well known for their military tactics, specifically using assegai spears with wide, short blades to thrust deep into their enemies during combat. Furthermore, their courage on battlefield is legendary.
Zulu mythology is an amalgamation of observations about nature and events, combined with teachings from religious traditions passed down from previous generations. Mutwa believed that myths were “sacred wisdom,” providing guidance for how people lived their lives according to religious tradition. They are often recited by sangomas trained in storytelling recitation arts; often read as metaphors to teach people how they should act.
Kalanga
The Kalanga are a proud people with an extraordinary heritage. One of few Bantu groups who have developed an intricate culture, they are famous for gold mining, metallurgy and metalsmithing as well as hunting and fishing expertise.
However, they were forced to assimilate under Ndebele and later British and Zimbabwean rule and this led to them losing their unique cultural identity. Since then however, Kalanga pride has seen a revival within schools as has their language.
As part of an effective response, it is necessary to acknowledge that like Jewish identities worldwide, Kalanga identities in precolonial Zimbabwean society were various and dynamic. Their main expressions were Kalanga religion and language which were frequently politicised and misrepresented by both colonial settlers and Africans alike.
Reggie Khumalo may claim that Dube and Mthembu clans share similar totems with Kalanga people; this assertion is false. While Dube are abaQadi while Nelson Mandela was not part of Mthembus clan but were classified under Mthembu umbrella; moreover many izibongo classified under Mthembus were not Kalanga either and included Dlomo and Hadebe who have no connection with Kalanga people.
Khonjwayo
Khonjwayo is located near the border between Gauteng and North West province in South Africa. As administrative centre of Lower Ndungunyeni District, it houses both an agricultural college as well as various farms and villages in its immediate area.
“Khonjwayo” is derived from Khoikhoi for “waterhole”, as the area was traditionally used as a watering hole for cattle. Furthermore, human settlement dates back to around 3 million years ago with evidence of prehistoric fishing being seen at certain archeological sites within this region.
Clan names (isiduko or iziduko) are used as the only way to identify members of a family and have overtaken surnames as an identity indicator. When meeting someone for the first time, it is considered highly respectful to ask what their clan name is as this indicates interest and respect for that individual.
Clan systems also serve to communicate information and opinions in their communities, making it an invaluable asset in creating cohesion among members. For instance, during a FRCC workshop about Thulani’s leadership all members were allowed to express their perspectives and share opinions; even when some views may have differed significantly with each other. Through ensuring everyone had equal representation the FRCC ensured all voices could be heard.
Ngwenya
Ngwenya mine in Swaziland is widely considered to be one of the oldest iron ore mining sites on Earth, dating back at least 42 000 years. This site illustrates how prehistoric peoples utilized simple stone tools to mine deeper than the surface, looking not for iron oxides that are found aboveground but for specular hematite or specularite which they valued as precious pigment for rock paintings and body art.
Ngwenya’s tale is tragic. Born in Johannesburg and attending Orlando High School until graduating in 1970, he joined both the African National Congress (ANC) and its military wing Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), during student uprisings to form Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK).
In the early 1980s he started freelancing as a photographer for several South African newspapers, documenting moments of conflict and hope such as Nelson Mandela’s first democratic elections at Inanda in 1994.
Ngwenya died peacefully on 14 October 2016 in Leondale, Johannesburg surrounded by his wife Mwelase and children Vusi, Bathabile, Sibusiso, and Ntombikayise – his son Nkunzi was appointed Chief of Myeni in his place. Nkunzi was an enthusiastic wildlife advocate working to conserve wild dogs as well as an engaging speaker on indigenous rights and environmental concerns; additionally he served on The Trust board of trustees as a trustee member.