Izithakazelo zakwa Lubisi Clan Names History and Origin
Clan names offer an insight into someone’s history. However, it should be remembered that surnames can change over time and that not all surnames are directly connected.
At first meeting, it is customary in Xhosa communities to ask someone’s clan name. Clan names often represent wild animals found within Xhosa communities as well as community beliefs and values.
Lubisi Clan Names (Izithakazelo/Iziduko):
The Lubisi clan is part of the broader Nguni group, primarily associated with the Xhosa and Zulu-speaking peoples of South Africa. Like many other clans, the Lubisi have a set of praise names (izithakazelo or iziduko) that reflect their heritage, ancestry, and values.
- Mntungwa
- Mpangazitha
- Ndlovu
- Nhlabathi
- Makhulukhulu
- Mntimande
- Ntsele kaLanga
Nkwali
Nkwali is one of the toponyms used by Xhosa people who settled in this region, who regard each clan as separate but equally valued entities within themselves and strive to live in villages which honor this value while providing each clan with its own space in each village; consequently they created toponyms to demarcate and claim territories for them.
The Nkwali clan dates its roots back to the 1300s when members began migrating from Zimbabwe and temporarily settling along the Lubombo Mountains near Swaziland-Mozambique border before ultimately migrating southwards into what is now Natal province.
Nkwali means, “we are on our way”, symbolising the determination and resolve of Xhosa people to conquer. Their resolve has helped them triumphantly face adversities while remaining resilient against hardships.
Resoluncy has made the Nkwali people an unstoppable force in all aspects of life. This can be seen through their outstanding leadership and resilience of their people; which explains why they remain an iconic community both across Africa and worldwide.
Mapela
Mapela Hill in southern Zimbabwe lies approximately two kilometres away as the crow flies from where the Shashe and Shashani rivers meet, near where Herman Potgieter was captured by Maphela for slaughter during his 1853 Boer herder tour.
Its name derives from Ndebele word Mapapha which means to “make one’s place their own”. It was here where Maphela led Potgieter into an ambush which resulted in his murder as well as many of his party. Mapela is named after this historical event which also comes from being Ndebele word Mapapha meaning to “make one’s place one’s own”.
Garlake [17] was the first archaeologist to conduct an investigation at this site and concluded that while stone building was characteristic of Leopard’s Kopje Phase I sites, its manifestation at Mapela was less evident compared with K2 or Mapungubwe. Furthermore, Mapela predated their appearance by having dhaka floors and an ideology of class distinction prior to K2 or Mapungubwe.
Mapela is also famous for its numerous glass beads which indicate its significant role in long-distance trade, and thus Mapela could have been one of the primary centers for Zimbabwe culture long before K2 or Mapungubwe were.
Excavations at Mapela have revealed that its lower summit was immediately inhabited by pottery-makers who created both K2 and transitional K2 pottery from its inception, providing strong evidence for early Zimbabwe culture that challenges existing models for sociopolitical complexity in southern Africa.
Xhamela
The Xhamela Clan, located in Lady Frere, Eastern Cape is one of the dominant clans. Composed of numerous members grouped under three sections such as Gcina, UTyhopho and UNokwindla; their amaGcina are considered King of Lady Frere while their lineage goes back to Sibiside Dlemini Mpondo as well as descendants from Xesibe.
Xhamela are famously known as “Kings of the East”, having been one of the first clans to settle in Thembuland. Thought to have originated in Lady Frere and later spread throughout South Africa. Additionally, their connections are with Kumkani and Mkhosi chiefs as some of Thembuland’s most powerful chieftains.
The Xhamela are well known for their beauty, elegance and wisdom. They are extremely loyal to their masters and protect them with fierce protection.
These clansmen boast very high social status in South African society and are revered. Intelligent with an excellent memory they are revered as well – they’re considered among South Africa’s regal clans; generous and compassionate by nature always willing to assist those in need and frequently recognized for their kindness by other clans in the community.
