Izithakazelo zakwa Mabasa Clan Names History and Origin
Globalization has led to surnames being spread far beyond their initial country of origin, so it is not unusual to find people bearing the surname Mabasa across many different nations worldwide.
Zimbabwe was home to numerous clans that settled there, such as the Nkuna from northern KwaZulu/Natal and Mozambique and Vanhlave from Mozambique. Both groups were led by their Nxumalo Langeni families and nephews of Hlave families respectively.
Mabasa Clan Names (Izithakazelo)
The Mabasa clan, found among the Tsonga and Shangaan people, has specific praise names (izithakazelo) that reflect their heritage and lineage. These names are an important part of their cultural identity, honoring their ancestors and preserving their history.
- Mabasa
- Xihloka
- Xihlavi
- Hlongwane
- Madzivhandila
- Xitlhavini
- Xitenga
Copi
Copi was a French cartoonist renowned for his minimalist style and original way of storytelling, appearing in publications such as Tweety, Charlie Mensuel, Liberation. Additionally he created several sculptures which can be found throughout museums worldwide.
Copi had an immense impact on his younger brother who became also an artist while his father made bronze sculptures that are on display worldwide museums.
Copi is Latin for “abundant”, and fishermen estimate they catch 20-50 million pounds annually in Illinois River alone.
The name change is part of a PR campaign designed to promote this delicious and ecological protein source as a tasty, affordable, and environmentally-friendly protein source – similar strategies have been employed with orange roughy and Chilean sea bass, among others.
Yang is part of a movement among scientists, chefs, and freshwater fishing industry leaders to change Americans’ perceptions of fish as food sources rather than an invasive pest that has killed off native species and altered ecosystems.
Ndzawu
The House of Ndzawu can be found primarily in Mpumalanga and Southern Mozambique. Although part of Hlengwe Chauke clan, they do not accept being known as Shangaan or AmaShangaan.
Rather they consider themselves separate tribe with villages located across South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe that share similarities in size and appearance. They were established by people from Gaza and Chopi empires who left Gaza Nguni Empire but did not abandon its speech and customs completely.
Instead they adopted them while maintaining some elements such as speech and customs from Nguni speech and culture while remaining independent.
Moreover they maintained some aspects of Nguni speech and customs from Gaza Nguni empire but did not abandon Nguni speech and customs completely despite leaving Gaza Nguni empire and staying independent while adhering to speech and customs completely.
One of these founders was Modanise who established a kingdom known as Spelonken or Xipilongo and gave rise to Muzila, Ushihono and Mawewe – sons he fathered after his death; these conflicted eventually giving rise to Mabunda (Mavundza).
Following their mother’s death a war ensued between their sons; one pair, Ngobe (Ngove) and Dumeri (Dzumeri) left his location after fighting ended; leaving one brother (Ngove) behind and heading north where they adopted Dzonga dialect instead.
Thus becoming considered founders of both Nhlave tribe as well as others such as those found across Zimbabwean and Mozambique regions respectively.
Dzonga
At that time, the Tsonga people of Inhambane were the only known area where foreign cultural elements had been integrated. Yet they remained distinct linguistically and culturally from surrounding groups like Tonga from Inhambane, Zulu (Nguni or Ngoni) and Karanga.
Tsonga people were known as an indigenous community that was both socially and politically controlled by its own public courts (court of the ward headmen or tribal chief) as well as through family trials conducted by members of that specific Hlengwe clan, known as “savuka”.
The Dzonga were the junior section of the Ndwandwe, initially led by Manukuza (aka Soshangane). They later included Gaza, Zwide and Mabunda junior sections as well.
Their senior house under Zwide resided near Ronga communities close to Mkuzi River with Magudu area being known for Ngobe (Ngove) Dumeri clan names used at Magudu by Zwide. Their original Royal pure Hlengwe clan names being Vahlengwe va Xiviri).
Additionally the Nkuna from Northern KwaZulu KwaZulu headed for Lydenburg District then Mozambique where they adopted Nhlave dialect of Dzonga subdialect of Dzonga subdialect Dzonga subdialect.
Khosa
The Khosa is a southern African clan of the Xhosa tribe that places emphasis on tradition and custom inherited from their forefathers. Graduations stages help each member of this cultural group understand their place within society.
From imbeleko (an introduction ceremony for children to elders), to umphumo (welcoming home newly married couples), these ceremonies play an integral part of Xhosa life.
The Xhosa people inhabit the mountain slopes of Winterberg and Amatola Mountains where water is plentiful, as well as in areas with abundant grasslands and pasture.
Relying heavily on cattle for sustenance, they also rely heavily on their hospitality as well as their highly prized cuisine; some examples being amaceba (sliced unpeeled pumpkin cooked in plenty of water) and iinkobe (peeled off fresh maize grains cooked until soft).
Khosa was listed at number 105079 in the 2010 US Census, representing 0.06 percent of the population and making it relatively common – yet less so than some other names.
VaNkomati
No matter where they reside – Swaziland, Mozambique, South Africa or Zimbabwe – Vatsonga people share a cultural and linguistic identity which spans across these four nations.
Yet their identity can be confusing due to multiple tribes competing for recognition of Tsonga as the official name, plus globalization resulting in surnames found throughout many different countries.
The VaNkomati clan is one of 13 Tsonga clans and comprises a small tribe living along the Indian Ocean in northern Mozambique and Zimbabwe. They are well known for their hospitality and tobacco cultivation practices.
Histoically speaking, the VaNkomati clan was founded by Mpandya. Mpandya was both an outstanding leader and poet who battled Dutch colonial invasions with great wisdom and intelligence.
Today, the VaNkomati clan is an influential component of Tsonga nation. They were the ones responsible for initiating Tsonga language into everyday use; and are widely known for initiation schools and traditional healing practices in their region.
