Izithakazelo Zakwa Mabhida Clan Names History and Origin
Mabhida Clan Names History and Origin In Xhosa culture, clan names (isiduko in Afrikaans) play an essential role in identifying family lineage. A person may trace his or her clan name back to an individual male ancestor and it is considered a high sign of respect if someone mentions it out loud.
Mabhida Clan Names
- Mabhida
- Manzini
- Mkhatshwa
- Khanyile
- Nkuna
- Mdladla
- Mthiyane
- Mavuso
- Khuboni
- Mnguni
Gcina
Mabhida was an outspoken advocate of Mozambicans and an adherent to Marxist-Leninist ideology. Additionally, he served on the African National Congress’s Politico-Military Strategy Commission responsible for creating its iconic Green Book document.
He was a leader who was willing to die for the ideals of his cause, and after he died was embalmed in hopes that one day it could be taken back home and reburied there in liberated South Africa.
This dream became reality in November 2006 when his remains were exhumed from Maputo’s Lhanguene cemetery and repatriated back into a free South Africa.
Helushe
Helushe is a clan in the Mpondomise tribe known for its members’ strong character and courage, as well as their ability to work hard and make things happen for themselves.
Helushe is Enoch Sontonga’s clan and author of Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika – part of South Africa’s National Anthem. Their name derives from an Old Testament phrase meaning, “He will help you.” Their members are extremely protective and helpful to one another and great fighters; thus making Helushe one of South Africa’s most formidable clans.
Xhamela Ncancashe
Clan names are the sole means by which Xhosa people can identify themselves with their family, superseding surnames. Addressing someone by their clan name is considered an act of the highest respect; when meeting new people it’s also polite to inquire as to their clan name before beginning conversation with them.
Nkwalis are members of the Hlubi tribe. Renowned for their war tactics, they frequently fought alongside amaHlubi. Bukula and Maphela can trace their descent from them; abakwa Nkwali was known to do battle alongside amaHlubi in his battles; Abakwa Nkwali bazalwa ebukhosini; Kunjalo Nje Baduma Kakhulu Ngolawulo LikaDlomo
Magwebulikhula
Clan names (isiduko) are more significant to Xhosa people than surnames; when meeting someone new it is polite to inquire after their clan name which derives from the person’s paternal ancestor’s clan name; any clan that fights until death is known as mabhida (victorious combatant).
Mabhida clans include Bonke Xakatha (also referred to as amaGcina) in Thembuland and other clans such as Xhamela, Helushe and Zangwa which make up one of four original Gqonukhwebe clans along with Sithathu, Sukwini, Giqwa.
Malambedlile
Mabhida had six locations of residence – Esithathu Kululu Ngenxa Yolwandle; Okhululwe with their ngezinyawo Ezimfushanyana; Ukhutshwe with Kunye Nzintloko while Bantwana Bakweni Ngobus’entabeni
Malambedlile is one of the original Gqunukhwebe clans – alongside Sithathu, Sukwini, Helushe and Xhamela – with traditional lands located in Eastern Cape. Their members specialize in farming and trading activities while having strong connections to religion; known for their honesty and hard work ethic as well as leadership and political activism, Malambedlile are considered revolutionary clans.
Nokwindla
Clan names are of great significance in Xhosa society, given to both men and women who share a male ancestor, to show respect for them as individuals and exclaim upon hearing that name spoken aloud as it’s used as a form of address or addressees are considered related and therefore marriage between clan members is prohibited.
Gcina clan, thought to have originated from Lady Frere in the Eastern Cape, is the dominant clan of its region and includes clans such as: Xhamela Ncancashe, Magwebulikhula, Malambedlile, Thyopho and Nokwindla.
Thyopho
Mzimkhulu Thebolla has announced that the ANC’s Moses Mabhida region is planning to assemble and reform their cadre in order to unite and rebuild their party.
Gcina, Helushe, Xhamela Ncancashe, Magwebulikhula, Malambedlile, Nokwindla and Thyopho are the seven clans belonging to Moses Mabhida region in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. These seven clans dominate South African’s Moses Mabhida region – their amaGcina clan name means tree with many branches; therefore they are one of the biggest Mabhida clans.
Bhlangwe
Women often call their husband by his clan name to show respect and soften his heart towards doing what the woman wishes. A Xhosa man will appreciate being called by his clan name because this shows they have love from their wife.
When he senses she is pulling away, it is crucial that both parties acknowledge this so they can address these issues together.
Bhukhwana
Bhukhwana is one of the presiding clans on Ama-Mpondomise’s throne, with two royal lines – Thembu and Hlubi – serving as its basis.
Thembu is an ancient and well-respected family with deep roots in Natal/Swatini, with Ntose as their reigning king after his father died. Considered one of the AmaMpondomise royal houses, Thembu stands out with its loyalty, bravery in battle, and highly disciplined clan.
Bhisha
Bhisha is Joto’s beloved pet and canine friend who was first met in Brittleshin Cavern. A faithful companion and beloved by handlers alike.
People with this name tend to be unwavering in their beliefs and often hold fast to fixed viewpoints that do not alter over time. Additionally, they frequently encourage others to learn something new.
Mabhida joined the ANC Department of National Intelligence and Security in 1979 and suffered a stroke three years later in Mozambique where he later passed away, which resulted in him having his name remembered at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban and being laid to rest at Heroes Acre in Cape Town.
