Izithakazelo Zakwa Macingwane Clan Names History and Origin
At this time, it is believed that the Ngwane clan were involved in an internal struggle with an unknown tribe – this conflict may have contributed to massive upheaval and migration among macingwane people.
Scholars such as Rhodes University historian Julian Cobbing assert that European colonialism and trade were to blame.
Macingwane Clan Names
- Macingwane
- Ncama
- Ziwa
- Gqwashu
- Ngcungana
- Sapula
Ngwane
The Ngwane people are believed to have originated in South Africa and migrated into present-day Swaziland around 17th century, eventually settling here around 1730.
They are associated with early Swazi kings including Matiwane and Masumpa who were interred in caves – this tradition continues today as Bergville in Swaziland boasts its Forest of Kings where all deceased kings from Zikhali to Tshanibezwe are laid to rest.
Ngwane III of the Ngwane clan established Swaziland (now eSwatini) as its founding king in 1745 and is widely acknowledged as its inaugural ruler; thus earning him his title of being “first king” or bakaNgwane (which can also be read “king-founder”). Swaziland now bears his name.
At this point, Matiwane had their initial encounter with Europeans; it involved a brief skirmish with Major Dundas’ army consisting of 30 European soldiers led by Matiwane. For Ngwane people this encounter marked the first time they came into contact with gunpowder and firearms.
Cunu
The Cunu clan hails from Macingwane tribe and its members are well known for their strength, loyalty, and wisdom. Many armies across Africa use them as role models. Furthermore, historians praise them for their bravery.
Cunu have an ancient history in southern Africa. Once a powerful and influential tribe, they dominated most of southern Africa until 19th century and have close ties with Nguni peoples. Their origins are uncertain.
Namibia and Botswana also boast significant populations of Black people who may be descended from ancient inhabitants who lived in these areas.
Cunu is believed to be a Zulu word meaning elephant and it was once a popular surname amongst Macingwane tribe. Additionally, Chitliekile (after which this surname was given) married Angela Chibalonza and fathered William before dying at Bethany around 1897-8.
Ngqause
Ngqause (n. 3) refers to any individual attempting to become masculine. Ukuti-Kilungo is defined as someone who lowers themselves to the level of the people below them in status hierarchy; and finally Ukuti-Kumba refers to any large body of people or the totality thereof.
Ngqause (noun), (plural: Ngqaus), is defined as: 1. someone who seeks to take advantage of another by thrusting themselves forward; and (2) someone who acts as an obstacle between neighbors or as an inconvenience for other. Ngqaus are also the name of one of Gcuwa’s tributaries (Ngqaus tributary)
Ubun-Kiingu (pronounced ‘obubnkiingu”) refers to someone who stands as an example of strength; also used as the name for an entire tribe.
Ubun-Kotshwa (noun 2) refers to someone who attempts to get away with something by cheating or theft; thieves. Ubun-Mtya, N. 1, is used as an euphemism for “death”.
Additionally, this term can also refer to attempts by criminals to escape punishment by fleeing something; attempt escapation from something; flee. Ubun-Mthethwa is often used as a term of praise or as the name of tribe.
Finally ubun-Mzantsi refers to individuals that act in this fashion while Ubun-Ngowe acts similarly; to create disturbance; to create chaos; to cause disturbance.
Ngqolomsila
Ngqolomsila are one of the clans found in South Africa’s southern region and are an Indigenous people recognized by both the UN and SA government. Part of Gqunukhwebe along with Sithathu, Sukwini and Giqwa tribes – they live near Cape Town.
These tribes are descendants of the original pre-Nguni Khoena tribe. Through Mfecane Revolution in early 19th Century many clans from this original Khoena subtribe merged with Nguni offshoots such as Thembus, Mpondomise and Mpondosise as well as Mngoma, Xhamela and Zangwa tribes as part of Nguni mix.
This was a gradual process that started long before Mfecane. Tribes came into contact and formed unique social identities over time, while long distances caused distinct cultures to evolve as well – leading to distinct clans today in South Africa.
We can hope that one day these distinctive identities will be recognized as being original African Indigenous groups.
Qhumpase
Qhumpase is a clan within the Ngwane tribe in Swaziland with a long and distinguished history, often fighting other clans to defend its territory and rights.
Additionally, they assisted other Ngwane clans in defeating powerful Ntshali tribe members from northern Swaziland that used to dominate.
Ngwane legends tell the tale that Qhumpase, a powerful warrior from Ngwane, once challenged an entire group of warriors from Ntshali tribe to fight him and defeated all of them, including Ntshali leaders who fled in fear. After this victory they no longer challenged him again!
Ngwane clan members also take pride in burying their King in caves, unlike most tribes of their region, due to the belief that such burial would not disgrace his status as King.
Today, the Ngwane are continuing this tradition in Bergville where a cave was constructed to commemorate their King. Now used as a museum about Ngwane history and culture.
