Izithakazelo Zakwa Madela Clan Names History and Origin
Rolihlahla Mandela was born in 1918 in a remote village called Mvezo in Transkei’s Qunu district. He was the son of Nonqaphi Nosekeni and Henry Mphakanyiswa Gadla – both prominent Transkeians, serving in government as Chief and Counsellors to Jongintaba Dalindyebo during his time.
Mr Mandela was known for his great compassion. He understood how colonial settlers’ aggression had disrupted centuries-old peace between Xhosa tribes. Therefore, he preferred his clan name of Madiba over his surname when making decisions regarding clan membership and territory management.
Madela Clan Names (Izithakazelo):
The Madela clan, like many other Nguni-speaking groups, has specific praise names (Izithakazelo) that are used to honor their ancestors and preserve their cultural heritage.
- Madela
- Gwadela
- Khuzwayo
- Ndimande
- Nkwanyane
- Mntungwa
- Sibisi
Madela is a Xhosa word
South Africans place great significance on clan names as they represent one’s ancestry and social standing. Therefore, when speaking to someone, it is considered polite to use their clan name when speaking directly with them.
Mr Mandela used Madiba – which was taken from one of Thembu’s chiefs who ruled during the 18th century – which remains widely used today as a term of endearment and respect by many people.
Contrary to other tribes in South Africa, Zulus do not distinguish themselves by distinct tribes but instead use clan praises (izithakazelo) that represent their ancestry and family history as a means to distinguish individuals within one family – for instance if two families belong to different clans such as Cele clan or Khumbuza clan they will treat one another like brothers and sisters respectively.
Zulus are widely known for their traditional beer, Xasa. Made using fermented maize and available at most restaurants across South Africa, Xasa is highly acclaimed as both medicinal beer and source of nutrition that supports maintaining a healthy diet.
Madela is a Zulu word
Clan names are significant to Zulu culture as they identify people’s lineage and ancestry, as well as building relationships among members of one clan based on mutual respect and understanding. Such relationships play a crucial role in keeping peace throughout a nation.
The Xhosa are similar to Scottish people in that they use family names instead of surnames; however, their last names differ by being determined based on male lineage rather than female.
Furthermore, as patrilineal societies go, men inherit their ancestors so the oldest son usually inherits his brother’s wife after their death – this practice known as “inxala.”
Madiba refers to Mr Mandela’s clan, from whom he descended. This title is more meaningful than simply using their surname – it honors their ancestor from which they descended and is considered polite when used. Mr Mandela’s father Mgadla served on council under abaThembu Chief as well.
The Thusi clan takes great pride in protecting their totem animal: the baboon. If they encounter this creature often in their homestead, they consult a sangoma to understand why this has come into existence.
Madela is a Swazi word
People referring to Nelson Mandela, deceased, often refer to him by his clan name of Madiba – this term shows respect and remembers his heritage; clan names in South African culture play an extremely vital role, making its use highly polite.
Mngxongo was a member of the abaThembu tribe and father to Mguti. Mgxongo attempted to seize land belonging to AmaQwathi but was killed with his dogs by Mgosesebeni after trying to collect it, while later Zima overthrew Nkhume as King of amaThembu tribe.
Ntande was an astute ruler who skillfully combined fragments from various tribes into his kingdom, giving birth to Hlanga from a woman belonging to the Mqiha clan, Dlomo and Balisa from two additional wives respectively, with Maya becoming queen of abaThembu.
Saulos was among the sports personalities who paid their respects to Nelson Mandela. She felt honored and humbled to meet this global icon and heard all he had to say about family, country and the world; furthermore he wanted to learn about her.
Madela is a Ndebele word
The Madela clan is perhaps one of the best-known families in South Africa. Their totem animal is the baboon, which they will not harm.
Additionally, this clan is famous for their love of beer: whenever a member sees one they call out “Sangoma!” to show respect; once seen they will drink traditional beer as a sign that this animal symbolizes witchcraft; thus being protected.
Clan names are an integral component of identity and history for individuals, serving as markers that reflect their ancestry while distinguishing between tribes. Nelson Mandela took on the name Madiba at birth.
He was born Rolihlahla Mandela to Nonqaphi Nosekeni and Henry Mgadla and lived with them in Mvezo village on the Eastern Cape.
Nxeko was considered to be the first legitimate King of abaThembu because he combined elements from Mpondo, eMfengu and amaVundle into his kingdom to form his realm. From these diverse communities came Hlanga from one Mpondo wife and Dlomo and Balisa by two others wives.
Ndonga himself begot Hlanga by Ndonga’s Mpondo woman wife as well as Dlomo and Balisa from two other wives respectively; Dlomo was then King of Mkhume as he battled warlords to unite AbaThembu under one leadership skillse.
Ndonga himself became respected leader who reigned until Ndonga came along to take control; his leadership skills earned respectful leadership status throughout abaThembu.
