Izithakazelo Zakwa Mahlangu Clan Names History and Origin
Clan names in Mahlangu culture play an integral part of African life and identity. People from various clans attach their clan name as a badge of pride and unification.
Many countries worldwide boast an increased population with the Mahlangu surname due to either errors in writing, voluntary changes by bearers or modifications for language purposes.
Mahlangu Clan Names
- Mahlangu
- Ndebele
- Swazi
- Mthethwa
- Ndlovu
- Khumalo
- Ntuli
- Mthembu
- Ngcobo
- Nxumalo
- Cele
- Dlamini
- Gumede
- Shabalala
- Zungu
- Mkhize
- Majozi
- Hlongwane
- Zwane
- Sithole
Zulu origin
The Ndebele are a Bantu-speaking people that originated in East Africa’s Great Lakes region and migrated southward through modern South Africa into its southern regions, eventually assimilating and conquering indigenous San (or Bushmen) peoples. Although generally patriarchal in society, their mother figure – iNdlovukazi or “Great Mother” – holds an influential and respectable place within family structures.
Early Ndebele tribes settled along Steelpoort River and built impregnable stone fortresses to defend themselves from invaders. Ndzundza and Manala nearly disappeared during Mzilikazi’s Zulu uprising of 1820-1825, yet managed to rebound under Mabhoko and ultimately thrive again. Their vibrant culture is manifested both through art and lifestyle expression; their language consists of both Nguni and Pedi dialects but efforts were made during 1980’s to preserve a purer form that now teaches at schools.
The Mahlangu clan name derives from the Ndebele word mahluka, which translates to “to smear”. It is an extremely widespread South African surname shared by over one million individuals globally and ranks 2,446th most frequently occurring surname. Pronounced mah-luh-guy it can be found primarily throughout Africa as well as parts of Europe and South America.
Swazi origin
The Mahlangu clan name can be found primarily in South Africa and ranks 2,446th most frequently worldwide. Additionally, it can be found in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi as well. Although its source remains uncertain, its potential connection could lie within Ndebele word khumalo meaning ‘lion’. There may also be Zulu roots associated with it.
In 1847, the Ndebele people were first visited by Voortrekkers from Cape Dutch farmers who had left due to dissatisfaction; this marked the start of long contact between Ndebele people and foreign settlers that has led to many ideas from Christianity and Western civilization influencing Ndebele art styles today.
Ndebele art is distinguished by bold large-scale patterns and the use of symbols. While its roots lie within traditional Ndebele culture, contemporary influences and trends also play a part in this style’s development; Esther Mahlangu is an esteemed Ndebele artist known for her paintings.
The Ndebele are an Nguni-speaking people from South Africa who originally resided in areas including KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland and Eastern Transvaal. Over time they moved further north, eventually settling in Matabeleland (today located within Zimbabwe) before splitting into two main migration parties – one headed directly for Matabeleland while the other remained near Marblehall/Grobersdal in Western Transvaal.
Dutch origin
Mahlangu is the name of a South African artist named Esther Mahlangu who runs a school to teach young girls painting techniques for bead arrangements, with the goal of helping girls from low-income households become professional artists and promote their works. Based in Johannesburg, this school has gained much praise for its commitment to women artists.
Mahlangu’s art is inspired by traditional African designs. Her pieces often incorporate bright shapes and vibrant colors as well as recycled materials in her compositions. She is an advocate for women in society; her art aims to break down any barriers which discriminate against them; this has led her to exhibit her works internationally such as Biennale de l’Art Africain in Paris.
At the close of the 19th century, Ndebele people moved from northern KwaZulu to western Zimbabwe as migrants; this movement gave rise to their collective name “Matabele”. Nguni-speaking Nguni people also have a special name: they call themselves Nguni (“the plunderers”).
Mabhogo died in 1865, leaving the Ndebele people to sort through an intricate inheritance dispute. Leadership passed to the Masilela family; Soqaleni led until 1873 before being succeeded by Xobongo until his death when it passed on to Nyabele.
Sotho origin
Errors in writing, voluntary changes by those bearing it or language-related adaptations make tracing the exact origins of surnames difficult – yet that does not make them impossible! For example, Mahlangu name has an interesting history.
After Mafana died, Mhlanga assumed leadership and relocated the Ndebele to Wonderboompoort (now Randfontein). He founded eMhlangeni as his new capital; its name means “Mhlanga’s place”. Mhlanga attempted to expand Ndebele territory north and south but foundered against Swazi and Pedi forces which he wasn’t ready to directly challenge.
As time passed, the Ndebele group dissipated. The Manala branch remained with Musi’s five sons; while Ndzundza disintegrated into multiple smaller groups such as Masombuka joining Pedi, Sibasa remaining with be-Venda, Mrhwaduba returning to KZN and Dhlomu leaving for Free State.
Musi died, leaving Mhlanga as his heir. However, soon afterwards Mhlanga found himself embroiled in a protracted struggle between himself and his other sons over inheritance; ultimately Mhlanga was defeated and forced to relocate his group westward towards Roosenekal; soon thereafter Manala assumed control and reigned until 1903 ended; during which period the Ndzundza and Manala branches engaged in an ongoing bloody feud for control of South African highveld regions.
