Izithakazelo Zakwa Masilela Clan Names History and Origin
Clan names are an integral part of African culture and identity, serving to identify an individual’s lineage and ancestry.
Credo Mutwa is an accomplished individual, boasting both tradition and modernity in his talents. His initiation name “Vusamazulu,” meaning the Awakener of Zulus, epitomises this perfectly. Credo has truly done this.
Masilela Clan Names
- Masilela
- Mbuyazi
- Nkosi
- Mdletshe
- Mlambo
- Nyandeni
- Dlamini
- Mhlanga
- Thabede
- Zwane
Masilela Clan Origin
African people need to feel connected with their clans as it provides them with a sense of identity. Clan names, commonly referred to as izithakazelo, serve to distinguish the lineage of different individuals within an extended family unit. To ascertain where any specific surname originates from one should look through historical records.
Kgalabi Msiza was head of a Msiza family which enjoyed high status among Ndebele king Ndzundza’s shield-bearers. Kgalabi relocated his family from Hartbeesfontein to Odi where they built new homes – this move involved 21 families but may have actually involved 18 since most Msiza men were polygamous.
After Kgalabi died, leadership passed to Mahlangu and his five sons; eventually however, these sons fell out among themselves and eventually caused a split within Msiza Clan itself; one group united around Manala while the other was led by Ndzundza.
Eventually though Ndzundza were defeated at Mnyamana by amaKumalo whereupon Magodongo along with all his Right-Hand House sons were slaughtered by amaKumalo at Mnyamana resulting in Msiza becoming dominant and becoming the dominant branch within Ndebele Nation history.
Masilela Clan Meaning
African people typically identify with one or more clans. Clan membership gives people a sense of belonging and is integral to culture. Clan names may even be attached to people’s names as a mark of honor for the family holding onto that name; this practice is known as izithakazelo.
Masilela clan names translate to “heroic.” A hero can be defined as someone with strong leadership capabilities and loyalty who also boasts an impressive physical physique.
This surname can be found all around the globe due to globalization. People from different nations can now share one surname. There are also countries in which there is a higher concentration of people with this surname than others, for instance South Africa has the highest proportion of people bearing it, followed by Zimbabwe and Swaziland.
There are also other African nations where Credo Mutwa’s surname has an exceptionally high prevalence. People with this surname tend to be intelligent and have made significant contributions to modernity through writing, music and more. Credo Mutwa himself has written extensively on issues that affect southern Africa.
Masilela Clan Variations
The Ndebele are an ethnic Nguni-speaking group from South East Africa who inhabit areas including KZN, Swaziland and parts of Eastern Transvaal today. Sometimes referred to as Matabele (Mathabaca, Motshini or Matohliso).
Details regarding the Ndebele prior to their arrival on the highveld are scarce, though Mafana and Mhlanga were at their head. When Mhlanga died his clan became embroiled in an intense succession struggle which eventually saw his son Musi assume power. Musi and his family eventually relocated to Mnyamana near Wonderboompoort north of Pretoria where they dispersed into two tribes – Ndzundza and Manala.
During this period, Ndebele tribesmen and disaffected Dutch farmers known as Voortrekkers engaged in intermittent skirmishes. These farmers also referred to the Ndebele people as Mapog, Mapochga or Mapoers.
Following Mfene and his entourage’s departure for Weltevrede, Hartbeesfontein community leadership passed to Hlangane Speelman Msiza, his oldest son by Usmeshe. Msiza had nine homesteads; three included two wives each; they were joined by families such as Zondiwe Jacob Bhuda and Umdundwana Amy Msiza who were his brother’s children respectively.
By 1953 the Msizas had rebuilt their houses at Odi while members of both Bhuda and Skosana families included Msiza women as wives for their respective marriages to become part of these extended families – something none other family had experienced since Mfene had left Hartbeesfontein.
Masilela Clan Etymology
Masilela clan names are an integral part of African culture and identity, serving to establish one’s lineage or ancestry and give one a sense of belonging. Clans form the backbone of African life; therefore it’s commonplace for different members from a tribe to possess different clan names.
The Ndebele people are commonly known by their term of endonym, “tebele,” which translates as “plunderers” or “strangers.” They share this title with Venda-speaking BaTlokwa who settled the central highveld some four centuries ago and became integrated by Sotho-speakers.
AmaMatabele are Nguni-speaking people from Northern KwaZulu who relocated onto the eastern highveld in 1823 before heading west into Zimbabwe; while amaKumalo Nguni-speaking migrants who migrated into central highveld around 1837.
Globalization has resulted in surnames extending far beyond their country of origin, so that today you can find people bearing Masilela clan names all around the globe. They are most prevalent in South Africa where they make up one percent of population.
Other instances can be found in Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and Namibia as well. Historical records can provide unique insight into your family tree; search birth certificates, death certificates, or immigration data to learn more about your Masilela clan!
