Izithakazelo Zakwa Mkhabela Clan Names History and Origin

Globalization has allowed surnames to expand far beyond their national origin. This may occur due to errors in writing, voluntary modifications by bearers or changes for language reasons.

Clan names play an integral part in African communities and provide individuals with a means of identifying their lineage or ancestry. Also referred to as izithakazelo names.

Mkhabela Clan Names

• Mkhabela
• Mshengu
• Luvuno
• Nkosi
• Mntungwa
• Thole
• Qubheka
• Mahlobo
• Hlandlamvula
• Dlomo

Zulu Clans

The Zulu were initially one of many small clans within the Nguni Bantu peoples living around what is today northern KwaZulu Natal. Clan chief Shaka Zulu united the various Nguni groups into one unified Zulu nation, becoming an effective military force against British colonial rule in Africa.

Zulu culture defines family as a large extended household including all those living there – grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and in-laws alike. Furthermore, families typically share meals together to foster the notion of Ubuntu (“I am because you are”) by drinking from one cup and dining on plates shared among family and friends alike.

Clan names are derived from the first ancestor in each family lineage that gave rise to it. Clans join together into tribes, which eventually make up nations – in South Africa there are four major Nguni nations: AmaNdebele, AmaZulu, AmaChakwe and AmaSwazi; however there are also AmaXhosa tribal clans and clans which share similar clan names like Radebe, Ndaba Jama Senzangakhona KaJama etc.

Ndabezitha Clans

The Ndabezitha are descendants of Mageba, son of Phunga – founder of the Zulu dynasty. Originating in northern KZN’s Mdi area and can be found around Mahlabathini, Msinga and Nqanda as well as northern Gauteng and Free State as well as elsewhere around South Africa or Afrika or within their diaspora communities.

Mageba was an outstanding warrior and leader, and his followers, the Mdi Ndabezitha clan are his loyalists. For centuries they have been known for their fighting skills and military tactics which has earned them the name’sharpshooters’ among other clans who fought alongside them during African battles.

The Ndabezitha clan name is composed of noun umuthi (tree) and adjective omkhulu (big) which have been combined through phonological processes to produce clan name mthimkhulu (long tree).

A similar process was also used when creating clan name dlamini by using verb prefix -e and adjective stem -mini to incorporate into noun form class 3 noun form name idlamini. These processes are common within Nguni language language speakers.

Dlamini Clans

The Dlamini clan, found in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), are descendants of southern Bantu peoples and part of the Nguni subclans, related to both Zulus and Xhosas. Between 15th and 16th century Dlamini ancestors split off from Nguni migrants to settle near Pongolo River; their praises differ significantly from other Nguni groups.

Dlamini clan members had historically been part of the larger Ngwane clan and inherited its land and resources. Unfortunately, however, due to being raided frequently by other Nguni tribes they established independent chiefdoms that eventually gave rise to Eswatini as an independent nation-state.

According to tradition, Nkosi Dlamini, who founded the Dlamini chiefdom, married into various family lines and produced multiple offspring – including kings – of his own bloodline. Additionally, he established both Ngxinoboya and Cubungulashe clans from his offspring.

Today, individuals bearing the Dlamini surname can be found across the world. Although their nationalities and languages may differ greatly, their culture and heritage remain the same. Globalization has allowed families with this surname to expand across countries far removed from their original homeland; this has resulted in individuals with Dlamini names becoming well-known figures within certain fields – some famous artists while others become prominent scientists or politicians.

Ndlovu Clans

The Ndlovu clan of South Africa’s Ndebele tribe is an influential family known for their legendary warriors and outstanding qualities of courage and honor, along with being friendly and generous towards friends. Dating back centuries, their history can be found throughout Africa’s ancient past. Today they remain one of South Africa’s strongest clans.

Ndlovu is a clan name derived from elephant, which serves as an animal totem among both Ndebele and Nguni peoples. The clan is composed of people groups and families that venerate this animal; over time these assimilated into Ndebele state life while adopting this name and clan.

Some historians have asserted that Ndlovus are descended from Ndzudza and Manala’s Ndebele people, which later merged with Mzilikazi KaMatshobane’s Ndebele during Mfecane period. However, such claims do not accord with some links recognized between clans; Nkosi is not related to Mboma for instance and there exists a marriage ban between Maseko and Nyamazani clans.

Ndlovu clans have an illustrious past and are well known in Ndebele tribe. Proud of their heritage and willing to fight for it, these clans can make an immense difference wherever they reside and make an important impactful statement about what makes us who we are as individuals and communities.