Izithakazelo Zakwa Mpondomise Clan Names History and Origin
The Mpondomise people are divided into multiple clans which reflect the house of their king, as well as cadet branches from other houses.
Clan names are considered more significant in Xhosa society, so when meeting someone it is polite to inquire of their clan name. We will explore some of the most prominent mpinga clans.
Mpondomise Clan Names
- Mpondomise
- Tshomane
- Majola
- Jola
- Yili
- Rhadebe
- Maphasa
- Ngoza
- Nondzaba
- Ndlela
Sontonga
Enoch Sontonga was born around 1873 in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape Colony and after receiving his teacher training at Lovedale Institution, was sent to Nancefield (Klipspruit) Methodist Mission school near Johannesburg to work as a teacher for eight years.
With his gift for song and his writing style (such as Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika in tonic sol-fa on odd sheets of paper with the intent of publishing), his compositions, including Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika in tonic sol-fa for publication were often shared among his pupils with many more being written down on paper before being collected into an exercise book as a personal diary by him for posterity’s use by pupils in Nancefield Mission school near Johannesburg.
He died on 18 April 1905 and was laid to rest in the Christian Native section of Braamfontein Cemetery. Later his gravesite was declared an official heritage site.
Hal Shaper, author and researcher, was informed that Sontonga’s grave could be found by searching under “Enoch”, as most blacks were listed by only their first names.
When doing this a grave number was located within Christian Native section and Sontonga was finally located. On Heritage Day 1996 a large granite cube was placed upon Sontonga’s gravesite which would become known as Nkosi Sikelel’ ilAfrika.
To commemorate this eventful event in his honour on Heritage Day 1996 Heritage Day 1996 an eventful tribute paid in honour of this remarkable achievement by placing a large granite cube on his grave; on Heritage Day 1996 an event was hosted to honor Nkosi Sikelel’ ilAfrika by placing a large granite cube.
Which became known as Nkosi Sikelel’ ilAfrika on his grave which became known as Nkosi Sikelel’ ilAfrika; upon which on Heritage Day 1996 a large granite cube dedicated as Nkosi Sikelel’ ilAfrika was held.
Qhinebe
Qhinebe is one of six clans within the Gqunukhwebe family and can trace its lineage back to Mpondo. Other clans within this family include Santsabe, Sukude, Msiza, Ncindise and Cabe.
This clan is related to AmaMpondo and Mpondomise families, but settled in Thembuland 350 years ago so has more of an association with Thembu culture and society. Jijo and Mtshutshumbe founded this clan.
There is also the possibility that this clan may share a connection to the Xhobo people from Eastern Cape and South Africa, who hail from Mkhosi and Xasa rivers as part of Zulu nation.
Scholars need to further investigate this question but it remains a beautiful and distinct clan that remains highly popular with locals; their friendly personalities make this clan one worth visiting or spending time in, along with being talented athletes or participating in cultural activities like sports or other forms of recreation.
Tshonyane
In 1922 he was part of the leadership that wrote the Hani Memorandum – an important document which denounced lack of accountability, nepotism and favouritism that threatened to destroy the movement from within.
Tshonyane wasn’t willing to sit by and let this happen without speaking up when necessary – not that he was necessarily powerful or strong himself but that didn’t stop him speaking his mind!
One of the great sons of Phalo was Langa from Gcaleka (Great House). His competition with Rharhabe, son of right hand house, would lead to the division of Xhosa nation and transform history forever in southern Africa.
Tshonyane is an enduring clan that boasts an exceptional and historic legacy in South Africa and beyond, one that must be preserved for future generations to enjoy. Their story of courage, perseverance and success speaks for itself – as does that of people standing up for what they believed in even at great personal sacrifice.
Sukwini
Sukwini is one of South Africa’s many clans. Also referred to as Khoe or, more precisely, Khoena or KhoenKhoen – which does not come from an indigenous source – Sukwini means people.
Sukwini is a large clan which encompasses much of South Africa’s Eastern Cape region and features wildlife as an integral component of their culture. Sukwini has become known as an area with high biodiversity levels.
In Mdantsane in the 17th century, Ntsika established the House of Sukwini. Over time, numerous other clans were established by various families in Mdantsane; most have fallen into disuse.
But during ubuTshawe House (which existed from 1736-1773), Sukwini emerged as an influential and powerful force that expanded their territories rapidly – becoming the dominant group within Mdantsane itself.
Xesibe
The Xesibe people are an ethnic Nguni-speaking group residing in the Northern and Eastern parts of South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, located along its border. Closely related to both Xebukho and /Xam people.
Before kingdoms were instituted there was very little rigidity within clans as they intermarried freely with one another as well as with Khoena people such as Khoena/Xam peoples; this still remains true today – one example being Gqunukwebe clan which originated around 1700 from an intermarry between Khoena/Xam/Xam mixture.
Referencing someone by their clan name in Xhosa is an act of great respect; this refers to their male ancestor or stock. A woman can take her husband’s surname but keep her own clan name with an additional prefix ‘Ma’ added, such as Nelson Mandela did when marrying his surname and keeping it.
Clan names also convey values or opinions expressed through them – such as Lindiwe’s name which stands for kindness within a community and emphasised by its prefix “Ma” which also means mother-of in English!
