Izithakazelo Zakwa Mshengu Clan Names History and Origin
People with the last name Mshengu typically possess an excellent work ethic. They are disciplined, reliable, and possess high standards of honesty; in other words, these individuals take life very seriously and do not readily see humor in anything that comes their way.
Baby names have the power to shape who we are as individuals and shape our experiences in life, which makes picking one so essential.
Mshengu Clan Names
- Mshengu
- Khumalo
- Mntungwa
- Mageba
- Bhodl’ omnyama
- Ndlangamandla
- Nyathi
- Donda
- Mkhatshwa
- Mlotshwa
Zulu Origin
The Zulu are a large nation occupying much of KwaZulu-Natal province (formerly Natal). Their language and culture is deeply influenced by Nguni culture; prior to joining other Nguni clans under their leader Shaka in the early 19th century to form the Zulu empire.
Eeach clan operated independently under strict seniority ranks with fields and herds under authority of their chief. Polygyny was common, with each man’s wives ranking by seniority under an “important wife”, usually an “great wife”, who later gave birth to his heir.
Clan systems play an essential role in shaping Zulu culture and identity. Their people believe their ancestors come from one king, giving them a strong sense of history. On top of this, however, Zulus are practical people who often take their responsibilities very seriously, making it harder for them to see the lighter or humorous sides of situations.
Historely, Zulus have long relied on agriculture and raising livestock as primary means of support. Maize was their staple crop; other important vegetables included spinach, pumpkins, beans and potatoes.
Meat consumption is often reserved as an occasional treat – death was seen as polluting and many rituals were performed after burial to purge it from their souls and send them on their journeys.
Xhosa Origin
The Xhosa people of South Africa belong to one of three nations known collectively as Nguni and their culture has an emphasis on clan names that hold important meaning for them as an integral component. Clan names contain historical data regarding each family and its ancestor who share that surname.
Xhosas, like other African peoples, have a deep respect for their ancestors and perform an imbeleko ceremony when a new baby arrives, to introduce him or her to their ancestors. Additionally, young men must undergo circumcisation as an important transition into manhood.
These beliefs are evident in their lifestyle. The Xhosas have an extremely rich culture with numerous traditional dances and are famous for their delicious marrow-filled meat dishes. Their jewelry features earrings with beads and necklaces with red, black, dark blue and white beads; women frequently wear long skirts with cloth draped over their shoulders as a sign of femininity.
Mshengu has an immense impact on their lives and takes their responsibilities very seriously. They are also practical and reliable people. Additionally, they possess an exceptional work ethic and do not allow themselves to become easily distracted from their goal. Furthermore, these individuals possess incredible intelligence as they love reading books.
Nguni Origin
It is interesting to observe how Ngoni people differ from other African groups when it comes to clans. This can be seen through how, though they claim membership of one clan (usually Njenga or Karanga).
They do not feature on lists compiled by Zululand or Swaziland which clearly show they belong elsewhere; perhaps due to Maravi philosophy which emphasizes membership as an honourable status rather than as a sign of descent.
These beliefs appear to have also had an effect on their relations within the clan, with members required to swear an oath of allegiance to the clan they belonged to and name children after their totem animals – this was particularly evident amongst Ngoni peoples, who did not use traditional initiation processes but still insisted upon instilling totem loyalty into their young.
This pattern can be seen through the transformation of Nhlane (which Bryant (1929) refers to as Nsani), into Pahla and Msambi in Malawi. Certainly this change demonstrates the influence of Malawi dialect on Ngoni; furthermore it could indicate accommodation or paronomasia when applied as an indicator for cultural adaptation or paronomasia.
Tshabalala Origin
Mshengu is a name that symbolizes hard work. That explains why Mshengu clan names are frequently found amongst the most successful individuals in business; those who understand its value. Millionaire Sam Holdings stands as an example, starting out his career as a truck driver before going on to build his fortune through hard work and careful planning.
He has even used his money to provide aid for those in need, like helping a family who were about to be evicted from their four-room matchbox home, paying burial expenses of another individual, and giving meat donations directly to pensioners.
Mshengu is the founder of Tshabalala Enterprises, an expansive enterprise with meat markets, bottle stores, dry-cleaning depots and cinema. A multimillionaire known as “Mr. Africa,” Mshengu also donates his time and wealth to benefit those less fortunate both in Soweto and Swaziland.
As well as being active within Sofasonke Party politics as former Women League President he serves as an avid mentor for numerous young entrepreneurs while leading an outstanding team comprising finance management committee members and departmental managers to run his enterprise successfully.
