Izithakazelo zakwa Ngonyama Clan Names History and Origin
History and Origin of Ngonyama Clan Names In Africa, many people identify with their paternal clan. Therefore it’s common practice among Xhosa children to adopt their father’s clan name as their surname; asking someone’s clan name shows respect.
Rycroft speculates that ngonyama could be linked to libhubesi (“lion”). Both words might share Proto Bantu roots *nyama “meat, flesh”, which would make sense given its context.
Ngonyama Clan Names
The Ngonyama clan, part of the broader Zulu ethnic group in South Africa, has its own set of praise names (izithakazelo). Here are some common Ngonyama clan names:
- Ngonyama
- Hlabisa
- Zwide
- Mlotshwa
- Mdladla
- Ndlandla
- Mabhoko
- Mkhatshwa
- Mabhida
- Nomajaha
Mthimkhulu kaMthimkhulu
Historical records provide a window into the past, providing access to personal and family details of our ancestors’ lives, their children, spouses and relatives; as well as providing some insight into what they did for a living.
Ngonyama is an important clan name in Xhosa culture and considered polite when meeting new people; Jan Vansina discusses this in his article “Paths in the Rainforest.” Additionally, leopard has long been associated with royalty in central and southern African cultures.
Mhlambiso kaMthimkhulu
Mhlambiso kaMthimkhulu (Langalibalele I kaMthimkhulu), located in the Eastern Cape. They had Khoi-khoi ancestry.
Mhlambiso KaMthimkhulu’s Ngonyama family were well known for their expertise in kingship medicine and rainmaking – something neighboring kingdoms frequently sought his counsel about. Additionally, they were known for their fighting prowess:
Mhlambiso KaMthimkhulu was Ngonyama of amaMpangazitha KaBhungane before his death 1818/1825; married into amaMntambose family and had issue while fighting in what would become known as Standerton area; also served Ngonyama roles of Luzipho KaLuzipho and Mpande KaLuphindo respectively and had 2 wives and 1 son in each.
Luzipho kaMthimkhulu
The amaHlubi were an imposing nation that caused fear among their neighbouring kingdoms, taking their name from Mahlubi who Hadebe rescued from being killed by Ncobo and took as his wife; when their children disobeyed Ncobo they gave her away as their own and became known as amaHlubi – hence giving rise to this name for their nation.
Rycroft translated the name as “Leopards.” Jan Vansina discusses this translation, noting how leopards are usually associated with powerful rulers.
Bhungane II was an Inyanga who was highly esteemed among his neighbours, particularly Zulu kings at that time. His talent as an herbalist and rainmaker were legendary; even saving King Mzizi from being murdered due to many plots devised against him.
Mpande kaLuphindo
This clan name comes from the Chinese root hlong-, meaning to find. This clan name describes those who seek out discovery.
As such, they were well known as experts who could detect anything (Mzolo, 1997). Furthermore, their knowledge of battle proved extremely successful during wartime campaigns.
After Dingane was defeated at the Battle of Blood River in 1838 by Boers, their clan gained prominence under its leader Cetshwayo who vied with Mpande’s second son Mbuyazi for control of Mpande’s kingdom and caused him to leave behind both family and kingdom and later die an exile – thus becoming known as Mpande’s people.
Duba kaMthimkhulu
Kwakunye Nobunzima Bhobho Ibonqo Izikokele are all words related to ancestor worship; these names link Africans deeply spiritual people who believe strongly in their ancestors’ spirits and wish they were still here with us today.
Duba ngonyama clan members are descendants of Hluvi people who emigrated from Mhlahlandlela Kingdom and settled in Eastern Cape. They were among the first families to leave home; along with them came Nxumalo family and Hlave family, as well as carrying an African Angelica tree with them.
Clan Nguni are an immensely strong group who fight for their rights and privileges with great vigor, possessing several villages in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province.
Mathandela kaDuba
Mathandela KaDuba (in Thembu land) is an ancestral clan primarily made up of descendants from Chief Nkwali; their leader being Mabaso and being well known for their love of cattle.
Clan names are authentic African identities that serve to identify someone and give them a sense of belonging, while representing family, cultural and historical connections. Furthermore, children in African communities often take their paternal ancestor’s clan name when born – it is therefore considered polite to inquire as soon as you meet someone about their clan name.
Nyaniso kaMathandela
This clan can be found in Thembu, and includes Nelson Mandela and his family. Additionally, it is known as the Madiba clan.
Ngwenyama: According to Rycroft, this term means either ‘lion’ or is related to the word libhubesi – both being symbols associated with rulers in many central and southern African cultures.
Download this full article to gain more information about this clan here. This piece was written by AA Jacques at Adolfmsonga.com’s African Genealogy & History Blog; follow him on Twitter or Facebook for updates! This website was also created in cooperation with Mhlahlandlela Kingdom- Mavunda Hlave Recitation; their Kings are relatives to Mhelembe family of Hlave tribe.
Ngonyama Mpangazitha kaBhungane
Ngonyama Mpangazitha was the son of Ntsimango and father to his grandson uZwide. He served as Chief of the Mhlongo clan before passing away at eMcweBeni (Magoza) in this district.
He earned a reputation for fighting fiercely and successfully defended his cattle from raiders. Additionally, he defeated numerous rival claimants to his chieftainship.
Rycroft offers another interpretation for the name Ngonyama, suggesting it refers to someone who consumes large quantities of meat. This would make sense since “Ngonyama” can also refer to lions or “strong people”, with strong protection provided to livestock against marauders.
