Izithakazelo Zakwa Ntshangase Clan Names History and Origin
Ntshangase clan names are used to distinguish members of a specific family or group from others, often having special meaning or origins that allow for easy differentiation from one group or family to the next. They’re also useful in distinguishing one individual from another.
Clan names in isiZulu are formed by combining nouns and adjectives; for instance, Mthimkhulu can be formed using umuthi (tree) and omkhulu (big).
Ntshangase Clan Names
- Ntshangase
- Zulu
- Buthelezi
- Mthethwa
- Ndlovu
- Khumalo
- Ntuli
- Mthembu
- Ngcobo
- Nxumalo
- Cele
- Dlamini
- Gumede
- Shabalala
- Zungu
- Mkhize
- Majozi
- Hlongwane
- Zwane
- Sithole
Ntshangase Clan History
Since surnames have undergone changes over time in both spelling and pronunciation, it can sometimes be hard to determine whether a clan name comes first. Furthermore, two surnames could share similar origins and meaning.
For instance a clan name that sounds similar such as Ntshangase may have been written or pronounced differently giving birth to yet another surname with similar connotations.
The Ntshangase clan forms part of the Mpondo Kingdom in South Africa’s Eastern Cape region. This society of tribes and clans have come together under the leadership of Mpondo kings as an integrated national group.
Their kingdom comprises many towns and cities such as Lusikisiki, Siphaqeni (commonly referred to as Flagstaff), Port St Johns and Libode – among many others.
Ntshangase is one of the best-known Mpondo clan names. It derives from ndabezitha (Bulls in Mpondo language). This refers to their history as fierce warriors renowned for hunting and combative hunting – gaining them the moniker “People of Bulls”.
The Ntshangase clan comprises two brothers named Mpondo and Mpondomise. According to legend, Mpondo killed a lion while hunting and refused to pass its skin over as custom dictated. This caused great friction between them both and eventually resulted in them leaving their father’s home together.
Ntshangase Clan Origin
Over time, surnames tend to change their spelling and pronunciation due to various influences including changes in how people speak. Although this process can be difficult to discern from a distance, historical records may provide further insights into your family history such as birth/death dates, addresses, occupations etc.
Historely, clan names were commonly employed to distinguish a group of individuals within society or community at large and define individual identity. Names could often be formed from nouns and pronouns that related directly to relationships between people.
For instance the Nkabinde name derives from noun izinkabi (small) and tallness adjective ezinde (tall), with people bearing this moniker being known for having strength during war-related battles that could easily kill enemies quickly (Mzolo 1977).
Origins of Ntshangase clan names can be traced back to early South African history. When South Africa became independent as a nation, Zulu tribe leaders gave clan names based on followers’ ancestry and occupations in order to distinguish their members from other groups in society and community.
These clan names allowed individuals from distinct ancestries or occupations within each Zulu clan to identify more easily among each other than through general community membership.
Ntshangase Clan Meaning
Clan names are words or group of words used to distinguish one person from another within their family, community or society. Used across many languages including Zulu, they help identify someone’s roots and history while their meaning can be learned by conducting document analysis or interviews with family members of a certain clan name.
Mpondo-land today can be divided into several clans that can be identified. First are those belonging to various houses of Mpondo Kings that can be traced back to Mpondo and his twin brother. Furthermore, clans that originally belonged outside Mpondo-land but are now acknowledged as part of it and pay their dues can also be identified and paid tributes by Mpondo-Kingdom Kings.
The most commonly-used approach for pronouncing clan names is to combine their two elements into a single word; this shortened form still constitutes the official word for that clan and includes three syllables that start a-b-z-e and may or may not include its second element; nevertheless, all four syllables must be combined and pronounced correctly for proper understanding.
Ntshangase surname is more prevalent in one country of the world than any other due to ancestry from that country having originated as it originates there as its roots go back many generations ago.
Ntshangase Clan Popularity
Ntshangase is one of the most widespread last names in Africa and worldwide, ranking 11,637th on a global scale – it occurs most commonly in South Africa where all 100 of its bearers reside.
The name comes from ngaphandle (the way the clans travel), and can refer to an individual who knows all the routes and is constantly travelling and exploring. It could serve as a warning for others not to approach, as they could be dangerous; or simply indicate someone with high intelligence who can quickly spot danger.
Clan names serve to differentiate members of one tribe/kingdom from others and can often become sources of pride and honor for members. Some common examples of Ntshangase clan names include Mbhabaya and Mzimba.
Malibe, M. J. (2009). A Study of Nguni Clan Praise Poetry in Zululand. Unpublished Master’s Dissertation. Finnegan, R. (1982). Oral Literature in Africa. London: Longmans. Fortune, G. (1976). Shona Praise Poetry.
Cape Town: University of Cape Town. Kosch, I. M. (2002). Morphology A Reader for Beginners New York Oxford University Press Nkosi N R & Msomi G N (2015) Keeping family history alive Pietermaritzburg: Reach Out Publishers
