Izithakazelo Zakwa Nxasana Clan Names History and Origin
Learn the history and origin of your Nxasana clan name. Explore your family tree as well as significant events which shaped Nxasana culture.
Nxasana clan names hold immense meaning and significance for individuals. They reflect not only one’s ancestry but also reflect events and developments that have profoundly shaped a nation’s development.
Nxasana Clan Names (Izithakazelo):
The Nxasana clan, part of the Nguni-speaking communities, has its own distinct set of praise names (Izithakazelo) that honor their ancestors and preserve their cultural identity.
- Nxasana
- Mvelase
- Mkhwanazi
- Mabhengu
- Mahlangu
- Mlotshwa
- Dlamini
AmaKhwemte
South Africa’s clan names each hold an unique story and meaning passed down through generations, which may play an important role for some members while less significant for others. Below are a few examples.
AmaKhwemte can trace their beginnings back to 1736 when two brothers, Mngxongo and mbuMguti, engaged in a fratricidal conflict that claimed both lives.
Mngxongo was the older of these two, serving as King of Xhosa nation at that time while MbuMguti tribe acted as protectors against potential attacks from their respective brothers but their mistake of siding with one over the other proved costly for both tribes.
AmaThembu eventually defeated the mbuMguti tribe and assimilated remnants from various tribes such as amaQiha and amaVundla into its nation, giving birth to Hlanga through one Mpondo wife and Dlomo and Balisa through another wife.
Northern Nguni clans were well known for being blessed with livestock and being generous. To show this generosity they would usually greet other clans verbally (bakhonza ngomlomo) before giving them one cow as a sign of gratitude and establish trust between friends.
This tradition still remains today as an effective way of showing gratitude, greetings and showing trust and loyalty between friendships.
Madiba
Madiba is an African name originating in the Mhlaba clan. The term refers to the first Mhlaba ruler of Zimbabwe and South Africa who became an inspiration to many within these areas, as well as an international icon and has come to symbolize various key themes today.
The Mhlaba clan dates back to when its first members settled in Zimbabwe and South Africa, eventually taking root over time, taking in new members while adapting to major events that affected its people, such as British rule in South Africa or the formation of African National Congress (ANC).
One of the key factors when selecting a baby name is its digital footprint – which can be measured through search engine results, Facebook pages and Wikipedia entries. Madiba stands out as a strong contender on all counts; making it a good option for both boys and girls.
As a parent, you may want to give your newborn the best start in life. Therefore, when choosing their name you should ensure it has positive connotations as well as being connected to family history and traditions.
Ndungwana
Ndungwana is one of the nine clans that comprise AbaThembu Kingdom and they take great pride in being known for their bravery, intelligence and peaceful nature – not to mention being extremely generous people! This clan’s reputation precedes them as well!
Ndungwana may have originated in Northern parts of Africa and later moved southward, assimilating other clans along the way, eventually reaching South Africa’s northern and southern areas as well as Lesotho and Aliwal North.
Legend holds that Ndungwana was founded by Ceduma. He is said to have fathered Luzumana who founded the Zulu nation. Luzumana fathered Malangana who left home and traveled further south seeking better grazing land.
At AbaThembu Kingdom today, descendants of his children reside across Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and South Africa, as well as Lesotho’s northern regions and Sterkspruit. This diverse population speaks both Sesotho and English fluently while being known for their bravery, generosity, and intelligence.
Qhudeni
The Nkwali clan was the initial inhabitants to settle in amaHlubi and abaThembu. Their ancestors were known as Nkwalazi Ebukhosini (Kingdom), while their name derives from “nkwal” which means to give birth; Nkwali gave birth to both uBukula, King of amaHlubi and later Maphela from amongst its ranks.
Mzimhlophe, established as the second clan settlement to relocate from KwaZulu-Natland, took its name from the shiny tin houses erected by its new residents upon leaving their original areas. It was situated nearby Gubazi and Singabantu; all were also relocation settlements.
Qhudeni became an influential and large family in their region by producing numerous kings and chiefs who fought on behalf of Thembu and Zulu kingdoms against British colonists – their common adversary.
Nkwali clan members living in the Xobho-Creighton region today still adhere to Zulu culture and custom, although some have integrated and mixed with Xobho families who were born here between 1860 and now such as Smiths, Hardmans, Delganos, Walkers and Hancocks to name but a few.
Furthermore, some Nxasana members have found employment on these farms owned by these Xobho families.
