Izithakazelo zakwa Shamase Clan Names History and Origin
Much has been written about King Shaka and his legacy, yet it is important to distinguish fact from fiction. Historian Maxwell Zakhele Shamase of Deutsche Welle (DW) interviews Maxwell Zakhele Shamase about why “Shaka” has come to represent battle and bloodshed.
Not always though; closer examination reveals that first names became surnames in precolonial Africa.
Sambo Clan Names (Izithakazelo):
The Sambo clan, which is part of the broader Nguni-speaking communities in southern Africa, has its own set of praise names (izithakazelo) that reflect the clan’s heritage and history.
- Sambo
- Magudu
- Makhasane
- Mthombeni
- Nyambose
- Mathebula
- Mabaso
Shaka rule of the Zulu tribe
Shaka earned himself a reputation as both powerful and brutal during his 10-year rule of the Zulu tribe. Known as both strong and brutal, he transformed their small tribal society into a formidable empire while shaping Zulu culture during times of great conflict throughout South Africa – such as during Mfecane genocide that killed over 250,000 people during Mfecane.
Oral history provides most of what is known about Shaka’s early life. One account claims he was born of an illicit love affair between his father, Senzangakhona and Nandi of Elangeni clan and daughter of Langeni chief.
These two met at an esiKlebeni homestead near present-day Babanango; although Nandi denied having been involved, Senzangakhona suspected it may have been homosexual and drove her away.
Shaka excelled at all outdoor and sports activities as a boy. Tall and muscular, his talents made him a natural leader among his age group of boys. Additionally, he was smart and ambitious enough to dream of becoming chief one day.
As Shaka aged, he became an expert at combat and weaponry. Using his superiority in battle to gain more land from neighboring tribes by disarming opponents and recruiting their remnants into his army; further augmenting this military strategy with diplomacy and patronage that brought in friendly chieftains into his ranks.
Shaka kaSenzangakhona
Shaka was the illegitimate son of Senzangakhona kaJama, chief of the Zulu people, and Nandi from another clan. This relationship violated tribal law which forbade men from impregnating their wives; consequently Nandi and Shaka were cast out from Senzangakhona kaJama’s kraal.
As a youngster, Shaka joined the Mthethwa warrior clan and soon rose through its ranks to officer status. Known for his intelligence and courage in battle, he won over his superiors’ respect.
When Zwide, leader of Mthethwa clan warriors, was assassinated, Shaka assumed leadership of this group of warriors and began raiding nearby chiefdoms to build up an army.
Shaka’s raids effectively depopulated large regions in southern Africa, providing colonial invaders with new territory to exploit and furthering stereotypes about African barbarism. His image therefore fit perfectly with colonial notions of African barbarism.
Shaka’s reign as King of Zulu Kingdom from 1816-1828 saw many far-reaching reforms being put in place and also expanded their military forces into formidable fighting units.
He waged war against the Ndwandwe, leading to their defeat and setting in motion the Mfecane/Difaqane period of violence and depopulation that would ultimately pave the way for European colonization of South Africa.
Shaka kaMhlangana
Shaka kaMhlangana was the son of Senzangakhona, ruler of a small Zulu chiefdom, and Nandi (his mother). Born at Babanango’s esiKlebeni homestead still standing today, oral histories indicate his early life was rather unhappy – Senzangakhona initially denied paternity yet couldn’t expel Nandi from their household.
Shaka quickly solidified his own tribe before beginning to consolidate and conquer surrounding ones through warfare and diplomacy. Under his rule, Nguni tribes became united as part of his Zulu Kingdom that spread throughout southern Africa and parts of India.
His reign coincided with the beginning of Mfecane (“Upheaval” or “Crushing”), an unprecedented period of warfare and chaos across southern Africa from about 1815-1840 that depopulated many areas and devastated livelihoods. His role during Mfecane has long been contentious.
Shaka did more than simply build the Zulu Kingdom; he also introduced new ways of thinking and living that revolutionized southern Africa as a whole.
Most notably, he introduced the notion of an independent central authority not subject to regional customs or traditional tribal leadership structures using his military might to form an effective political structure that brought together Nguni tribes of various regions across southern Africa.
Shaka kaMpande
Shaka was widely recognized for his military and social innovations, most notably creating the first short stabbing spear called an Iklwa spear to replace long throwing assegais (Assegai in South African language). Additionally, he developed the first shaman priest who performed rituals to purify and protect warriors – one of his many achievements credited to Shaka.
Shaka may have practiced many controversial acts, yet his contributions were enough to elevate the Zulu into prominence and power in southern Africa. Unfortunately, however, his methods and strategies often bordered on tyranny, cruelty and eccentricity.
At their height of control he instituted severe measures including banning planting of crops for one year of mourning as well as restricting milk usage (a staple diet item of Zulus). Furthermore he ordered that any pregnant woman must be executed along with her husband.
Shaka’s reign coincided with the Mfecane/Difaqane (translated as “upheaval” or “crushing”) period of chaos in southern Africa that eventually decimated populations. King Dingane and Prince Mhlangana assassinated him eventually.
King Cetshwayo, who led his people to victory against the British at Isandlwana, was the son of Mpande and Queen Ngqumbazi; he was the grandson of Mpanakhona kaJama and nephew of Shaka kaSenzangakhona.
