Izithakazelo Zakwa Sokhela Clan Names History and Origin
The Kalanga are unique in that they do not use totems as markers of descent; instead they rely on clan progenitor names as the means of identification. Tate Masola makes this point clear in her book ‘Nhau dza Bukalanga’:
Dubes, for instance, are generally classified as abaQadi while Mthembus (Mvelase) includes Madiba – Nelson Mandela’s clan – who are not related by blood to any Kalanga peoples.
Sokhela Clan Names
- Sokhela
- Zulu
- Buthelezi
- Mthethwa
- Ndlovu
- Khumalo
- Ntuli
- Mthembu
- Ngcobo
- Nxumalo
- Cele
- Dlamini
- Gumede
- Shabalala
- Zungu
- Mkhize
- Majozi
- Mabaso
- Hlongwane
- Zwane
Sokhela Clan Origin
Sokhela clan names can be traced back to South African history. Africans typically identify with their paternal clan and surname. Children tend to take on this identity by adopting their father’s clan name as their surname.
Giving them a sense of belonging within an authentic African community. Therefore, learning more about the history behind sokhela clan names is vital if you wish to provide your offspring with an authentic African identity.
The sokhela clan is widely believed to have descended from the Kalanga tribe; however, historian Tate Masola has suggested otherwise and asserts that they were more likely related to Ndebele people instead of Shona people.
A clan of warriors. In the past, Sokhela clan battled Ndebele people for control of land in southern Africa. Additionally they battled British and other colonizers such as Frenchmen. Particularly aggressive when attacking white settlers they earned themselves the reputation as warriors.
The Sokhela Clan takes its name from their totem animal: a lion. As a powerful and symbolic representation of strength and courage, the lion totem serves as an apt representation for warrior clans who stand up and fight for what they believe in.
Numerology indicates this name holds an auspicious number two – fittingly enough, Monday is associated with emotionality and receptivity!
Sokhela Clan Meaning
If Sokhela is your clan name, you are an 8 person. Number 8s tend to be open-hearted yet emotionally reserved in private life; thus it’s essential that they spend some time alone exploring their inner world.
Additionally, once their romantic spark has worn off they become pragmatic; often creating successful enterprises in business as their focus shifts more toward practical matters than romantic ones. Their lucky day is Monday which symbolizes both their receptivity and emotionality.
Nelson Mandela and Donald Trump both share this clan name, yet many claim to be Nguni Ndebele although many were actually subjugated militarily into becoming Nguni Ndebele society.
Other members of this tribe can be found throughout Eastern Cape and Natal, and their totem animals include elephants, monkeys, cows and crocodiles – and interestingly this clan shares close ties to those known as Mthembu (Reggie Khumalo’s historical account:
UPhoko catalogues the Mthembu clan which includes Dube, Hadebe and Mkhontsi (who do not belong to Kalanga culture at all!). Their offshoots also receive praise names such as zihlalo/Dlebe and uMandlovu/Ubamba.
Sokhela Clan Etymology
Sokhela’s origins remain unclear, yet the name carries strong associations with lion totem. Perhaps because sokhela may refer to those with an inherent sense of justice who may also be extremely generous with their time and resources.
Sokhela clan members possess many traits that make them ideal friends and family members, yet can sometimes become overprotective of those they care for and possess too closely. When this occurs, it is crucial for individuals to find a balance between these two aspects of their personality in order to develop stronger relationships.
One possible etymology for sokhela clan names could be that they originate in Bukalanga and were adopted by Ndebele during their northward migrations beginning around the turn of the 17th century – predating 19th century Nguni migrations through Bukalanga that included many Kalanga in their ranks.
Sokhela is the 43,920th most frequently encountered surname worldwide and is worn by 1 out of every 616,022 individuals – making it a highly popular surname choice.
Sokhela Clan Variations
The Sokhela clan can be found across most nations of this world and southern Africa region, making them one of the most widely recognized surnames worldwide. People bearing this surname tend to possess good senses of humor and positive outlook on life.
Creative individuals often possess these traits too! Additionally, these people love spending time in social gatherings. Their love and care of others is often highlighted when describing them by others.
Sokhela clan names come with various variations due to them not being one entity but rather comprised of different tribes with individual cultures, traditions and languages.
Rev. G.H. Cullen Reed from the London Missionary Society station at Bulalima [Bulikuni], Matabeleland confirms this by writing that:
“No single tribe holds this name; rather, its definition refers to multiple tribes with distinct traditions and customs more or less closely aligned together.”
