Izithakazelo Zakwa Tembe Clan Names History and Origin
At an impressive event at Thandizwe Royal Palace, thousands of Tonggas paid their respects to Inkosi Mabudu Tembe. This event restored both pride and dignity of the Tonggas clan.
This article seeks to inform people about the Tembe clan and their origins. Topics included in this article include:
Tembe Clan Names
- Tembe
- Zulu
- Buthelezi
- Mthethwa
- Ndlovu
- Khumalo
- Ntuli
- Mthembu
- Ngcobo
- Nxumalo
- Cele
- Dlamini
- Gumede
- Shabalala
- Zungu
- Mkhize
- Majozi
- Mabaso
- Hlongwane
- Zwane
Tembe Clan Origin
The origins of clan names are quite fascinating. It is thought that they may have come from sentences, with words such as Libang meaning archer, Tilling for police officer, and Menyangbo being successful ones.
Additionally, some believe the tembe clan to be from Nguni origin; joining VaTsonga ethnic group long before Shangaans.
Mabudu Tembe was an influential political and economic unit in South Africa during the 19th century due to their close ties with Maputaland region, but their authority was later diminished when the British and Portuguese claimed the area for themselves.
Today, tembe clan is present across the globe; Brazil being home to the highest concentration. Over 50 countries and territories around the globe have recorded this surname; known for their involvement in agriculture, trade and other areas.
The Timbe Clan is striving to revive their culture. They focus on upholding the values of their ancestors, teaching their children to value it as well.
This has helped restore pride and dignity within the community. Furthermore, high profile events like Amarula Festival celebrate cultural identities from different tribes or countries while uniting people under common cultural banners.
Tembe Clan Meaning
Nearly all clan names have specific meaning. For instance, Hembya clan is named after an aquatic serpent believed to have caused famine and drought in the past; Libang clan honors archers.
Tilling means police; while Maden clan honors Mdonga Dalindyebo who performed across multiple countries and won awards for his songs.
Legend holds that the first Tsonga diviners were Nkomo We Lwandle and Dunga Manzi, two individuals who trained hundreds of women and men as healers before becoming their ancestors and still revered today by Tsonga people.
Additionally, these diviners believed in kwanya or reincarnation and so paid their ancestors tribute by visiting their gravesites and offering gifts as part of an act of gratitude and reverence for these healing powers.
Tsonga people are taking steps to rediscover and teach their culture back to their children, with events like Amarula Festival helping.
It celebrates Tsonga heritage while uniting clans and countries under one banner by celebrating each individual culture – all while paying respects to Inkosi Mabudu Tembe – the man responsible for starting it all!
Tembe Clan Variations
Names of Tembe clans come in various forms. While some variations can be straightforward and others more intricate. Hembya derives its name from “Hey nangh wa”, meaning “over there too”. A simpler variation would be “Libang”, which combines two words –Libang and Thebe.
Some of the more intricate names for tembe clans include Mabudu, Nkomati and Vanyayi; these names are composed from compound words consisting of names of clan founders. Their names also describe their roles within history: for instance Mabudu is known for producing soldiers for Modjadji kingdom while Nkomati is famed for pottery making.
Each variation of tembe clan names holds special significance; often reflecting an important role or event in one’s life; for instance if someone gets married their name might change accordingly or more powerful clan founders often receive stronger names.
Another variation includes adding titles as honorifics; this can signify honor or achievement in someone’s life; while some clans also include terms that further define them; for instance Libang is defined by its archers while Tilling represents police personnel.
Tembe Clan Popularity
Tembe clan members remain proudly Tsonga in culture and language despite growing globalisation, due to women keeping alive Tsonga culture after Mfecene displacement and Berlin border process left them spread across KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique. Their survival can be largely attributed to women.
The Tembe clan is also commonly referred to by other names such as Dlamini, Gumedes, Mashabaneses, Matshinyes and Nyakas. Members of these clans were among the early arrivals to southern Africa and can still be found living in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Mozambique and Tzaneen districts such as Malamulele Louis Tritchardt Komatipoort Tzaneen districts.
One reason behind their growing popularity may be due to their deep cultural pride. Tsongas take great care in maintaining and celebrating their traditions, such as participating in Umthayi festival annually aimed at restoring Tsongas dignity while uniting them with different cultures from around the world.
Tembe clan members were behind the conception and founding of Amarula Festival – a high profile Tsonga celebration which annually draws together thousands of Tongas from all across South Africa and is held each year in KwaZulu-Natal to pay homage to Inkosi Mabudu Tembe, their spiritual leader.
