Izithakazelo zakwa Tshawe Clan Names History and Origin

Names in Xhosa culture often reflect desired qualities or aspirations for both the child and his or her family, with particular significance being attached to certain names such as Tshawe, which represents strength and power in its meaning for its clan. Cirha likely did not possess his own entourage when engaging Tshawe in battle.

Tshawe Clan Names (Iziduko / Izithakazelo):

• AmaTshawe
• Wena kaPhalo
• Gcaleka
• Rharhabe
• Ndlambe
• Nkosiyamntu
• Dlamini
• Tshomane

Tshawe Clan Etymology

Tshawe (pronounced T-S-H-A-W-E) is a six letter male given name that means ‘strong and powerful” in Xhosa language. Additionally, this name has become extremely popular within the Xhosa community – even second most popular name behind Abayomi.

The Shawe clan is said to descend directly from northern Nguni tribes; however, this cannot be verified with certainty. The first known member of this clan was Tshawe who led Gqunukwebe clan near Stellenbosch during early 1700s.

He led his clan against a rival group known as Gcaleka west of Kei River. Their rivalry came to an end when Ngqika, son of Tshawe, became King. Fearing rekindling of old rivalries and taking power away from them, Gcaleka sent an army to assist Ngqika; ultimately though he triumphantly overcame them all and became King.

Santsabe, Sukude, Ncindise, Cabe and Gangata are among the descendants of the Tshawe Clan and are widely recognized as founding fathers for various amaMpondo, amaMpondomise and amaXesibe nations; many also bear close relations to amaQwathi peoples that moved south into Thembuland over 350 years ago.

Tshawe Clan Origins

Over 20 000 years ago, the first Xhosa people began developing as distinct social identities. Although not united into one single kingdom, these clans shared language (Southern Nguni), culture and religious practices with San peoples as well as Khoikhoi ones while keeping circumcision practices alive. Thus it is impossible to pinpoint an exact date for when Tshawe established his kingdom.

Tshawe fought alongside Jwarha and Cirha groups to expand his territory before 1600. Additionally, he intermarried with Khoikhoi peoples while keeping circumcision, an act that elevated him above other Nguni tribes who hadn’t done the same. Over time his descendants began calling themselves Xhosa after unifying with that particular group.

Gcaleka rose to prominence around this time. He had three known sons named Khauta, Velelo and Nqoko; among these sons was one known as Gcaleka who attempted to usurp his father’s rule, leading to interclan war within the Xhosa nation until 1736 when House of Phalo emerged when Inqua Chief Hinsati made an alliance with King Gwali to protect Mdange from competing among his brothers; assimilation into House of Phalo occurred due to this alliance; this also meant incorporation of their clans into House Phalo.

Tshawe Clan Meaning

Clans are loose-knit groups of related people who pledge their allegiance to one leader, typically the chief. With surnames becoming prevalent during the 16th and 17th centuries, people who pledged allegiance to certain clans could adopt its name as their own; it did not have to be blood relations – anyone working for or seeking protection from said clan could also adopt its name as their own.

Theal (1897: 111-2) recounts that Tshawe established the Xhosa Kingdom before 15th century by defeating Jwarha, his sibling who opposed his claim for succession upon their father Nkosiyamntu’s death. Although long considered one of Southern Africa’s strongest kingdoms, this tale remains unverifiable.

Theal related that after Hintsa kwaNqoko kaGcaleka became King after overthrowing his uncle Nqoko kumgca in 1804, he adopted the Tshawe name following his victory against an army led by Mdange and incorporation of Inqua Chiefs into Xhosa King’s House of Phalo. Additionally, this term may have come about through Cochoqua Gorachoqua and Chainouqua tribe settlers changing lifestyle and creating economies to support European shipping companies 52 years before Jan van Riebeeck’s arrival.

Tshawe Clan Variations

As with many cultures, names carry great symbolic importance and often reflect desired qualities or aspirations. In Xhosa culture, Tshawe symbolizes strength and power – its meaning being expected of children who take this name so they may grow up embodying the values and traditions of their clan.

According to oral tradition among Xhosa tribes, Tshawe are descended from a legendary warrior who won his claim for the right to the throne by defeating his rival warrior in battle. According to Theal (1897: 111-2) and Soga (1936: 104-6), disputes arised when Cirha, an heir of the Great House supported Jwarha’s claim over that of Nkosiyamntu.

So Nkosiyamntu appointed Tshawe as heir of his Right-Hand House claim (Theal 1897: 111-2; Soga 1936: 104-6). To settle this conflict between siblings Nkosiyamntu appointed Tshawe as his Right-Hand House throne claim (Soga 1936: 104-6).

Land inheritance was at the core of Xhosa society. After a clan chief died, his estate would pass to his next male heir; all residents living on that clan’s land owed tribute and paid homage to its nobility; any individual failing to respect this nobility risked losing his title and becoming part of another clan, hence why most Xhosas were part of Gqunukwebe clan prior to 1700.