Izithakazelo Zakwa Xulu Clan Names History and Origin
Shaka introduced his clan system to his new nation of Zulu people and this remains an important unit of social organization for them today. Comprised of patrilineal households subservient to one senior male leader, it continues to function effectively as the basis of Zulu social organization.
Each clan honors an animal or plant totem which they venerate and respect, helping strengthen family ties. Sharing an identical totem strengthens relationships among members.
Xulu Clan Names
- Xulu
- Zulu
- Buthelezi
- Mthethwa
- Ndlovu
- Khumalo
- Ntuli
- Mthembu
- Ngcobo
- Nxumalo
- Cele
- Dlamini
- Gumede
- Shabalala
- Zungu
- Mkhize
- Majozi
- Hlongwane
- Zwane
- Sithole
Ndabezitha
Xulu clans possess totems, or animals or plants believed to be sacred, that are revered and protected by clan members, often going to great lengths to ensure its safety from any threats it might face.
Harming or damaging this totem is believed to bring bad luck upon all members of its respective clan, so any damage done to it must also be prevented at all costs. Furthermore, their totem is often included into decorations and rituals of the clan; for instance the floor of royal chairs as well as other important areas are decorated with animal skins similar to their totem’s like this!
The Ndabezitha clan is a Xulu-speaking tribe that was created through the marriage between Ngaweni and Nkosi, with roughly 15,000 members currently residing in Malawi. They value loyalty, respect, generosity and compassion within their tight-knit group.
Ndabezitha means “people of Ndabe”, an honorific honoring of warriors who fought for their country. Biyela and Ntshangase families from Ndabezitha descend from King Ndaba kaPhunga; moreover, Ndabezitha people have an impressive history of fighting to protect it.
Ndabandaba
Ndabandaba is a clan name composed of noun and relative words that serves to differentiate individuals within a family unit, as well as identify one’s standing in their community. This gives each member of this clan name an identity they feel a sense of belonging with.
The Xulu people of South Africa number approximately 10-12 million individuals. Most live in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Part of the Nguni people (which includes Xhosa and Zulu), they share a language close to that spoken by Ndebele; thus having some relation with this group.
The Xulu people believe their ancestors created the world and are grateful to their ancestors for creating it, reflecting this in their culture based on values such as sharing and respect for one another – these values are manifested through names and honorifics known as Izithakazelo, as well as praises to show appreciation for all they did; Izithakazelo zaKhumalo, Izithakazelo zaNdlovu and Izithakazelo zaKanjani are three such examples that reflect this attitude of thankfulness towards their ancestors’ work;
Ngwane
Shaka was at war with the Ngwane during his early leadership of Zulu nation, at first by force of arms; at this time they were under Dingiswayo as paramount chief and Zwide as fierce subchief.
Nandi, mother of this clan was forced to flee home when Matiwane moved his tribe back towards Drakensburg mountains at foothill level where Matiwane settled them all; from here this clan took its name.
The Ngwane are widely renowned for their courage in battle. Additionally, their women are highly esteemed as is their strong men. Like other Nguni clans, the Ngwane treasure and respect their totem animals and plants and believe harming any totem can bring bad luck.
Their decorations may include totem skins. When strangers discover they share a similar totem they will often exchange gifts in recognition of shared beliefs – which often leads to friendship.
Njobvu
The Njobvu surname is one of the more widespread ones, appearing in many countries worldwide due to globalization’s effect. Families relocating across continents – for instance Africans can now be found in Europe while Indians reside in Oceania – has resulted in this widespread usage.
Will Njobvu is an English TV presenter, radio broadcaster and public speaker. He hosts shows like Good Morning Britain and The Masked Singer Unmasked as well as being a regular guest on Channel 5’s Jeremy Vine show.
Will is a passionate supporter of diversity, inclusion and racial equality issues and often speaks at events on these themes in order to motivate and educate audiences – for Tik Tok, The British Heart Foundation, MediaCom and De Montfort University Leicester among many others.
William*Njobvu has represented many clubs over his career including Birmingham City FC, AEK Larnaca and FC Ludogorets as well as representing England national team in international competition. Tourists visiting Africa should visit Njobvu Cultural Village; it has been described as “warm heart of Africa”. For nature enthusiasts and animal enthusiasts the Njobvu Safari offers ideal wildlife encounters.
Ndlovu
Ndlovu (Ntumba) is an Ngoni clan associated with Nsani in Malawi’s central Ngoni. While this association could have resulted from adoption, more likely it has come about through paronomasia or homophony. Furthermore, both clans share the totem monkey, suggesting clan fusion through sharing common characteristics and shared totems.
Malawian Ngonis have maintained some features of their tribal origins, particularly those belonging to categories B and C, suggesting that the clan system which emerged near the end of Mfecane migration wasn’t as comprehensive. Nhlane, mentioned by Bryant for its association with Nsani, seems phonologically identical with this name while Pahla has since become Pasa.
Similar to Ngumba, Nhla and Nhlambi appear phonologically identical with it, suggesting a gradual blending of Nguni and Swazi elements throughout Ngoni history. It seems likely that their similarities result from this process of change.
