Izithakazelo zakwa Zikhali Clan Names History and Origin
Clan names play an integral part in Xhosa culture, serving both as terms of endearment and to show respect. Furthermore, they allow someone else to know where you belong by telling them your clan name.
Globalization has allowed surnames to travel beyond their country of origin; today it is possible to find names from Africa in Europe or Oceania and vice versa.
Zikhali Clan Names and Praises
- Zikhali!
- Nkomo zikaMthonga!
- Mlotshwa!
- Nina bakwaPhaphama, abafokazana bavuke balibone!
- Nina bakaNgwane ongaweli ngemfula uwela ngezihlahla!
- Nina bakaMazibuko, amafa ahlala enothile!
- Sibiya!
- Nina bakaShangase, amakhosi onke awela ngaye!
- Nina bakwaMqhele, abaqhele bamhlophe njengomhlanga!
- Abafokazana bazicebela ngezindlebe!
King Matiwane
King Matiwane was the inaugural monarch of Mpondomise Kingdom and was an individual of great wisdom and intellect, as well as strong character. He managed to keep Mpondomise intact despite numerous challenges and setbacks faced after its establishment, being an unflinching opponent to oppression and abuses by colonial governments.
The Mpondomise people consist of various clans. These clans include the descendants of Aba-Mbo nation founders who preserved their culture over generations – AmaMpondomises in particular are an independent nation but pay tribute to their original homelands.
The Mpondomise people believe that AmaMpondomise was established through customary law. Mpondomise served as its founding king, who upon his demise left his heir Ndunu in charge. When Ndunu died his son and heir Sikhomo took over. However, Ngcwina breached AmaMpondomise by disinheriting Dosini from the sixth House to give to Cira from the fifth House instead – in direct violation of Mpondomise customary laws as well as breach of trust!
King Mkhumbeni
Mkhumbeni was King Matiwane’s brother. It is thought he was born in what is now Bulwer in KwaZulu-Natal and exiled by his brothers for some reason to this location. When he arrived there as an adult leaderless person.
Befriending iNdlunyela led him to accepting an offer of membership within his clan; thus becoming the founder of Mkhumbeni clan. Furthermore, his reputation is legendary; many still remember him today for being such an outstanding fighter.
The Mkhumbeni clan is an expansive one, located throughout South Africa and known for their hardworking, humorous spirit as well as their excellent leadership abilities. Their fame in agriculture means they’re often sought out to give advice about farming techniques by other tribes.
Mkhumbeni clan members are abundant with natural resources and mineral deposits, making them one of the most influential tribes in South Africa. Mkhumbeni are immensely proud of their heritage and love to celebrate it through music, dancing and other cultural activities – many of their ancestors hailing from Scotland and India respectively.
iNkosi Zikhali
iNkosi Zikhali was one of the most respected members of King Matiwane’s House and Mkhumbeni’s brother, as a descendant he could be found throughout South Africa – particularly Bulwer and Bergville – keeping alive royal blood amongst Ngwane people. We owe him and his family thanks for playing such an integral role in maintaining royal bloodlines amongst our people.
At the time of British invasion, iNkosi Zikhali led an active resistance against colonists. Additionally, he recruited soldiers for battle with the Heavy Artillery Battalion at Mbolompo. Today he remains one of the most revered Ngwane warriors.
The name iNkosi Zikhali derives from his place of birth: Buka Ndwandwa in Ebukhosini (kingdom). As part of the Nkwali clan he is also the grandfather of Mlabatheki who later gave birth to Bukula and Maphela who earned himself the moniker Cockroach due to his wealth being dispersed across Nkwali clan members like cockroaches.
In addition to his military prowess, iNkosi Zikhali was also renowned as an outstanding poet and writer. He composed numerous poems and plays that have since become classics; made significant contributions in science and mathematics fields; his famous poem ‘Ubuqoma’ was even inspired by his wife’s passing away.
iNkosi Mkhumbeni
Finding out about a family’s history can be made much simpler through searching historical records. These may include birth, death, immigration and census information as well as data on children, occupations and other aspects of family life.
iNkosi Mkhumbeni was an invaluable ally to his brother iNkosi Matiwane and participated in battles that eventually resulted in Shaka’s downfall. A veteran warrior, Mkhumbeni earned himself an admirable reputation.
He was widely recognized for his skill with spear use and was adept at anticipating hidden dangers before they emerged. Additionally, he proved a worthy leader, capable of rallying his people when needed and boasting both an impressive presence and fiery character.
As leader of AmaNgwane kwiMpuma, iNkosi Mkhumbeni worked to protect his kingdom from invasion from other chieftains. His efforts did not go to waste and are still remembered today by South Africans who hold dear his name as a symbol of strength and courage. An integral part of South African history, his presence will forever remain in our hearts.