The Zilani surname is rooted in the Eastern Cape, in the Mqanduli area.
Zilani is the name of a fore bearer which was used as a surname by the post generation after his death. Zilani had a brother, Zenzile. Zenzile’s descendants also use Zenzile as a surname now. The two families identify as oJola, oQengeba, oKrancolo, amaMpondomise.