Mthembu Clan Izithakazelo & History

Izithakazelo zakwaMthembu

Mvelase,
Qhudeni, Mvelase,
Owavel’eNyandeni yemikhonto yakwaMabaso,
Mvelase kaGuda,
Ongawadl’amathibani,
Angadl’amathibane indlala ngabe iwile,
Mnisi wemvula ilanga libalele,
Ngoz’ovel’eNyandeni,
Ngoza kaMkhubukeli, kaGazi,
Nina baseMlamlankunzi!

He led the migration from Dedesi to Msana in the Mthatha district and was responsible for assimilating various fragments from tribes such as amaBomvana, amaVundle, amaMpondomise, and amaMfengu to build his kingdom. His reign unified the Thembu people and established the royal lineage that continues to this day .

He united clans living in Thembuland into a single political entity, owing allegiance to the Thembu royal family, or “Hala Mvelase.” This unification laid the foundation for the independent Thembu Kingdom that would exist until British conquest in the 19th century .

The Thembu royal house continues to be recognized as traditional leaders in South Africa. Famous Thembus include Nelson Mandela, whose father was a reigning nobleman from a junior branch of the Madiba clan of kings, and Walter Sisulu .