Izithakazelo zakwa Ntuli Mhlalukwana
The Ntuli clan, particularly the Mhlalukwana branch, has a rich cultural heritage that is celebrated through their izithakazelo, or clan praises. These praises serve as a way to honor foreb earsand express the identity of the clan. Some of the notable izithakazelo for the Ntuli clan include:
- Ntuli!
- Xaba
- Mphemba
- Mhlalukwana
- Hlakahlaka lemikhonto
- Thuli lenyoka
- Mhlalukwana wamambala
- Ngusiduda nabakwakhekazi emlanjeni amahloni amuka nomlambo
- Uma sipheka ebandla siphekela obaba
- Uma sipheka endlini siphekela omama
These praises not only reflect the history and values of the Ntuli clan but also serve to strengthen their communal bonds and identity.
They lived along the bank of the Thukela River in KwaZulu-Natal. Under the leadership of Godide kaNdlela and Mavumengwana kaNdlela, sons of Ndlela kaSompisi, they played a major part in the Zulu counter-raid at Middle Drift in June 1879 and in the Battle of Isandlwana. After the partition of Zululand, they were placed in John Robert Dunn’s chiefdom.
He spoke about the late King Goodwill Zwelithini, noting that the king gave nine farms to the Ntuli people, demonstrating the ongoing relationship between the Zulu royal house and the Ntuli clan.