Nkayi district is in Matabeleland North Province of Zimbabwe. It is located about 100km west of Kwekwe and 168km northeast of Bulawayo. Some sources say The name comes from a Tonga phrase meaning “where are you going”. The Nkayi district was made up of five chiefs and their various headmen. These chieftainships included Nkalakata, Tshugulu, Myinga Dagamela, Madhliwa and Sokobokobo.
CHIEF NKALAKATA
Their area is called Lujinga but the name was not commonly used because Nkalakata is preferred instead. No traditional name is used for the chieftainship, but they use the name of the incumbent. They speak Ndebele but other languages that are spoken in this area include Balozwi and Kalanga.
Appointment of the chief follows a traditional pattern. Primogeniture is followed and the next in line is generally selected by the elders of the clan and the nomination is then put to amahlabezulu, who must approve the nomination.
History
Chief Nkalakata’s ancestors originated from a tribe known as Lingwe and they came to then Rhodesia under Mzilikazi. Nkalakata’s grandfather Mletche Ndiweni was appointed chief by Mzilikazi and later was a chief under Lobengula. At that time Mletche lived in Bulawayo. Later he was removed with his following to Inyati district from which area the following was moved shortly after the death of Mletche. Nkomo, the son of Mletche succeeded his father and he died in the district in about 1920. He was then succeeded by his eldest son Nkalakata who was the last chief.
After the main influx of the tribe into the area around about 1920s there had been no significant moves into or away from the area of any great size. Some moved into the area on individual basis. It is noted that some Bananzwa moved into the district from Wankie but the details of the move are sketchy.
The only headman in the Nkalakata ilizwe is Nhlanganiso Msiza who controls a section of the ilizwe (country) which was allocated to him by the chief.
Boundary
The eastern boundary is formed by the Shangani River; the southern boundary is formed by the straight line passing between Kifa and Ndondeni villages and meets the western boundary at the borehole A49. The western boundary is then formed from that point by a straight line going northwards to Ngolovane store and in a north easterly direction to the staring point of the Shangani River.
Villages in the Nkalakata community include Pahlane Nyoni, Pitoli Moyo, Ayete Zimizodwa, Kayisa George, Pambano Ndhlovu, Zinyanya Mnyokeni, Ndondeni Msimanga, Mawela Tshuma, Mbanyana Mloyi, Mawewe Mvula, Timoti Mpofu, Siwodhlo Sibanda, Jeffrey Mabena, Mangungu, Mvulo Gumbo, Mguli Gumbo, Msementele Sikosana, Mjuluko Nxumalo, Mpalawali Mkwananzi, Sando Malaje Tshuma, Matshokoto, Ngqomondo, Mtiyabo, Sitokisi Ncube, Qinisela Ncube, Mazfisa Ndlovu, Msolwa Tshuma, Foloko Ncube, Mkalalwa and Mtserwana Mabena.
Functions of the chief
The normal pattern of procedure is followed with all matters; civil cases are referred from kraalheads to headman and to the chief except in the case of Nkalakata community where kraalheads report directly to the chief’s court.
Headman Nhlanganiso
No traditional name is used for the headmanship, but the name of the incumbent is used. The headman comes from the Nebele tribe. Majority of his people are Balozwi with large numbers of Kalanga and Amandebele. Ndebele is the common language that is spoken.
Nhlanganiso was appointed in 1958 He was installed by chief Nkalakata and his appointment met with the approval of the amahlabezulu.
History
When Nkomo was chief there was no headman operating in the area. The first headman was appointed by chief Nkalakata. Succession was as follows: Mufundisi Mabela, Mbulawa Mabela and Nhlanganiso Msiza. Mbulawa resigned the headmanship for personal reasons and Nhlanganiso was nominated by the chief and accepted by the people. Prior to his appointment he was living on Kenilworth Estate.
Villages under this community include Nhlanganiso, Pikinini Sibanda, Mtetwa, Mangisi, Simon, Zelusile, Johwane, Ngazimbi Dube, Madubeko, Masayiboko, Bobo, Mvinjwa James, Madubeko Nana, Cakile, Nduna, Mankabini Harry, Nkatazo, Nyumba, Ndhlolambi, Mbulawa Mabena, Shadreck, Siviko, Sikwama, Kopo Sixpence, Shurugwe Moyo, Makubisa Ncube, Mlobiseni, Nkatazo Bebe, Tutshana, Daniel, Saul Ndhlo, Ntulini Sibanda, Loni Ndabanengi, Kutshwa, Mubi, Maviyo, Mziyabantu, Solomon Mhlanga, Ndhluwake, Tinki Ndhlovu, Magodi Nkomazana, Mkifa Nyati, Sikopela, Fondo, Manxeba, Fude and Jinkilisi.
Boundary
The northern boundary of this community is common with the southern boundary of Nkalakata’s community and has already been described. The western boundary is formed by the straight-line to borehole A49 to the southern boundary of the tribal trust land as is the eastern boundary which is on the Shangan river.
There have been no large-scale movements into the area, the settlement has been static and most followers are said to have been born in the area. Some settlement on a small scale happened in the usual manner with people being removed from European farms.
Functions of the headman
Civil cases are referred to the headman by kraalheads. Appeals are referred to chief Nkalakata. In normal times the headman gives judgement and refers the parties to the chief for assessment and damages.
CHIEF TSHUGULU
The traditional name of the chieftainship is Tshugulu which is also the name of the area. The chief is from the Nguni tribe but most of his people are Ndebele speaking Balozwi. The chief is selected by the clan elders and is installed according to customary tradition.
History
The first chief was of the Mpoko isibongo or surname, but his name was not known to the informants. He was demoted during the reign of Lobenegula and Manondwana Tshabalala was installed as commander of the Ensunkeni regiment. At that time the regiment was near the site now called Bellevue.
After the rebellion, Tshugulu was installed by the then Rhodesian administration in preference to his elder brothers who had a prior claim after a show of loyalty. The tribe was moved under him to the Vizha Line Farm area of Inyati. They were later moved to Nkayi district in 1917. Tshugulu died in 1943 and his son Sihlangu was appointed and later deposed in 1956 by the government after being involved in stock theft. Headman Fanison Moyo was appointed acting chief until Nombolo was installed. The chief states that majority of his followers were born in this area, but a few have been moved in from European farms and they now recognise him as the chief.
Some of these followers are descendants of followers of Chief Tshugulu but had been left in the Inyati district and now finding themselves without a place to live have decided to attach themselves once more to the chiefdom in the tribal area.
There are 3 headmen in the Tshugulu area.
Boundary
The boundary commences in the southwest where the old Whiskey-Berman Road crosses the Gwampa river, which forms the southern Boundary of the tribal trust land and the area, the boundary stretches northwards along that road to a point where it meets the the road above the Lupane valley. From there it follows the north-easterly direction to the source of Tohwe river slightly east of borehole 141 and up the Tohwe to its confluence with Shangani river to the Godfrey Huggins bridge and then in a northeasterly direction past Mlota village to the main Kwekwe-Nesikwe road which it follows in a south-easterly direction to the boundary of the tribal trust land. From that point in goes to the direction of Shangani River, moves in a south-westerly direction to Ngolovane store and due south to borehole 158 on the Gwampe river which forms the southern boundary of the community.
Functions of the chief
He receives all cases from the headman and kraalheads. Appeals from the chief go the district commissioner.
Headman Mpande
There is no traditional name for the headmanship. The information was collected when Mpande Ngwenya was the headman. This headman was of Sutu /Sotho background, but most of his people are of the Lozwi and Ndebele construction. The common language in the area is Ndebele. The headman was appointed in 1941. His selection was based on primogeniture, and his nomination was approved by the elders of the clan.
History
The first headman was Maqueda and was appointed by chief Tshugulu when the tribe lived in the Inyati district. With the alienation of their area the tribe moved with the chief to this district between 1917 and 1925. When Maqueda became too old to hold the position of headman he passed it over to his son. Majority of inhabitants are traditional followers of the headmanship and there are also other people who have settled in this area from alienated European farms or from other overcrowded areas.
Villages found in this area include Lundi, Mlayo, Magazi, Bati, Lufu, Mdutshwa, Piyozi, Gotshela, Ndalima, Mfantiswa, Mluli, Mtatshelwa, Sidala, Mvulo, Hlupeki, Mvimbi, Siqenge, Duze, Elijah, Fiti, Mahligihligi, Joji, Tapela, Maqili, Mqayi, Sigangatsha, Ngome, Aroni, Magaya, Msogelwa, Mhanqwa, Giye, Nkosana, Mbulawa, Mnyengwa, Toyi, Majalimani, Indhluyagwabo, Gcekeni, Skeyi, Mguni, Mayika, Mantoni, Mbangwa, Nconywaa, Jobe, Nkomboni, Kefasi, Ndhlawu, Velile, Tshotsho, Sinukwa, Zalako, Vimba, Fayi, Mfigiselwa, Yona, Jeli, Samson, Mgidi and Nkanyezi.
Boundary
The southern boundary is formed by the Gwampa river, and the western boundary is formed by the Whiskey-Berman Road to a point where it is crossed by the Zenka Mission road. The road continues westwards towards Lupane valley. The road is followed in an easterly direction past Zenka pan to the point where it meets the old main road to Bulawayo, stretching in a north-easterly direction through Nkayi village to the Shangan river. It follows the Shangan river upstream to a point on the tribal trust land boundary on Beacon number 6. From this point the boundary comes back to Ngolovane store and due south to borehole number 158.
Functions of the headman
The normal pattern regarding judicial, land, developmental and other matters is followed in the usual way by headman Mpande who is the only man authorised in the community to perform these functions.
Headman Fanison
They are of the Moyo totem and their chidawo (isangelo) is Dewa. The name of the area is Engotsheni. The headman was from Lozwi group, and the majority of his followers are of the same tribe. There are also few Amandabele living in the area. They speak Sindebele.
Headman Fanison Moyo was appointed in 1942. He was appointed by the chief and accepted by the people. Succession was traditional. Fanison acted as a chief from 1956 to 1964 prior to the appointment of Nombolo to the chieftainship.
History
The first headman, Bakiwa was appointed by chief Tshugulu several years ago when they lived in the Inyati district near Ndumba. Most of the tribe followed Tshugulu when he was moved in 1912, but the residue remained behind with their headman that they continued to recognise. However, in 1944 he was moved with his followers to the Nkayi district and was given an area by the chief. At that time the area partly occupied, and much of the present-day community are people who have moved in from other overcrowded areas and have been given authority to settle by Headman Fanison Moyo.
Villages in this area include Ndabakiyitetwa, Jajela, Fiyodo, Zimende, Magundwane, Ndinda, Majalapi, Mapapo, Masiso, Ntandane, Mlota, Msongelwa, Falala, Sibomu, Mgwandiya, Hwayibetshu, Joe, Mavagatsha, Mfunda, Enock, Bandama, Salayedwa, Muti, Mlauli, Mangisi, Bafo and Mpabanga.
Boundary
The eastern boundary is formed by the tribal trust land boundary. The northern boundary is formed by the Que Que (now Kwekwe)- Nesikwe road to a point north east of Mlota village, from that point the boundary runs in a south-eastern direction to the Godfrey Huggins bridge. The southern boundary of this almost triangular shaped community is then formed by the Shangani River.
Functions of the headman
The normal procedure is followed with civil cases and other important matters, being channelled from kraalhead to headman to chief. In this community kraalheads have power to settle petty disputes but have no power to make awards. They merely have power of arbitration.
Headman Malindi
They belong to Sibanda totem and their isangelo is Dawuduna. The traditional name of this headmanship is Malindi, the name of the previous incumbent. There is no specific name for this area, people refer to it as isigaba sa ka Malindi. The headman is of the Ndebele tribe, but most of his people are Balozwe. Sindebele is the only language spoken in this area.
History
The people of this community were followers of chief Tategulu, who originally came from the Inyati area. When they were evicted from Inyati, they moved to Kenilworth estates and when evicted from there they followed Chief Tategulu to this area in 1919. Since that date the population has been swelled by numbers of people moving in from other overpopulated or alienated areas. There have been no large-scale movements either into or away from the area, though there has been a steady influx of people coming in on an individual basis.
Villages in this area include Sukanananda, Sibulala, Sitonko, Mangisis, Ntinta, Ndunusa, Tole, Joni, Msiteli, Mlingani, Zhende, Bena, Mante, Mkalelwa, Mloyi, Makhohliso, Toni, Mbotshwa, Buzumili, Tshila, Vayi, Njini, Gideon, Mpinda, Siperitsheni, Joni, Sindeya, Zwimba, Matshololozane, Simoni, Zulu, Kiwa (Jetu), Mkulunyelwa, Tobayile, Macici, Kafabi, Mpahalazabo, Mdutshwa, Liva, Makati, Budiya, Makuvu, Felafuti, Poto , Meja, Nduna, Josefa, Danyana, Mbulawa,Joshua, Moniwa, Beketemba, Mhlatshwa, Maqistsha, Mantini, Sibikwa, Mataga and Sinyombo.
Boundary
The southern boundary is formed by the Zenga Road between the old Bulawayo main road and the Whiskey-Berman Road. The western boundary is formed by the Whiskey-Berman Road to the source of Tohwe river east of borehole 141. The later river then forms the reminder of the boundary to the point which it meets Shangani River which then forms the northern boundary of the community. The eastern boundary is formed by the old Bulawayo-Nkayi Road.
Functions of headman
The usual pattern is followed except that in applications for land the headman is not consulted. The applicant approaches the kraalhead who has the power to settle the person in the community. The kraalhead reports the arrival of new settler within the community and the headman then informs the chief.
CHIEF DAGAMELA
They belong to the Sutu/Sotho tribe, but the bulk of his followers are Abanyubi. The traditional name of the chieftainship is Dagamela and the chief’s area is called Dagamela as well. Sindebele is the main language spoken.
Chief Myinga Ncube was appointed in 1940. Appointment follows the traditional custom and is met with approval of most rank and file of the tribe. Myinga was the second son of the second house. It is stated that the big house bore only daughters and that in the second house the Myinga’s brother died before he could be appointed.
History
Magonya was said to be a very prominent nyanga to Mzilikazi. His son Dagamela was appointed a chief by the early administration. He was succeeded by Myinga’s father Celambuya in 1917. After the death of Celambuya, Mabona Ncube acted as chief between 1925 and 1940 when Myinga was appointed.
Prior to their arrival in this district, the tribe moved from Bulawayo and lived at a place called E-Sipongweni. Later they moved to the vicinity of Kraemer Ranch and were then moved to Nkayi district. The area which they were settled in came under control of chief Madhliwa and as they were many of Madhliwa’s followers in the area, these people were required to direct their allegiance to Dagamela’s people were required to move to other districts as the area allocated to the chief was very small and could not accommodate all the people.
Boundary
The northern boundary of Dagamela’s area is Shangani River. The eastern boundary is on the Dolahali river, and the western boundary is formed by a straight line drawn from the source of Dolahali river to borehole number 30 and upwards along the Mkarati river to the Shangani. Chief Dagamela for some time has been casting his eyes across the Dolahali river to the area controlled by headman Manomano who falls under chief Madhliwa. Although Dagamela has no direct claim to this area feels that as he controls a small area, he should be given this additional piece of land. However chief Madhliwa is not prepared to part with this. In the west Dagamela claims the boundary does not run along the Mkarati river but that it should run along Mboyabambusi river. Although a few of Dagamela’s people do live west of Mkarati river, the chief cannot substantiate any claim to the extra piece of land.
Functions of the chief
The usual pattern of functional procedures is followed in this community.
Headman Komayanga
The traditional name of the headmanship is Komayanga. The area is called Dolahali after the Dolahali river and pans. The headman is Ndebele but most of the people are Abanyubi. They speak Sindebele.
Headman Phillip Mafu was appointed in 1956 but after a short while he left the district and abandoned the headmanship only to be brought back by the chief and reinstated in 1960. The succession of this headman was traditional, and he succeeded his father who was the previous mlisa/ headman. The people were consulted and the majority approved.
History
The first headman was Mkubu, who fell under chief Mtubani. He was succeeded by Komayanga who fell under chief Dagamela. Komayanaga was succeeded by his son Phillip Mafu. The history of this community is the same as that of the Dagamela chieftainship, the people have been moved to this area from Inyati district. The main move took place in 1947 but up until that time the people still recognised Dagamela as their chief and made journeys from Bubi to the area of chief Dagamela with their problems and civil cases for judgement. This area was small and some of the followers of Komayanga were required to move to other districts, particularly Lupane where many of them settled in the vicinity of Lake Alice.
Their villages included Mfazo, Fani, Manunguza, Mqalegi, Mnyengwa, Sibongo, Sabelo, Sesabo Mqobodi, Mabada, Kapeteni, Makanyezi, Nkwame, Melusi, Mzaca, Musa, Mcapo, Nzimende, Tshenke, Ndhlumbi, Masidonolo, Mpeto, Pinda, Hlanganiso, Matibini, Tshutshu, Mziwapansi, Febeni, Mutshato, Kimbi, Nyelenyele, Mangisi, Magazi, Kuseni, Isayi, Luwatila, Sifani and Ngwabi.
Boundary
The boundaries of this community are common with those of the chieftainship and have been described in the chief’s report.
Functions of Headman
All kraalheads take all their civil cases and all other problems to the headman prior going to the chief, but in some cases the kraalhead living near the chief are inclined to go directly to the chief, the motivating factor being the distance between their villages and that of the Headman and the relative nearness to the chief.
CHIEF MADHLIWA
They belong to the Khumalo totem and their chidawo/ isangelo is iZulukandabo (This was one of isangelo of Tshaka but there is no connection between Tshaka’s family and that of the Khumalo. The chief did not however give any other name, but this is not one of the recognised isangelo of the Khumalo isibongo). The traditional name of the chieftainship is Madhliwa. The area is generally referred to as Tshoko. The chief being a Khumalo comes from the aristocracy of the Abezansi of the Ndebele nation, but the majority of his people are of the Lozwi and Nyai tribes though there are few Amandebele in the area. They speak Sindebele.
The chief is appointed traditionally. Kuye Timothy was appointed in 1959. He was selected by the elders, and his instalment was approved of by most of the people.
History
The great-great father of chief Kuye Timothy was called Kisi who came to then Rhodesia with Mzilikazi. He was not a chief, being of royal blood it was not proper that he should hold his position but after the occupation of the son of Kisi named Tshoko was appointed chief of the Ngwanga, a minor tribe apparently by Colonel Carbutt, one of Rhodes’s early administrators, shortly after the Matebele war. Tshoko’s son, Madhliwa, took over the chieftainship from a regent called Dinsi in the 1920s and he was then succeeded by his son, Matshopo, upon his death between 1951 and 1952. Matshopo was removed from office in 1958 because of theft conviction and was succeeded by his young brother, Kuye.
It is said that Tshoko was removed with his followers from the vicinity of Bulawayo by the early administration and settled along the Shangani River. When Tshoko’s people arrived in the area they found it sparsely occupied by a few Balozwi who had been living in the area for some time.
In 1952 a large-scale movement of people from Filabusi and Fort Rixon districts was carried out by government to make way for alienated farms. The Filabusi people were settled in a single block at Setshanke and those from Fort Rixon were settled in the vicinity of Mateme.
Boundary
Chief Madhliwa’s area is the largest in the Nkayi district. Commencing in the southeastern corner, the boundary is formed by the tribal trust land boundary from point where it is crossed by the Kwekwe-Nesikwe road. From that point the boundary moves first in a northerly direction, then in an easterly and again northerly and then in a westerly to a point on Kana River slightly south of Kana mission near Ntubeni store. From this point the boundary leaves the tribal trust land boundary and moves in a south-easterly direction to the headwaters of the Nsaziyabana river. The boundary continues down and joins Gwamayaya river to its junction with Shangani River. It follows this river upstream in an easterly direction to its confluence with Dolahali river following a southerly direction through its source down to the Ridge Road, eastwards to a point where it is crossed by Whiskey-Berman Road. It goes north to the source of Tohwe river to its junction with Shangani River. The boundary stretches in an easterly direction upstream to Godfrey Huggins bridge to north eastwards across the bridge in a straight line through the bush to meet the Nesikwe road, after passing near Mlota village to exclude it in the Fanison community.
Functions of the chief are similar with other chiefs.
Headman Ngomambi
They are from Sibanda totem and Dawu is their isangelo/chidawo. The traditional name of the headmanship is Ngomambi. The name of the area is Sihlengene. The headman is of the Lozwi tribe although there are many Abanyai in their area. Sindebele is their language.
Appointment of the headman is by the chief and must be approved by most of the people.
History
The first headman was Gwetu Sibanda, followed by Ngomambi Sibanda and Kanagana Sibanda. Kanagana Sibanda was appointed in 1962. The core of the following fell under chief Tshoko and initially lived in the vicinity of Bulawayo however, with the removal of chief Tshoko and his people to this area, these people moved in with their chief. There were very few people living in the area at that time. In 1953 people who moved from Filabusi were settled in this area.
Villages include Dulini, Dununu, Mlobisi, Mapanda, Samiyeli, Gwende, Joni, Nkabi, Majaha, Pumba, Mazembe, Masalekaya, Sibangilizwe, Mbombo, Mhlauli, Mcingwa, Joni, Mabulala, Dikwa, Tom, Mapolisa, Hezekiah, Mtagati, Velenjeni, Sibuzane, Kobi, Malinganiso, Mkohlisi, Ndinisani, Nduna, Puce, Hojeni, Kumbi, Sikukuveve, Wilisoni, Msoqeli, Nkumbi, Mqayi, Mubi, Bafana, Hlahleni, Msila, Mafa, Sikobolo, Ndabayosozi, Mbengiwa, Komo, Nene, Masevenza, Makwanda, Veli, Melusi, Tshutshu, Mdutshulwa, Fitshane, Melusi, Macala, Maliwa, Nkosizali, Feya, Nondo, Sigwabila, Magama, Mohole, Tamsanqwa, Mkanyiso, Sauli, Majende, Wili, Majuta, Mapenduka, Sikomo, Sibalwa, Magzi, Sitolo, Kiwa, Mtoniselwa, Mbulala, Melugi, Madhlo, Ndukazabo, Mbulawa, Amosi, David, Mahlavlo, Mloyiswa, Josaya, Gwabile, Mazozombe, Humba, Mheyiswa, Mapano, Jeremiah, Madolo, Tuha and Mkutshulwa.
Boundary
This community is divided into two sections, that north of the Gwelo and that south of the Gwelo river. The boundary commences in the north of the Kana River which is on the boundary of the tribal trust land, the boundary runs southwards to the headwaters of the Gwelochena river which flows down to its confluence with Gwelo river. From that point the boundary runs in a westerly direction to the confluence of the Gwelo and Shangani rivers. The boundary then runs upstream at the Shangani to a point where Godfrey Huggins bridge crosses that river and then the boundary moves in north easterly direction to the main Kwekwe-Nesikwe road, by-passing Mlota village. The boundary then runs in a south-easterly direction along that road to the tribal trust land boundary. The tribal trust land then forms the eastern boundary of this community to a point where Gwelo river crosses the boundary, following Gwelo river to a point where the main road from Nkayi crosses the river at the bridge near Nesikwe. It goes northwards along the road and branches up towards borehole 195 which by-passes slightly to the east. The boundary then branches along the road which goes to the pools on the Nyage river. The boundary then moves northwards up the Nyage river to the boundary of the tribal trust land, which forms the northern boundary of this community.
Functions of the headman are like those of other headmen.
Headman Manguni
They belong to the Dhlodhlo clan. traditional name of the headmanship is Manguni. The name of the area is Ngwengwe. The headman is from a Nguni background. Majority of his people are Balozwi but the only language is Sindebele.
The headman was appointed traditionally by the chief and had to be approved by the people.
History
The succession of the headman has been as follows: The first headman was Sipanda Dhlodhlo, followed by Mzilobomvo Dhlodhlo, followed by Manguni Dhlodhlo and Ndayila Dhlodhlo who was appointed by 1960. The great-great grandfather of Ndayila Dhodhlo was Mgandane Dhlodhlo, the Induna yaMabuto (chief of the regiments). Mgandane was killed at Fort Victoria, and it is said that it was this action which precipitated the fighting which led ultimately to the downfall of Amandebele. Sipanda Dhlodhlo succeeded Mgandane and he in turn was succeeded by Mzilobomvo and then Manguni. During that time the people lived in the Bubi district, but in 1944 when the area was cut up for European farms, the tribe was moved to this district.
At that time Manguni was chief as has been his predecessors but later when they were moved to the Nkayi district the chieftainship was reduced to that of a headmanship and the following was placed under chief Tshoko (the Madhliwa chieftainship). It is said that when they moved into this district, the area was sparsely populated, but since those days large numbers of people have been moving in from the Essexvale and Fort Rixon districts by government.
Villages included George, Ofisi, Matshaya, Mgenelwa, Mfazo, Mlobisi, Sidumo, Mazitulela, Sidubi, Sipendhle, Masunduza, Mavagatsha, Mambowa, Siduwe, Nduna, Matayi, Mapalala, Makaza, Mbotshwa, Makisiwonke, Ndojelana, Sunduza, Sibanagani, Mangilazi, Maplazi, Makutu, Mfazo, Mkosana, Buncobi, Begitemba, Magundela, Bozane, Sheleni, Jani, Maqeda, Mabuto, Gazi, Ngame, Ziyabonga, Johane, Hlabati, Sibeya, Gibson, Dayi, Matulisa, Managanelwa, Hlupo, Mcetshwa, Sake, Masandhle, Fagosi, Mankota, Nduna, Mkulunyelwa, Jojo, Mbulawa, Mlingo, Tshitsha, Peter, Mxotshwa, Matsheni, Mativenga, Dudula, Chabangu, Bafana, Mbulawa, Rapa, Matamatisi, Matugutela, Johwane and Mbotshi.
Boundary
It commences on beacon 18 which marks the tribal trust land boundary in the extreme north astern corner, it follows the tribal trust land boundary through beacons 18 to 22 and to beacon 1. At this point the Gwelo river enters the tribal trust land, to the point where the road crosses at the bridge near Nesikwe. The boundary then runs up the road to pass slightly east of borehole 195 and eastwards along the road which goes to Nyage river. The Nyage river is then followed to the northern boundary of the tribal trust land which boundary forms the northern boundary of the community.
The traditional boundary of the area is said to be along Nyage river along its length between the northern boundary of the tribal trust land to the point where it enters the Gwelo river which then continues the boundary. However, the following villages which are on the western side of the Nyage come under the control of headman Manguni and are functional followers of the headman: Majuta, Mcinga, Sibuzani, Simanyiwa, Mavalandanda and Mlinga. The boundary described above, therefore is designed to represent the pattern allegiance towards headman Manguni and it is for this reason that the additional area boundary has been departed from.
Functions of the headman are similar with other headmen.
Headman Manomano
They are from the Mkoko clan and their isangelo or chaidawo of this group is Linda. The community does not have a traditional name for the headmanship. The history was documented during Manomano Mkoko’s headmanship and they use the name of the incumbent. The area is called Dolahali. The headman was from Sutu/Sotho background, though his people are mainly Abalozwi. They speak Sindebele. Manomano Mkoko thinks he was appointed in 1914. Appointment follows the tradition where the chief appoints and the people must approve the headman.
History
The succession was as follows: Silo Mkoko followed by Manamano Mkoko. The father of Silo was Qaqa Mkoko, though a prominent man during the days of Lobengula was never a headman. His son Silo was the first headman and was appointed shortly after the rebellion. The basis of his selection is unknown, but it was probably because he created a favourable impression with the early administration. When he died, he was succeeded by his son. In 1927 the people were moved from the Bubi district where they had been living since the days of the rebellion and were moved to the present area under chief Tshoko. Additions to the community have been made by people coming in from outside areas.
Villages included Manqobo, Ndilitshi, Pahlane, Maluza, Mkulunyelwa, Malandu, Siviko, Mzanywa, Mnukwa, Mandane, Bejile, Ndhluyokufa, Majalimani, Jombolo, Managatsha, Mbulawa, Nkatazo, Ziwandiya, Mkuluyabo, Magangeni, Ndhleko, Joel, Hali, Ntozima, Pau, Mtoniselwa, Tiki, Tina, Solomon, Fani, Tole, Balindi, Balu, Sitolo, Mambili, Samson, Gomoyi, Mampali, Tanda, Dambuza, Amos, Mhlatshwa, Nkanyezi, Keyi, Enoki, Nkulumo, Mcupi, Albert, Nevana, Tiyo, Hlekisa and Taweni.
Boundary
The northern boundary is formed by the Shangani river, the eastern boundary is by Tohwe river from the point where it enters Shangani river south wards to its source from which point the boundary is formed by the imaginary line running through the bush to meet the Ridge road at a point where it is cut by the Whiskey-Berman road. The southern boundary then runs along the Ridge Road to a point which is directly south of the source of the Dolahali river. The western boundary runs in a straight line to the source of Dolahali river up to its junction with the Shangani River.
The functions of the headman are similar with other headmen.
Headman Sibangelana
There is no traditional name of this headmanship, but the name of the incumbent is used to call the headmanship. Their isangelo is Gadjaukwe. The name of the area is Gwamayaya after a river which forms one of the boundaries of this community. The headman is of the Kalanga tribe, most of his people are Balozwi though there is quite a Ndebele community.
Headman Sinangelana Ncube cannot remember when he was appointed by Mr Lewis who was the then District Commissioner. The headman was appointed by the administration when the post of the headman was created in this area. The headman states that after he was installed by the government his people were called together and accepted his appointment.
History
The first influx of the people into this area of the ancestors of the present community occurred shortly after the Matebele war when there were only few Balozwi living in the area. The area fell under the control of chief Tshoko (House of Madhliwa), and the headman of this area was Mdabambi Ngayo. Subsequently the government moved more people into the area and in particular a large group from Filabusi were moved in 1952. People from Fort Rixon were also moved into the area.
Villages include Majune, Ndzambi, Ngungunyane, Manondo, Josiyasi, Mabuka, Gotshi, Madojwa, Mtshliwete, Mtushuwete, Siswa, Masnago, Mteliswa, Mabedhla, Mkoto, Mhlatshwa, Bafo, Ngungunyane, Condo, Silindeni, Mabulantayi, Tole, Mapande, Sibangani, Mlapeli, Tshwapa, Malunguza, Amon, Mtetiswa, Mkatshwa, Macimbi, Bafana, Gayela, Madhlozi, Mkuze, Ntiya, Gwayimana, Mike, Tshela, Hlanganiso II, Kutshiwe, Matshingo, Wakufa, Senza, Matshaya, Zula, Mfundisi, Nconywa, Sikawu, Amoni, Mahamabesaka, Tubayi, Madindi, Hlanaganiso, Manyatelo, Nganga, Siqupati, Msongelwa, Vauntuba, Simbakuronga, Matewu, Mosi, Haga, Sitinini, Mbangwa, Jamu, Toyi, Ginyelitshe, Mabedhla, Mtintitwa, Kafa, Kangana and Kutshwa.
Boundary
The northern boundary is formed by the northern tribal trust land boundary; the eastern boundary is formed by a straight line running from Jackson’s store on the northern boundary to the headwaters of the Gwelochena river. The river then forms the eastern boundary to the point where it joins the Gwelo river which forms the southern boundary until it enters the Shangani River, which forms the boundary in the south until it is by the Gwamayaya river. The western boundary is formed by a straight line from Ntubeni store on the northern boundary to the headwaters of the Msaziyabana river until it is joined by Gwamayaya river. This river forms the remainder of the boundary until it enters Shangani River.
Functions of the headman are similar to other headmen.
CHIEF SIKOBOKOBO
The traditional name of the chieftainship is Sikobokobo. Their isangelo is Nkosi and their area is called Sikobokobo. The chief is from Nguni clan though most of his people are Lozwi which include Batonga, Abanyai and other groups. They speak Sindebele.
Chief Sikobokobo was appointed on the 1st of January 1939. He was installed after selection through traditional means and was approved by rank and file of the tribe.
History
The group belong to the Nxumalo clan. Their succession was as follows: Somopo (Makwaziana) Nxumalo, followed by Sikobokobo Nxumalo and then Madhlisibanda Nxumalo.
The actual title of Somopo is not clear but he lived during the time of Lobengula. And was a prominent man though not in fact an induna. He allegedly led a section of the Mzinyati regiment in battle and was given a nickname of Magwazana, probably due tohis prowess with the spear. His son Skobokobo grew up with Lobengula and appeared to be a trusted man of the king. When he succeeded to his kingship, Lobengula placed Sikobokobo in charge of the Intunga cattle (milk cattle of the King). He had a command of the men who defended and were responsible for the cattle. These men were drawn from all regiments. Initially, Mhlangabeza, a half-brother of Lobengula, was the commander of these men, but Lobengula is said to have become suspicious of him and had him put to death, where upon Sikobokobo rose to supreme command.
Sikobokobo lived on the Mgusa river, and it was here that his son Madhlisibanda was born. Madhisibanda was a small herd boy during the rebellion. After the rebellion they were moved from the area to the Bubi district and the remainder moved to the Sikobokobo area. When chief Sikobokobo made his move to Nkayi district, he took with him Malambi, the father of Simbu as one of his headmen.
Boundary
The western boundary of the area is common with the tribal trust land boundary. It is formed by the southern boundary with Lupane district and eastwards to the point where it is crossed by the Whiskey-Berman Road which forms the eastern boundary to the point where it meets Ridge Road. It then goes northwards towards the Dolahali dam, along common boundary with chief Dagamela, past borehole 30, up along Mkarati river to Shangani River then across and up Gwamayaya river, up Nsaziyabama river to its headwaters in a straight-line to Ntubeni store. The northern boundary is common with the tribal trust land boundary to the starting point where it crosses the western boundary of the area.
Functions of the chief are similar with other chiefs.
Villages in this area include Yogo, Mfitshami, Sibona, Bunkane, Sizalobubi, Matibini, Mpabanga, Pasi, Majoqo, Nqigi, Fani, Manqinqi, Pando, Mkantsho, Memo, Hlamba, Manganga, Mabega, Shamu, Mtikitiva, Kezo, Kenane, Matuta, Sigilikiti, Vomo, Nyoniyelanga, Mawisa, Madoda, Kingi, Dopani, Madhliwa, Situpa, Noah, Mtangala, Mafohla, Mloyiswa, Pashu, Majoni, Kunga, Saloba and Njokonya.
Headman Sivalo
They belong to Mahlangu clan. Their traditional name of the headmanship is Sivalo and their isangelo/chidawo is Magodonga. They are Sutu/Sotho though most of the people are Lozwi. They speak Sindebele.
History
The following is the history of succession: Makodoma Mahlangu, followed by Mveleleni Mahlangu, followed by Sivalo Mahlangu, succeeded by Mleke Mahlangu, and then Solomon Mahlangu who was appointed in 1940 and later demoted and then reinstated in 1961.
According to headman Solomon, Makodoma was living in the Transvaal when Mzilikazi conquered his people and absorbed them into the Ndebele nation. Mveleleni controlled the Gibixegu regiment and when Lobengula took over the kingship the leader of that regiment opposed Lobengula and was defeated in a skirmish which took place, and returned to the Transvaal. Sivalo was a youth and remained behind. When he grew up, he was appointed by Lobengula.
Villages included Solomon, Fantiswa, Njini, Mkumbi, Mawale, Pahlane, Sinjani, Mzanywa, Malima, Bafana, Mbizwo, Njimba, Magodi, Gamulani, Nene, Ngwenya, Jeche, Mqandiswa, Jojo, Velinyama, Mafeni, Matumo, Sayimoni, Pita, Mdutshwa, Mlungisi, Magaya, Ntulini, Hlabati, Givu, Macala, Ndondela, Mahlwayi, Sicino, Ndabezimbi, Sengama, Chanohaza,Sibulawayini, Mhlegwa, Simtenka, Kulumo, Msweli, Honapi, Maluzo, Jonatayi, Mchoni, Machoko, Gwamu, Zebuloni, Maluba, John, Mkuzwa and Sawa.
Boundary
The northern boundary is common with the tribal trust land boundary and runs from a point slightly east of Mampisi village to the western boundary of the tribal trust land which forms the boundary down as the Shangani River which forms the southern boundary. The eastern boundary passes through borehole 14 in a northerly direction past Sataga dam on to the tribal trust land boundary to the north.
Headman Simbo
There is no traditional name for the headmanship and they use the name of the incumbent. The name of the area is Bodaboda. The headman is of Nguni origin. They speak Sindebele.
Simbo Sitsha was appointed in 1939 by Mr Lewis who was the Native Commissioner. The appointment followed the traditional pattern and was installed by tribal elders and approved by amahlabezulu.
History
Succession was like this: Maxwaya Sitsha, followed by Kwabiti Sitsha, followed by Malandu Sitsha, succeeded by Fezela Sitsha (acting) and Simbo Sitsha.
Very little is known about Maxwaya. Kwabiti was appointed by Lobengula and succeeded by Sikobokobo when he died who acted as a regent until Malandu took over. He was appointed while they were living in Bubi. Malandu died in 1918 and his younger brother Fezela took over for Simbo until he came of age. They were then moved to Gwitshi area now part of Nkalakata by the government in 1928 and lived there until 1945. In 1945 they were moved from this area to the present area.
Villages include Ngazula, Batshazwa, Ngani, Ginviletshi, Makupe, Mabeka, Mcelwa, Tshili, Matshumi, Mhanqwa, Nkalakata, Matoba, Moses, Masoja, Bambomba, Dwaleni, Yona, Mbunde, Malomo, Ganka, Paul, Aroni, Mcemo, Sikulwa, Kati, Loyiswayo, Josef, Simayi, Boyi, Mazitulela, John, Midzi, Ntsuku, Mdinga, Samson, Dubuya, Luti, Madoda, Sivelani, Pahlane, Melusi, Mkulunyelwa, Tiki, Noto, Ngolovana, Uzwenjani, Jowane, Paul, Davd, Faroni, Sindabantu, Kaniso, Dubula, Pate, Mancitshana, Mapiti, Mhangi, Kutshwa, Hlugano, Mgezelwa, Gwangwaba, Daniel, Sihubayezi, Njini, Kutshwa and Mlungisi Moyo.
Boundary
The northern boundary is formed by Shangani River between its junction with Bodaboda river to the west and Mkarati river to the east. The western boundary commences on the Mbuma road. The southern boundary is formed by the Ridge Road between borehole 224L and a point due south of the corner beacon of Phillip communities which is in the bush and difficult to describe. The boundary then stretches through the bush slightly east of Dolahali dam and past borehole 30 up Mkarati river to its junction with the Shangani River.
Functions of the headman are similar with other headmen.
Headman Majaha
They belong to Moyo totem and their isangelo/chidawo is Babayane. Their traditional name is Majaha. They are of the Kalanga tribe, but majority of the people are Lozwi. Their area is called Gwampa. They speak Isindebele. The headman is appointed by the chief and rank and file of the tribe must approve.
History
Headman Majaha Moyo is the first headman to be installed by chief Sikobokobo. His father was a close and faithful follower of chief Sikobokobo and it is possibly for this reason that Majaha was selected. The history of this community is the same as the history of the Sikobokobo people. The main influx of people into the district occurred when Sikobokobo was moved from Bubi to this area. Some people moved in from alienated farmlands.
Villages in this area include Nhlamba, Mhlotshana, Diba, Manxiweni, Mlefu, Mpompi, Mabongani, Madhlaluba, Mabolo, Mahotsha, Tshipisa, Beni, Mosi, Mangoye, Mtelisi, Mpande, Mhanqa, Ndube, Nhlantato, Tshopi, Mazeza, Sinoti, Mlazo, Mpopoma, Ndhlewembi, Boyi, Mzwipansi, Peter, Bafana, Kupukani, Sitanda, Mawidini, Mayolo, Macala, Sidindi, Msali, Ganyu, Ngcekeza, Ndabanengi, Kingi, Mabayi, Sasotsha, Mbizo, Pulanki, Dube, Moses, Nhlalambi, Nkonande, Ntsuku, Vayi, Elijah, Mlume, Muti, Dumezweni and Mhanqwa.
Boundary
The southern boundary is common with the tribal trust land boundary between Lupane district and the point where it crosses Whiskey-Berman Road. The later road forms the eastern boundary, and the northern boundary follows the Buma Ridge Road to the point where it crosses the Whiskey-Berman Road to a point north of borehole 224L. The boundary then moves due south to Lupane district boundary directly opposite borehole 17. From that point the boundary moves through Mgarapansi Mpagama dam. The boundary then moves due south to meet Lupane district boundary.
Functions of headman are similar to other headmen.
Headman Sigwangombe
Their totem is Bebe and their isangelo is Zinda. The traditional name for headmanship is Singwangombe. They are Venda tribe, but majority of the people are Lozwi. They speak Sindebele. Some speak Tonga in their homes.
Headman Mankambiri Bebe was appointed in 1941 by the chief when he created this new post. His appointment was approved by majority of the people.
History
The people have always been followers of chief Sikobokobo and came to the area shortly after rebellion when the chief was moved here with his people. The only large group of people to be moved into area was that of the people who were moved from the Filabusi district in 1953. Other people moved into the area on individual basis when the areas they occupied became occupied by European farmers.
Villages included Mhlatshwa, Ncwadi, Mtshangana, Majoni, Zimende, Mhonqo, England, Njanji, Mloyiswa, Mazole, Toweni, Magwayi, Benyu, Manene, Sitini, Kini, Yuta, Mdutshwa, Sideni, Albert, Busumani, Bandama, Mbangiso, Mahlumhlopi, Mshazi, Mquma, Tandabantu, Nanali, Damu, Sikota, Gibi, Madoda, Makulumo, Mandwandwa, Mlunjwa, Kutshwa, Tshagu, Gwaziwa, Bunzsi, Poyiseni, Mabega, Mapopo, Ketewe and Makamisa.
Boundary
The boundary commences at the Shangani River; the western boundary is formed by a line running along the tribal trust land boundary to a point approximately 1 mile south of the Lupane Valley. The boundary then moves eastwards to a point due south of Mgarapanzi Mpagana dam, from which point the boundary moves northwards up to that dam and eastwards along Lupane valley to a points north of borehole 17. The boundary then moves to a point slightly west of Simbo village where the boundary moves eastwards to join Bodaboda river which it follows to its junction with the Shangani River. From this point the Shangani River is followed in a westerly direction to the starting point to form the northern boundary of the community.
Source: National Archives 2929/5/2-3;5-7.
Research conducted by Dr. Joshua Kumbani, an established academic in Archaeology who has lectured at a number of universities in South Africa, Spain, and Germany.
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