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Cira Clan — History & Meaning
Xhosa clan · isiXhosa
History & origin
Cira (also Cirha) is one of the oldest documented Xhosa clan names. In Xhosa oral tradition Cira (Cirha) and Tshawe were sons in the early Xhosa royal line; Tshawe is said to have overthrown his elder brother Cirha (with the help of the amaNgwevu/Mpondomise) to establish the Tshawe royal house, after which the senior Cira line lost the kingship. A separate Cirha line also exists among the amaMpondomise, descending from King Ngcwina, and is distinguished from the Xhosa Cirha. The clan is rooted in the Eastern Cape.
Notable figures & facts
Cirha (Cira) himself, the brother of Tshawe in early Xhosa royal tradition, displaced from kingship by Tshawe.
Associated surnames
Surnames that share this clan: Tshawe (Xhosa royal house), amaJwarha, amaMpondomise Cirha line under Ngcwina.
We publish the full iziduko (clan praises) only once we can verify them against documented tradition — for this clan they are still being confirmed. If you can share an authoritative version, corrections are warmly welcomed.