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Mtirara Clan — History & Meaning
Xhosa clan · isiXhosa
History & origin
Mtirara was a king of the abaThembu, son of Ngubengcuka and his successor in the senior Thembu royal line. As Ngubengcuka's heir he was a minor at his father's death and a regent (in tradition, Joyi) governed until Mtirara came of age, after which he was installed as Thembu king around 1840, with his Great Place at Rhoda. He died in 1855, again leaving a minor heir, his Great-House son Ngangelizwe. Mtirara's sons founded distinct Thembu houses: Ngangelizwe of the Great House, Matanzima of the Right-Hand House, and Mfanta of a minor house.
Notable figures & facts
King Mtirara of the abaThembu; father of Ngangelizwe and ancestor of the Dalindyebo royal line.
Associated surnames
Surnames that share this clan: Ngangelizwe, Dalindyebo.
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.