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Nelwamondo (Lwamondo) Clan — History & Meaning
Venda clan · Tshivenda
Totem Lion — Ndau (Tshivenda). The Lwamondo rulers belong to the Vhalaudzi/Vhadau-linked lineage, and the Vhadau are documented as a lion clan; the Lwamondo chiefdom is well known for its sacred troop of baboons on Mount Lwamondo.
History & origin
The Lwamondo rulers are Vhalaudzi of Tshimudi, a lineage from the Vhasenzi group led by the Singo (Govhamasenga and his half-brother Tshimudi settled in the Nzhelele valley along the Mutshedzi River). Tshimudi's son Tshilinde established the line at Mount Lwamondo. After Tshilinde and his successor Mapungwi, a succession war broke out between Mapungwi's sons Radali and Randuhu; Radali defeated Randuhu and took the name Nelwamondo ('ruler of Lwamondo') to mark his undisputed authority. The chiefdom lies in the Thulamela area and is famous for the sacred baboons of Mount Lwamondo, traditionally regarded as guardians/sentinels of the chieftaincy.
Associated surnames
Surnames that share this clan: Radali, Randuhu, Tshimudi, Tshilinde, Vhalaudzi.
We publish the full clan names (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.