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Sandile Clan — History & Meaning
Xhosa clan · isiXhosa
History & origin
Sandile (c.1820-1878) was the Great Son of Ngqika and the recognised paramount of the Rharhabe Xhosa. Because he was a young child at his father's death, regents including Maqoma governed until his installation around 1840. Sandile led the Rharhabe through the later frontier wars against the Cape Colony, including the War of Mlanjeni and the War of Ngcayechibi (the Ninth Frontier War, 1877-78). He was killed in action in 1878 during that final war. His descendants continue as the recognised Rharhabe royal house.
Notable figures & facts
King Sandile, the last Rharhabe paramount to lead in the frontier wars; killed in the Ninth Frontier War (1878).
Associated surnames
Surnames that share this clan: Maqoma, Rharhabe, Ndlambe.
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.