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Sigcawu Clan — History & Meaning
Xhosa clan · isiXhosa
History & origin
In the Xhosa royal line, Sigcawu kaSarhili was a son of King Sarhili (by his wife Nobuthe) and succeeded as paramount of the amaGcaleka after Sarhili's death in 1892, reigning until his own death in 1902, during the period of full colonial annexation of Gcalekaland. (The name Sigcawu is also borne, separately, by the senior royal line of the amaMpondo; the Xhosa-line figure described here is Sigcawu kaSarhili of the Gcaleka.) His succession followed the death of an earlier heir, and his short reign fell entirely under colonial administration.
Notable figures & facts
King Sigcawu kaSarhili, Gcaleka paramount who reigned under colonial rule from 1892 to 1902.
Associated surnames
Surnames that share this clan: Sarhili, Hintsa, Gcaleka.
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.