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Tshivhase (Vho-Tshivhasa / Ha-Tshivhasa) Clan — History & Meaning
Venda clan · Tshivenda
Totem Elephant — Ndou (Tshivenda), as a Singo royal house.
History & origin
The Tshivhase dynasty was founded by Raluswielo, also titled Tshivhasa Midi-ya-Vhathu, a brother of King Thohoyandou of the Singo. During Thohoyandou's reign Raluswielo was deployed to Dopeni; after Thohoyandou's disappearance (c.1770) he ruled the land of Vhuphani, which became Ha-Tshivhasa, and died at Dopeni. His successors moved the royal seat from Dopeni to Phiphidi (where Mukhesi subjugated the local Vhangona) and later to Mukumbani. Under Ligegise the chiefdom expanded by conquering Thenzheni, Muhuyu, Matangari, Mianzwi and Maraxwe, and Lutheran (Beuster) missionaries were invited, founding the Maungani mission. The colonial administrative centre established at Tshanowa in Ha-Tshivhasa became known as Sibasa. The Mphaphuli and Rambuda houses are offshoots associated with this senior Singo line.
Associated surnames
Surnames that share this clan: Vho-Tshivhasa, Raluswielo, Midiyavhathu, Mukhesi, Ligegise.
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.