Izithakazelo zakwaMavuso (The clan praises of Mavuso)

Africans are people of rich historical background. From the dark ages until today there is something which is very important to every African individual, and that thing is the 'surname'. Yes! The surname of the person is very important because it contains historical information of the origin of the people or the person who possesses it. African surnames have what is called clan praises (Izithakazelo in isiZulu). The clan praises contain names and historical activities of the founding fathers or the grand ancestors of the family or the surname at large. Therefore, clan praises are somehow stories or rather indigenous knowledge that is passed on to generations.
In this post, however, I will be giving insight on the Mavuso surname. The clan praises thereof will be given in a vernacular language which is isiZulu (a language of a Nguni origin that is mostly spoken in South Africa in the KwaZulu Natal Province, however, isiZulu is mostly spoken throughout South Africa and is one of the most spoken language in South Africa).

Izithakazelo zakwaMavuso 

Eeh! Mavuso

 

Ludonga, Mshengu, Shabalala

 

Ncele, Magudulela

‘Vuso kaNgwane

Ncele lekhohlo laseMzimkhulu

Wena owadela ukubusa wakhetha ukuba umfokazane, eMatsaktolo kaLadlungwane

iVuso eladla umuntu esasesiswini kwathi lo ongaphandle wasinda ngokuzibalekela

Nkosi!

Wena owaqed’ uBombo ngokuhlehletela

Guliwe kaNgwane

Wena oncwaba owafika nomlandakazi

Sidwaba Siluthuli

Swazi elihle!

Ohlaza ufuze koyise, ompofu ufuze konina

Wena okaNgwane!

Wena oweNkosi!

Wena owaseSwazini, lapho inkaba nomsuka ukhona


 The bird that is shown in the above picture is called the Knysna Turaco (iGwalagwala in isiZulu). IGwalagwala is the kind of bird that symbolizes royalty in most Southern African cultures. Since the Mavuso people are of a royal blood, iGwalagwala is very important as its feathers were used by King Mavuso I (Son of Nkosi II, grandson of Dlamini II and greatson Ngwane II) of Swaziland. The red flying feathers of iGwalagwala are put on the head as a crown or a symbol of royalty by the king or the members of the royal family.