Let’s look at Jele’s. One of the military commanders of the Ndwandwe army was Zwangendaba (kaHlatshwayo???), head of the Jele or Gumbi ? clan, which itself formed part of the larger emaNcwangeni alliance in what is now north-east kwaZulu-Natal. Some say Soshangane and Zwangendaba of the Jele and Gaza (Gasa???? Wasemyezeni) chiefdoms, were principal allies of Zwide. ?????????
When Zwide was defeated at the battle of Mhlatuze in 1818? by Shaka, the Ndwandwe split into different groups. Among the groups that split were those that were led by Soshangane, Xaba and Zwangendaba. Note that its possible as they say that the Jele clan also splitted into these above mentioned groups. All these groups headed north as they were running away from Shaka. Not so sure if some of you know where EmaNcwangweni is? Don’t worry you not alone. It should also be noted that during the Mfecane period clans will organize themselves into alliances to be stronger and powerful. From there, they will choose their military commander and other leaders based on the need at that time.
Chieftain Shaka(Zulu) and Dingiswayo (Mthethwa) V.S Chieftain Zwide
If your surname is Dlomo, Luvuno, Ceke Luvuno, does that means you originate from Jele clan or virce versa? I’ve heard of the surname Nkabanhle?????? More ??????
The Zulus were originally a small tribe that had migrated to the eastern plateau of present-day South Africa; they became a strong tribal nation largely due to the efforts of an ambitious chieftain named Shaka (reigned c. 1787–1828 ?). A rebellious young man, Shaka was estranged from his father, who was a Zulu chief, and became a warrior with the Mthethwa people. The Mthethwa paramount chieftain Dingiswayo helped Shaka become recognized as head of the Zulus after Shaka's father died in 1816. The two chieftains were close friends, and their warriors fought together against common enemies, such as the Ndwandwe headed by King Zwide. After Dingiswayo was murdered by Zwide, the Mthethwa people placed themselves under Shaka and took the Zulu name. In the Battle of Gqokli Hill in 1819, his troops and tactics prevailed over the superior numbers of the Ndwandwe people, who failed to destroy the Zulu in their first encounter.
