Izibongo zeNgonyama uCetshwayo (with Video)

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https://youtu.be/CCyJKtap-Hk

  • King Cetshwayo kaMpande

UZulu eladum’obala
Lapho kungemunga, kungemtholo
UHlamvana bhul’umlilo eNdulinde
Ubaswe uMantshonga benoGqelebana

Inzima lemnyama
Engabunde bezingwe nezingonyama
Ibiqhutshwa uMseleku benoNongalaza
Bethi ifanele ukuyosikwa izihlangu
EMkhweyantaba

Bathi iyekeni
Ubumnyama bayo buyesabeka
Ifanele ukuyocela imvula
KuNkosinkulu

Unqabel’abantu ukudonsa
Umanz’aphum’ezimbotsheni zoMtshezi
Isiguqa esizifulele ngamahlamvu
AseNdodakusuka

Umsindo wobuntilingwe ngowani
Ubangwe ngabaseNtingweni
benabakwaKhinya
Bathi baxokozelela iNdlondlo yakokaTshana
Bathi Ndlondloni lena engabhuli amaphiko
Izindlondlo ziyabhula amaphiko

Ozingel’izwe laseNhlungwana ngobhumbuluzo
Amavaka aseNgwengweni nawaseNdlondlweni
Abaleka abhangalaza
Zingel’ugcine nganeno koThukela mtakaNdaba
Ngaphesheya kukhon’abamhlophe abelungu
USigwembe esal’ukulanyulwa ngabamhlophe
USinakanaka sezincwadi
ebezibhalwa uMalimade
Kwabamhloph’abelungu
Eziloba bezikaza kakhulu

IKhaba elimile lodwa ngaseNhlungwana
Amany’amakhaba emila izixexelegu
Thambekeka mfazi owaliwayo
Thambekeka wewuse iNtambanana
Nangezinyembezi

Mhla eyakudabula ngakwaNgxangaza
Abafazi bakwaNgxangaza
Bazakulal’ezibayeni njengamathole
Kazi amathole azakulalaphi
Uye wadabula kuMlaba
Obezalwa nguKhwani
Wafike wamnika
Inyanda yemikhonto
Wathi MtakaNdaba
Uz’ubahlabe nasemehlweni

INyathi kaNdaba
Empondo zimakhenkenene
Bayivimbele ngamaphanda emikhonto
Bethi uMhlathuze kayikuwuwela
Uthe esewuwela

Wasewuwela ngamakhanda amadoda
Washikizela umashikizel’omnyama
Edondolozela ngenhlendla yakhe ebimithatha
Impi yakhe eyakuyibuthisa eNdliwayini

Wazihlaba kanye namathole azo
Kwathiwa ziyeke lezo Mtaka Ndaba
Ngezikanyokokhulu,
NgezikaLangazana

Washikizela umashikizel’omnyama
Edondolozela ngenhlendla yakhe
Eyakushona ngesikhala
SikaMpehlela noMaqhwakazi
Eya ngoNohadu ezalwa nguMsweli
Uyakuwukhokha umnyatheliso

Iqabi lakwabo lezinkabi elimpunga
Uya ngoMpepha obezalwa nguNdengezi
Uyakulikhokha iqabi lakwabo
Elimnyama lezinkabi

Uya ngoGawozi obezalwa nguSilwane
Uyakuwukhokha umnyatheliso
Iqabi lakwabo elinkone lezinkabi
Washikizela umashikizela omnyama
Eyakushona ngesikhala
Samahlathi amabili
IShowe kanye neDlinza
Eya ngoSikhonyana
Obezalwa nguNgqungqulu
Uyakuwukhokha umnyatheliso
Iqabi lakwabo elixube imibala

Udondolozela ngenhlendla
Ngoba umuzi wakhe kuseziNhlendleni
Uye wedlula kuMankayiyana
Obezalwa nguMenziwa
Uyakuwukhokha umnyatheliso

ISilo esimaDuna sakokaTshana
Esikhangel’abantu baduka nolwandle
Nanamuhla basadukile
Abafana ababili

Baphonseke kwesinezimvumu nezingwenya
UNdaba kazimudli zimbukani?
Zimbona ngoba ekhafulwe yiNdlovu
ISilo esimaDuna
Esimenyezwe nguMzwili
Ezalwa nguSiniswayo

Wathi ningayihlabi leyo Ndlovu
Ningayihlaba niyobe niyibangile
Iyakuvusa imilando emidala
Eyayenziwa ngoyihlo

Uhlohloloza ngeNdlovu enohlanya
INdlovu ethi imuka babeyixokozelela
Uzitho zimagwegwe
Ngokugwegwa abakayise

UJininindi omnyama
Ongabubende bezingwe nezingonyama
Ongangamabuya eziziba
Zolwandle noThukela
Usakha lukhalweni enhlanganisweni
Lapha kuhlangana khona imifula
Kanye neyabafo
Kanye neyabafokazana

UGaqa libomvu lawoBathoyile
Isibuko sikaMaphitha benoNzibe
Abebezibuka ngaso beya kwaNkosinkulu

Ohlathi limnyama
Limnyama konke nemizi yalo
Ebelinjengebelihlala izindlovu
EzikaMakhehle

Igwalagwala likaMenzi
Elisuke eNtumeni kwbhej’iNdulinde
Kwaze kwaya kwabheja
Ulwandle noThukela

ISiguqa sikaNdaba
Abasifulele ngamashoba
Sath’ukuvuka sadl’amadoda

IZulu elidume phezulu eNdulinde
Lazithatha izihlangu zamadoda
Indaba yenziwe nguManqina
Obezalwa nguNkontshela

Nguyena othathe izinkomo zaseMangweni
Waye wayozithela ndawonye
NezaseMkhweyantaba
Ngoba ethathe uNxaba kamkhonto

Isiziba sikaHhamu benoZiwedu
Esibhukudise izihlangu zaseMkhweyantaba
Ilanga liyakushona
Abantu baseNtengweni
Ngiyabesaba ngibasolile
Bazibukule itshe

Itshe linemamba
Imamba yathi ukuvuka
Yangena ehlathini
Ihlathi linembube

Yamaphula uBusobengwe kaNongalaza
Ungalo ezinjengezengonyama
IMbube elishoba liyisilikithi

UMthunduluka ovuthwe eNdulinde
IZigqoza ziyawulabalabela
Udl’uNomsimekwana
Obezalwa nguBhikwayo
Wamshaya phansi koludumayo ezinqungeni
Akwaze kwaba ndaba zalutho

Wamudl’uMashayayishukule
Obezalwa nguSiphingo
Wamshaya phansi eziqungeni
Koludumayo
Akwaba ndaba zalutho

Wamudl’uSigombe
Obezalwa uMatshana
Wamshaya phansi ezinkambeni
Koludumayo
Akwabindaba zalutho

Wamudl’uFaku
Obezalwa uMatshana
Wamshaya phansi ezinkambeni
Koludumayo
Akwabindaba zalutho

Wamudl’uBambelela
Obezalwa nguSotobe
Ngasezinkambeni
Wamshaya phansi koludumayo
Akwabindaba zalutho

Uwaba lenkomo zakwaMshweshwe
Udunusel’uNdi noKhahlamba
UMzingela kaShaka benoDingane
Uz’uzingele ubuye nganeno MtakaNdaba

Ngaphesheya kukhona abaMhlophe
Uzuyesab’imilando emidala
Eyayenziwa ngoYihlo

IBululu likaPhunga noMageba
Elidonde ukusuka
Kwaze kwasuka awezindlwana
OShela kaDolofu kuMaqadasi
OZitshani kuMaqadasi
OSomtswewu kaSozica kuMankinsimana
Amabululwana ezindlwana

UMagwaz’eguqile njengethole
USinikiniki singamashoba oSuthu
INgqamungqamu likaShaka
Elingamlil’oshayo

Bathi kush’umlilo
Kanti kuvuth’umuzi wasEKuweleni
Izinhlansi zabaqhashela
Ziqhashele oMthondo

Ubhukudise abantu
Bengasathandi ukubhukuda
Ngoba ebhukudise amadoda amadala
Ngoba ebhukudise uNongalaza
Obezalwa nguNondela
Wabhukudisa uThemana
Obezalwa nguNohaye
Wabhukudisa uMgebisi
Obezalwa nguJokwe
Wabhukudisa uMatshekana
Obezalwa nguMaqhoboza

Umamba yeVuna
Umaqhamusela
Umamba eth’ukuvuka
Yadla abakaYise

Wamudla uMbheduka kwabakaYise
‘UMbheduka njengesona
UPhaqa njengelanga
UTakasa njengebhoyi
INyathi yaseNhlakanhlakeni
INdlovu enezihlonti
Ikhwani elisikwa lihluma
Ngenxenye linguPhunga
Ngenxenye linguMageba’

Amakhubalo adliwa nguCetshwayo
KwabakaMpande
Wamudla uShonkweni
Obezalwa nguMpande
Amakhubalo adliwa nguCetshwayo
KwabakaMpande

Wamudla uMantantashiya
Obezalwa nguMpande
Amakhubalo adliwa nguCetshwayo
KwabakaMpande
Wamudla uSomklawana
Obezalwa nguMpande
Amakhubalo adliwa nguCetshwayo
KwabakaMpande
Wamudla uMdomba
Obezalwa nguMpande
Amakhubalo adliwa nguCetshwayo
KwabakaMpande
Wamudla uDabulesinye
Obezalwa nguMpande
Amakhubalo adliwa nguCetshwayo
KwabakaMpande

UNozila kudla kwamagwala*
Amagwala adl’ububende
ILanga elaphuma endlebeni yeNdlovu
Nyakamumbe liyakuphuma kweyeNgonyama

IMpunzi kaNdaba
Bayibambe ngandlebenye
Phezu kukaLangakazi
Yadlamuluka yadlamadoda

IZulu likaNdaba lithukuthele
Liyokwehla ngoMagula
Laqumb’isichotho
Layakwehla ngoMagula
Laphakwehla khona elinye

Izulu elidume phezu kweSandlwana
Umbane lawuhlaba eMankamane
Bayamemeza bathi nans’iNdlovu
Belengu ningayishayi ngesibhamu
Noba niyibangile

Anoyiphathela amaphanda
Angawezinhlendla
Yaphel’imibhobho yamaphoyisa
Yaphuk’ubumohlomohlo
Yaphulwa yiJaha elidala

Yebo thambeka MtakaNdaba
Wen’ongasilambalala
Ngimfumane egeza kwelamadwala
Ubenzipho zimhlophe njengeNgonyama
Uguqa badele
Inhlambamasoka

Odl’uMvemve oncokazi kwabaMhlophe
Wadl’uZithi obezala nguSotobe
Wadl’uSigwabugwabu ezinyangeni
Wadl’Gqoboyiya kwabathwal’imvokwana

UNtaka yeVuna
Zala umhlanga zikhothame
Oze noNdumundumu ezalwa nguNotatela
Weza noQhongolo ezalwa nguNgede

Unsusi wezigebengu eNdodakusuka*
UGuqa bathokoze! INhlambamasoka
USigenyana somqubula
Odl’uKhathaza ezalwa nguSiyabandiya
Wadl’izibunu zizibili zaseMkhweyantaba
Esinye singuMunci
Esinye siguMdeyi khona eMkhweyantaba
Odl’uZangwana kaMgunyana ngaseMaphiseni
Wadl’uNhlanhlanhla ezalwa
NguNgudumana ngaseMaphiseni

Undondela kuyalwa
Ingani nabanoyise bayayalwa
Ngoba udlule kuMpande ekuyala
Wadlula kuSomtsewu ekuyala
Washo uMpande wathi
”Kuze wabusa
Mfana kaNgqumbazi
Liyohanjwa zinkonjane
Lokhu udlula ukuyalwa kokubusa”

Usakha mizi ngemikhonto
Abanye beyakha ngokunikezelana
Uguqa badele iNhlambamasoka
Onjengeziziba zomfula

Sengathi ngamabuya
Olwandle noThukela
Oshise owakwaSibatha
Ingani owakwaSibatha
Kawungenwa ngasango
Wawufohlwa ngecele

Zethuk’izibhaxa
Zaphonseka kwabaMhlophe
WawushisaowaSenzanazo
Hawu washa owaseKuweleni
USofukuzelwa oyinsonyama
INgonyama enohlonza emhlane

INsukamini kaMjokwane
Esuke ilanga liphezulu
Wadl’uPhoyiuphoyi ngaNdondakusuka
Wadl’uMzimuzimu ngaseNdondakusuka
Izingwazi zabola ngakwaNyoka
Usal’ukutshelwa usal’ukunyenyezelwa
Mshisi wesikhotha esiseDlebe
Kuze kushe esiseMalaleni

Uzandla zimnyama
Ngokuphatha imisebe yelanga
Wamudl’uHabana kuMaphoyisa
Wamudl’uMahlangwana ngaseMkhweyantaba
Wamudl’uMagazukaza eSwazni
Wamudl’uMdumela ngaseSwazini

UMvuleli wezinkomo
Zingakwazi ukuvulelwa
Ngoba uphume nezinkomo
Onke aMakhosi aKwaZulu
Engakaze azikhiphe

Uze noMajumba kaLugagane ngaseSwazini
Weza noMhlanganiso ngaseSwazini
Ukhande amaSwazi
Akhawula ukudla izinkomo zaKwaZulu
Usenzele amanqe ngaseSwazini

UMbhubhulo!
Obhubhule zonke izinkomo zaMakhosi
Ngoba ebhubhule izinkomo zanaSwazi
Wabhubhula izinkomo zakwaMzilikazi
UMzilikazi kabe esahlasela

Oze nobhelu NgakwaMzilikazi
Odle uSenzenje ngakwaMzilikazi
Wadla uQabana ngakwaMzilikazi
UDlamvuzo!
Bayede!

Video: Izibongo zeNgonyama uZwelithini kaBhekuzulu (Inyosi Mdletshe)

/ Emandulo Kingdom / Leave a comment

King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu

Indlondl’enophaphe’ekhanda
Ndaba kawulalele lomunt’omemezayo
Umemeza sengathi uyakhala
Ukhal’isililo
Uth’igula likaJama lichithekile
Lichithwa yiNgwel’endala
Ngeyakithi kwaMalandela
Ubesibindi Buthelezi
Ngokukhuthazel’umtakaNdaba
Bemthuka bemcokofula
Bethi uZwelithini kayikubusa
Kayikuba Nkosi
Kanti bamgcoba ngamafuth’empepho
Yakithi kwaMalandela
USodidase!
INkonyan’encane kaNdaba
Edid’imibala
Umphikelele wensizwa
Ngo,ephekele’amadod’akwaZulu
Esephelelwe ngamandla
UMaphokophela longay’insizwa
Eyisinikinikana
Engabubende bezingwe
Nobezingonyama

Ogijime ngandlelande
Ngal’uvivi
Eya kwadadewab’Nonhlanhla
Nani MaNdebele
Seniyoguga nidelile
Enike nabon’iZinyane
NgeleSilo sikaNdaba

Ohlamb’izandla
Ngamakhand’amadoda
Wathi yiwon’ayomhlabanela
Kuye kwagcwala
Izifunda zemifula
Esinye ngesoMkhuze
Esinye ngesoThukela

Nani magundwane
Ahlal’ezikhotheni kwaNongoma
Gijimani ngezindlela zonkana
Niyobikel’abangakezwa
Nithi lukhulu luyeza luyanyelela
Silufanisa neNdlov’emnyama yasOndini
Izoshis’izikhotha
NgezakwaNongoma

INkonyan’encane kaNdaba
Ekhwele phezu kwendl’Egazini
Bath’oyise noyisemkhulu
Hhawu!!
Ngasiha Ndaba
Usuyahlola!
Kanti yibon’abahlolayo

INtul’ebande ngodonga kwaBhekuzulu
IMvukuzane kaNdaba
Evukuz’ubusuku
Iye yabonwa ngumame
NgowaseMaNdebeleni

UBhejan’odl’abakayise
Phum’esiqiwini mtakaNdaba
Kade bekuvalele
Ungalonde kaGabela
Kayingangezawoyise
Izigqunswana
Ngisho bethi bayakwelula
Kuphelela ezinqulwini

Eyakho inde!
Iye yashaya
KuVoster ePitoli
Kwazamazama uM C Botha
INdlov’enebatha
Kwabamhloph’abelungu

Umgud’ubomvu
Ubheke kwaNongoma,
INdlunkulu yehla yenyukanyuka,
Ngebhasi likaMatimati Zazini.
Eladuka laduka

Beyogingq’izithupha.
Bethi Ndaba
Ngek’ubuse kawukaqini,
UQasa likaWasa*
Inkom’esengwa yiViyo,

UZiyayinhlonhlonga!*
Inkom’ethandwa zibawu
Suk’eduze komuntu wami
Ndaba ngiyagulelwa,
Ufulathel’uBombo lwabhidlika,

Ukhulumis’uLuthwethwe
Lapha kumaBhunu,
Kuye kwazonda uBhondi
BenoKhwashakhwasha,

Ziyeke lezo nkomo
Ukuzikhiph’amakhalane
Kaziseluswe nguwe
Sezeluswe yiNdlondlo
Yakithi kwaKhethomthandayo,

UMthunduluka ovuthwe ngeNala
NgowokaThayiza Mdlokombana!
Vuk’ume ngentaba
Udl’amadoda

Umlandeli webhodw’eliconsayo
USocije uMagwaza loshayizaququ
Impi yeqhathwe nguMathangetshitshi
Ezalwa nguMaswabhula
Lapha kwaMgiliji eMahhashini

Uyeqhathe ngesinqe
Ngob’esab’ukungena
Ethwel’idlokolo eNdlunkulu
Usihlangu simagqabha
Sinamanxeba
Sagudl’iVuna
Ngiyesab’ukukubiza ngegama
UnguNtabankul’uLangakazi

INkosi yakith’eNaleni
Eshawodwe nguChampion
UMhlathi kwezephephandaba
UMthente kaJama
Ohlab’usamila

Usekelwe yiNdlunkulu
NgeyakwaDlushiye
UMwelela kweliphesheya
UMzac’ozikhombamaNguni
Usejamile mame wapheshey’uBhejane
Woz’usize
Usicoshele leyo Nkuna kaNdaba

Indidandidane
Edid’izinsuku
Namhla okaNdaba
Eyakubuya phesheya
UZulu neNdlunkulu
Bebheke ngakusasa
Kant’iNkosi
Ifike ngayizolo

Indaba yenziwe nguTorlage
Kwabamhloph’abelungu
Ovul’imigoqo
Ivalwe ngamadod’amabili
Kuval’u-Otty uZulomhlophe
Beno-JJ Boshoff uMehlomane
Kwaze kwasa
AMakhosazana esebikelana
Iwuhlabe yawulawula
INkosazana uGretta
Egane kwaShamase
Yalala ingalele
EkaBhusha emaNdebeleni

INyathi kaJama
Empondo zimakopela
Ibhansele ngoManyasa
Obezalwa nguMadwala
Lapha kwaDukuza
KwesikaShaka

UNdab’omuhle kakhulu
Onyembezi zophela ngaphakathi
Mhla eyokhalela
Isizwe sakhe
EThekwini emaDilamini
Kwaze kwagxumagxuma
Umam’omhlophuMaNdlovu
Udadewabo ka-JJ Boshoff
Kwabamhloph’abelungu

Izul’elibhul’umlilo ngamazwi
Abanye bewubhula ngamahlahla
Ubaswe yinxokonxoko ngeyakwaMagenqe
Yini lena
Eyenzek’eThekwini?

Wabakhuzel’izimpukane zakho Ndaba
Izingqapheli zakukhiph’ephepheni
Ushishiliza kwelimahholo
Limhlabe limbhedule
UNzuza benoNhleko
EZikanekisweni

UGwajumbe noMazibuko
EZinyangeni zasoSuthu
Seziyobabhule mhlahlo
Ndaba zibanuke

Ibhubes’elimthende likaNdaba
Elidlule lishishiliza
Phakathi kwezintaba ezimbili
KweliMasilo neliMasilwanyana
KwelaseFlayistata
Kuye kwagxumagxuma
UKlenyeklenye
Ezalwa kwaCebekhulu
‘Ngalakithi lelo Bhubesi eMahhashini’

Belidilay’izintaba
KungezePitoli
Liphekezelwa nguMister Sondag
Igug’elihle likaKekana
Kade ehamb’ezibuka ngalo
Ebhek’eMamelodi

Udaxe wadaxa Mtaka Ndaba
Simumumu uvuka ntambama
Udaxabula uKuka wakh’ekuphekela

UMhlahlandlela ngowaMakhosi
NgowawoCetshwayo
NgowawoMpande
Onyawo zinhle MtakaNdaba
Ezingakhethi mabala
Ezigxobe lapho kungakaze
Kunyathele khona
EzawoYise noYisemkhulu

Ibhek’amaged’avuleka
NangakwaMahamba
Nowayengenapasi napasipothi
Simethuke eseseSwazini
Yakhethelwa zingane
NgezakwaLobamba
Zathi thatha Ndaba
Nanku umqamelo wakhe
Uyoziqamelela ngaw’eNaleni

UNompunyumpunywana*
INkunz’abayibambe
Ngandlebende yaphunyula
OYise beyivalela ngehlahla
Bethi Ndab’ungaluwel’uPhongolo
Uyodayisa ngezwe likaSenzangakhona
KwelakwaNgwane

INkunz’ekhwele phezu kwezintaba
ZaseMabane
Amabombo yawajikijel’eZitheni
UShabalala waxhaphazela isisu wazihhudela
Wabhal’ubunwayinwayi
Uyajabula mfundi weLanga
Wen’owaz’amang’asephepheni

UNdab’omuhle kakhulu*
Ohlasela ngothando
Lokwandisa abakaMthaniya
Abanye behlasela ngamaAK 47
Ngikuthanda uhlasela
Ngothando kwabakwaNgwane
Zanqundeka izikhali zaseNgwavuma

INkos’ethombel’ehlathini
Amany’aMakhosi
Ethombel’ezindlini
Ikhiph’izinkomo
Zehla ngohhologo
Zibheke kwaMshanelo

Kwagijim’uQholobana
Ezalw’emaNkwanyaneni
Wayobikel’uMzweni
UMzweni wazihudela
Kwamanz’ibheshu
Esehl’enyuka

Mfula kaNdab’ungenise kabi
Ngob’ungenise wenyuka
Eminy’imifula
Ingenis’ibhek’ezansi

Usibambana Nkunzi
Beyesaba eMbumbulu
Wambamb’uHlengwa qede
Kwephuk’uMkhonto kaShaka

Mgoq’ovalel’izinkomo zaseSusweni*
Athul’amaThembu
Angaz’asho lutho
Ukhulumis’uMkhwintshi
Esilevu simhlophe
Kwezinde zikaNyangantathu
Wamjika phansi koludumayo
Wavuka sesibomvana

UMhlob’omuhl’eNdlunkulu
UDokotela uBerker
Kwabamhloph’abelungu
UNogwaj’ozokhundlakhundla*
Esinye ngesokulala
Esinye ngesokwethamela

Indaba yenziwe nguMadondo
Othath’izinkomo zakaManqele
Wazidida nezeNkosi
Kube kazi madod’aseDumbe
Nithule nithini

Uvava lweNkunzi*
Yakithi kwaKhethomthandayo
Kayigweb’ichoma ngazo zombili

Shintsha!
UShintsh’ibhulakifesi
Walenz’idina
Dubula begagasa
Bethi liyahlohl’iTheku
Usikhiphi sabadala
Kuyakusala kungen’abasha

Inkungu eyembath’izintaba zakwaDayeni
Kwadidek’amadod’amadala
Nanamuhla lokhu asadidekile
Indaba yenziwe nguMalinga
Ezalwa kwaZondo
Uland’iNkunzi yakithi
KwaKhethomthandayo

Yafike yawafuz’amaxhiba
Kwavela nokwakufihliwe
Wadeda uMagayisa
INkosana abayibeka beyiphika
KwabakwaMvundlane

Ulotsholelwe ngehem’eMdletsheni
Kwalilizel’umam’uMaMthethwa
Wathi,’Li li li li! Yaze yangen’INkos’ekhaya’
UNdaba bambas’eyinyama
Lapha kwaKhiphunyawo
Wajika wayiqaqa
Wanukel’uMkhunjini
Ezalw’emaNdlovini

Umbambi weMpak’endala kwaDleka
Ingabe ihamba phansi nje
Ingumswenya yini
Impaka enkulu ngeyakwaBongumenzi
Eyeza ngehlombe eNdlunkulu
Yafike yaqathaka kithi eMkhontweni

Zenabe kab’izintanga zakho Ndaba
Zenabele kwaYizenze
KwaNdwandwe kwaKhabengathandi
INkos’ebhala ngemvubu
Amany’aMakhos’ebhala ngepensela

Lagida!
Ligide liphindelela
Wambamb’uSigoma
Khona kwaNdwandwe
Ekhakonyoko koHlokolo
Wamshaya phansi koludumayo
Akwabi ndaba zalutho
Walobola wazilanda
Khona kwaSitholana

Washishiliza ngoNdwandwe
UHomu kwabaseNgwanenja
Wayikhipha eyomnyatheliso
Ugadle ngenduku yombangandlala
Ngob’ugadle ngoMntwana uSibuko
BenoNzuza

Sangom’esibhula
Umhlahlo ngomthndazo
Sezehlulekil’ezemiyeko
Iphakule naleyo ungayesabi
Inkulu ngeyakwenu nguLangakazi

IZul’elidume phakathi
Kwezintab’ezimbili
Phakathi kweSigwegwe noLangakazi
Umbani lawuhlaba ezintabeni zakoMbuzi
Lamudl’uMafehla
Ezalwa kwaKhambule
Umsizi waphumela kuVovo
Ezalw’emaNseleni
Baphuma baphatheka

Sekuyakujabul’umfazi wakoNoziyingili
Oyakubona lelo thambo likaMndindili
UMhamb’esakh’amanxiwa
INkunz’ejam’okhalwen’olude
KuMavumengwana
Zanyamalal’ezikaSitshulu
Ezalwa kwaButhelezi
Yajama phezu kweNkuzana
Zanyamalala ezikaKali benoGelegele
Athule nje amadod’akwaSithole
Kawaz’asho lutho

Imbenembena inkulu inkabi
NgekaBhush’obukhali
Iyeke C J Mthethwa !
Isikhulile!
Kayisavum’ukuy’ejokeni
Iyakunqamula amazinyo
Bayigqogqe ngezikeyi yaze yavuma

Inyon’abayibize ngephuphu
Ekusen’Ondini
Ntambama yandiza qede
Yanqamul’amajoka
Zasal’iZikhulu zikaHulumeni wakwaZulu
Sezibhekis’amakhanda phansi
Bath’uthekwan’uphezu kwendl’Ondini
Uhlolizul’ukuduma
Kalisadumi eNkalakuthaba
Liyamjabhis’uSotshwebhu
UShifu Wiphu
Ezalwa kwaChonco
Ngananti ihansi elidala
Lakithi eMfangibhekile
Lihehez’izindaba liyabaxabanisa

Ikhowe ebelizakuqhibukela u-P.W.Botha
Kaliqhibulanga uHansmeyer
Kith’Ondini
Ukhulumis’uBadenhosrt MtakaNdaba
EziMantshini kwaNongoma
Kwaye kwancibilik’umkhaba

INkosana kaBhush’obukhali
Abayibeka beyibangisa kwezikaDlothovu
Ngocwecwe oluncane nje lwensipho
Lugez’ibandla Ondini
Alwaze lwaphelela ezandleni

Isihluthu umabhula imbawula
INkwaz’emaphikwamhlophe kaBhusha
Ekwakwe ngamadoda Ondini
Ningayithinti lelyo nyoni ngeyezulu
Mhla nayithinta kozamazama
ITheku nolwandle

UDokotela uMfuphi
Inyanga eselapha
Iphikiswa kwezephapha
NgetshelikaFezela
Abaliginqele kwaNodwengu
Lafike laminyana

Untaba zimbili zakhelene
Zintula ngisho ukuxhawulana
Indidakubhalwa
Incwadi ebhalwe nguR.R.Mbongwa
Wayifunda maqede wamyukubala
UHansmeyer kithi kwaNongoma

Ngenganekwan’abayitheth’emini ePitoli
Babefak’izint’ekhanda
Ngoba besaba ukumila izimpondo
Wonakalelwe uKoorhnorf
Lapha kumaBhunu
Ufike kith’Ondini ekhala lide
Wafike walihlephula uMtakaBhush’obukhali

Zawel’iMbekemuzi
ZaweliMfolozi
Zazibhee kuTyson Dlamini eJozini
Zembulek’izinqe
KwabaseMdletsheni

Mfula kaNdaba
Ogobhozekhanda kuMathanzima*
Amaxhosa onke esula izimpandla
Athi’Khini!Mfondini! Kuyanetha!’
Kanti kugobhoz’uMageba

UKhozi lwakith kwaGqikazi
Olugibel’iNkonjane yabelungu
Lwathi qathatha eGazankulu
Nani maGazankulu
Niyizwil’ekaBhushobukhali
IBhubesi ukubingelela
Elinye ngomjojantaba
Zazamazama zonke izintaba zamaGaza

Wabaleka uMhlonishwa
UShifu Gumede wabhangazela
Wanqamula ngaseTshaneni
Uthe eseTshaneni
Wawajika amabombo
Wawabhekisa kithi Ondini

Ugcwalelwe kabi Mageba
Ugcwalelwe ngumfula eGazankulu
Wadondolozela ngeShangan uGasa
Ngisho amaGazankulu ayibonile le ndaba

Umlabalala abawubhale phansi
KwaNoziyingili eManguza
Wehlulekile uShifu uMzimba Tembe
ukuwudlala
Esaba ukugcwala kweNgwavuma
Yacwila itheni tawuzeni dolazi

Isalukazi sangithunuka idolo
Sabhibha isilonda
Sehlula ababholofethi
Wehlulekile uMzamo ezalwa kwaZulu
Wehlulekile uZondo uMalinga kwaDayeni
Kwaye kwehluleka uXaba uMtshebhe
Ngale koPhongolo

Yingqophamlando yakithi kwaNodwengu*
Ewuqophe qede oMngotho noTasi
Benwaya izimpandla ngicikicane
Bathi,’Hhi-i’
Asiyivumi le ndaba

Yimfohlamaguma ngeyakithi*
KwaKhethomthandayo
Iwafohle eMaritzburg
Zajabha izihlwele
Uhalahala bemloyisa
Bethi ngeke
Igide kwaKhethomthandayo
Yagcagca kithi
Ondini olumahlikihlikana

Ngonyaka kunonyaka
Usuhlasele ngothando
Phesheya koMzimvubu

Sibone ngoThabo Mbeki
BenoJacob Zuma
Ukuthi bazobhula amazolo
Omuntu omuhle oza emva kwabo

Hlanga Lwamakhosi!

Amabhayi/amahiya ezangoma – ancestral clothing for the spiritually-called

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Amabhayi ogogo nomkhulu – ancestral clothing for the spiritually-called people. 👏🏿👏🏿

Whilst it may be important to learn as much as you can about what each ibhayi/ihiya represents please bear in mind that you’ll come across many interpretations…best is to learn from your guides what their chosen amabhayi specifically mean to them. Afterall, this is their healing, journey, intwaso. What they tell you is all that matters … at times they won’t say anything because niyathanda ukuqhathanisa amandla amadlozi.
…By the way what’s this obsession with idlozi lomndawe nomlozi. Do some people feel inadequate if they don’t have these spirits?

Thokoza Sangomas. Transmission and Embodiment of History in the Thokoza Sangoma Tradition.

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Earthmedicine - Africa Mystic

Thokoza! Today I would like to share again an article I found about the lineage I was initiated into. It is not my own. You can see the full article here.

http://www.archivalplatform.org/blog/entry/transmission_and_embodiment/

Introduction

The thokoza sangoma tradition has its origins among the Swazi- and Shangaan-speaking peoples of southern Africa. The thokoza tradition differs from other sangoma traditions in South Africa in that its adherents are possessed by non-lineage or “foreign” spirits, in addition to family ancestors. These spirits are referred to as Nguni and Ndau.

According to my informants, the Nguni (Ndwandwe people [Harries 1994 and Wright 2010]) spirits are the spirits of dead Nguni warriors who invaded Mozambique under Soshangane in the 19th century, as well as the spirits of Swazi and Zulu warriors who died in similar conflicts. On the other hand, the Ndau are a people living in western Mozambique near the border of Zimbabwe, many…

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Photos & Video: Umkhehlo

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Umkhehlo (Zulu engagement ceremony) is a rite of passage ceremony for a Zulu woman about to get married. Family, friends, neighbors, her in-laws come and rejoice and pin money on her hat, scarf, umbrella. This money is given so as to help her prepare for the wedding and buy gifts (umabo) for her in-laws.

Umkhehlo is slightly different from Umemulo (Coming of age ceremony). Umemulo is done by a girl’s father to thank her for showing good behavior  and to mark her transition from just being a little girl to a woman – in Western terms this the 21st birthday celebration. Both rituals involve slaughtering a cow and dancing.

This event here took place in April 2019, deep in the heart of Zululand in an area called Encanyini, Melmoth.

Video: Izibongo zeSilo uShaka kaSenzangakhona {King Shaka’s praise poem}

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https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=5AXOpIsTGhU

UDlungwana KaNdaba!

UDlungwana woMbelebele,

Odlung’ emanxulumeni, Kwaze kwas’ amanxulum esibikelana.

UNodumehlezi kaMenzi,

UShaka akashayeki kanjengamanzi,

Ilemb’ eleq’ aamnye amalembe ngokukhalipha;

UShaka ngiyesaba ukuthi nguShaka, UShaka kuyinkosi yasemaShobeni.

UNomakhwelo ingonyama; UMahlome’ hlathini onjengohlanya;

Uhlany’ olusemehlwen’ amadonda.

UDabaz’ ithafa ebeliya kuMfene;

UGaqa libomvu nasekuphatheni.

UBholokoqa bazalukanisile Zalikaniswe uNoju noNgqengenye;

EyakwaNtombazi neyakwaNandi;

Yayikhiph’ eshaba libomvu,

Ikhishwa elimhlophe lakwaNandi.

Bambiz’ eMthandeni beyisela, Bathi ‘Singesinelane neNtungwa lasenhla’, Kanti uzawudl’ uPhakathwayo empindelweni.

UDlungwana wavuma na?

Umvumeleni uGodolozi, Ethi ngowanganeno kwaNandi, Kant’ ukude kwaNtombazana ?

Kalokhu liphahl’ eliseMthandeni.

Amazwi mabili engiwabongayo, Ngibong’ elikaMpandaba nelikaNdungenkomo,

Bethi ‘Ucu aluhlangan’ entabeni’; Akenibuze kwabaseZinkondeni,

Bath uHilwayo bayakumhlaba kwaHlokohloko,

Kwaf’ amasi kwaf’ uqephe.

UTeku lwabafazi bakwaMgabhi, Betekula behlez’ emlovini,

Beth’ uShaka kakubusa kakuba nkosi, Kanti unyakan’ uShaka ezakunethezeka.

Inkom’ ekhal’ eMthonjaneni, Izizwe zonke ziyizwil’ ukulila,

Iziwe uDunjwa waseluYengweni, Yezwiwa uMangcengeza wakwaKhali.

UMlilo wothathe kaMjokwane; UMlilo wothathe ubuhanguhangu, Oshis’ izikhova eziseDlebe, Kwaya kwasha neziseMabendlana…

 

 

 

 

How does virginity testing, the annual Royal Reed Dance benefit our girls…why do we continue to raise our boys differently?

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How does virginity testing, the annual Royal Reed Dance benefit our girls…why do we raise our boys differently? 

By Soka Mthembu

Other than the King Shaka memorial and the Isandlwana battle re-enactment, there are two cultural events that I always look forward to each year; one being the Royal Zulu Reed Dance, a centuries-old event taking place at King Goodwill Zwelithini Enyokeni Royal Palace in September, early spring. It’s a spectacle of an event in which thousands of virgin girls come out together wearing only colourful beads, and in some cases short skirts, known as izidiya. They sing and dance to celebrate, each girl carrying a cut reed which is presented to His Majesty, King Goodwill.

My favourite event, however, is the brain child of Dr Nomcebo Mthembu. This is known as the Indoni Carnival, and takes place in Durban around October of every year. The main aim of the Indoni Carnival is to bring young people of various indigenous cultures from around South Africa to teach them about social ills, and the importance of upholding traditional African values. The parade takes place along the streets of Durban. Over 8000 spectators line the streets during the parade during which many different South African tribes showcase their costumes and dances: Zulu, Ndebele, Xhosa, Pedi, Swati, Venda, Batswana, Khoisan, Mpondo, Tsonga, and Abathembu. Indoni has become my favourite event for the simple reason that it’s not just about one tribe. Moreover, Indoni includes boys who go through some intense training in winter camps on what it means to be real men. (I’m using the word tribes cautiously, for some prefer to be described as nations). However, that’s a debate for another day, because as far as I know (or have been brainwashed), the description of nation would refer to the inhabitants of the entire country.

Now this brings me to something that really riles me as a father of three girls, although I also have boys. As much as there are efforts to rope in boys into these events, there remains the fact that many such events are aimed at girls: how they should conduct themselves, how to remain pure and virgins for as long as possible…till they finish school, and how they should only engage in sex after marriage. And the biggest drivers for these initiatives are women. These become important days for men to lust over young women; and for tourists who take delight in taking photographs and recording videos of something they have never experienced before. These videos and images are copyrighted and sold for profit, while the girls receive nothing. This does not benefit the youngsters at all.

Something else irks me: besides telling these girls not to engage in sex to avoid HIV, STIs, teen pregnancy, what else are we offering to these girls, when they will end up with boys who have no clue how to treat, respect, and value them?

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie once said something very profound in her TED TALK titled ‘We should all be feminists’:

“We police #girls, we praise girls for #virginity, but we don’t praise #boys for virginity, and it’s always made me wonder how exactly this is supposed to work out because …I mean, the loss of virginity is usually a process that involves…”

This can only mean one thing: As fathers, we are failing our boys, and even more so, our girls. The question of whether we will show anger when our boys sleep around and impregnate girls demands an answer. It is even more hypocritical that, when hashtags such as #MenAreTrash emerge, we become confused; or when our boys rape elders, or children, or brutally murder girls, we seem to forget that most such behaviour arises in the absence of a good father figure as a role model.

We should stop making boys feel stupid for having not slept with a girl early enough. We, as parents, should be furious with our boys if they impregnate girls whom they are not able or willing to marry; just as we are angered when our girls fall pregnant. If a pregnant girl is taken out of school, which shouldn’t happen, we should also take the boy out of school, because he’s just as guilty, if not more so.

Women have been doing all they can, and they make every effort to raise their girls really well – some even lock them up so they don’t go out! I’ve yet to hear of fathers doing the same to their boys.

We become excited when our boys as young as three years old show an interest in girls; however, God forbid that girls of a young age should show a similar liking for the opposite sex!

Everything has changed – the way we speak, the way we dress, the cars we drive – even the food we eat. One thing, however, never changes, and that is patriarchy, which is faithfully perpetuated, especially amongst Africans.

 

Photos: Indoni Multi-Cultural Parade

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Indoni Carnival takes place in Durban around October of every year. The main aim of Indoni Carnival is to bring young people of different indigenous cultures from around South Africa and teaching them about social ills and the importance of upholding traditional African values. The parade takes place along the streets of Durban. Over 8000 spectators line up the streets during the parade and various South African tribes showcase their costume and dance: Zulu, Ndebele, Xhosa, Pedi, Swati, Venda, Batswana, Mpondo, Khoisan, Tsonga, Basotho.

IMG_5515IMG_5513IMG_5505IMG_5498IMG_5491IMG_5492IMG_5493IMG_5497IMG_5484IMG_5485IMG_5486IMG_5490IMG_5471IMG_5478IMG_5479IMG_5482tsonga1IMG_5294IMG_5321 (2)IMG_5356

Asimbonanga uMandela, but we saw Johnny Clegg

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Knowing that your chances of ever meeting the Great Nelson Mandela are gone forever can be quite devastating, especially when you see people, way younger than you are, posting images holding his hand or posing alongside him. Then you suddenly beat yourself up for not having tried harder to meet him. So, from myself and many other South Africans: ‘Asimbonanga’ uMandela, but we saw Johnny Clegg. And that for me is enough.

By Soka Mthembu

Earlier this year I was devastated to read in the papers that one of Africa’s greatest icons, Johnny Clegg, had been living with cancer, and that he was doing his final World Tour starting in Cape Town on 30th June. Upon hearing the news, I immediately contacted my mentor, Barry Leitch, a close friend of Johnny “Skeyi” Clegg, who confirmed that Johnny was indeed conducting his last world tour. From that moment, I made the decision to see him in action on the Durban leg of his tour. Little did I know, however, that my stay here in South East Asia – Vietnam to be precise, where I’m currently performing with my dance troupe ‘Beyond Zulu’, would be extended by another 6 months. That was the nail in the coffin for me.

Okay, let me tell you how I met Johnny Clegg, and why I’m inspired by him: When I was 14 years old in Zululand – in fact I was 14 years everywhere − I met Johnny Clegg, who had come to visit his old friend Barry “Mkhomazi” Leitch.  Barry, just like Johnny, is a white Zulu, whose love for Zulu people and their culture is inspiring. Coincidentally, Barry is also an anthropologist by profession, just like Mr Clegg.

It was during the time that I was a Zulu dancer at the beautiful and unique Simunye Zulu Lodge, a secluded lodge that was built on a cliff face, and attached to a cultural Zulu village (don’t Google it or attempt to go there…let’s just say it was one of the government’s Land Redistribution deals that fell into the wrong hands, and therefore was completely ruined).

Back to my story: It was a dark night in Zululand with stars winking at us, and the trees above us dimming them in jealousy. Had it not been for the yellow flames coming from the home-made hessian and paraffin lamps scattered around the Zulu dancing area, it would have been even darker. The Mfule River behind us created a soothing sound, and the frogs, without fail, added their voice to the drumbeat. Nduna Luthuli was a lead singer and dancer (igoso) on that day − one of the ablest and most creative dancers I have ever met. We took our turns after an Umzansi dance routine. Before we knew it, Johnny had risen unexpectedly like a Colossus in front of us. In a fraction of a second he was on the other side of the fireplace, dancing as he would have done for an audience of thousands of people, ignoring our off-beat drumbeat, the-not-so-professional singing, and the small crowd. Our jaws dropped, as did the tourists’, as we watched with great admiration and envy, forgetting to clap (which forms part of Zulu dancing). This mlungu had put all of us to shame in front of internationals and our fans from the nearby Njomelwane community, but we loved him for it: for his great and inspiring performance, his humility, and for being kind enough to give us pointers in respect of the Umzansi Dance. It was a treat for us − for me − for tourists − a place where no one famous, especially not Johnny Clegg, should have dared go. I would later learn that Johnny did the same in hostels, places that I, as a Zulu, am afraid of going to: they are so often associated with conflicts and violence.  I often wonder how he manages to dance and find peace in such places?

How tragic that someone who has played such a meaningful role in society, and is such a fearless man, should be assaulted by cancer. But Johnny can overcome.

Together with countless others the world over, I wish Johnny Clegg good health and many more years. And as ever go f**k yourself cancer!

HAS UMABO REPLACED THE TRADITIONAL ZULU WEDDING AND ALL THE RITUALS THAT GO WITH IT?

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HAS UMABO REPLACED THE TRADITIONAL ZULU WEDDING AND ALL THE RITUALS THAT GO WITH IT?

By Soka Mthembu

There’s a common trend by Africans, Zulu people, to be specific in this case, to conduct a traditional Zulu wedding as an afterthought – perhaps something to ease our conscience, as we have fully adopted the Western ways and abandoned our own. Or could it just be an honest, light-hearted celebration, without having to go deeper into unknown terrain? Hardcore, traditional wedding rituals, for instance, may be perceived as threatening, especially for the younger generation. Whatever the reason, it is rather alarming that, in a few years to come, many features and aspects that make a traditional wedding the sacred ceremony that it is, would have been totally eroded.

I should be the first to acknowledge that there is a transformation and some new ways of  uniting two people in marriage. If, however, that transformation and “civilization” makes us forget, even look down on our own traditions, we need to reflect on and question our identity.

Allow me to rant a bit: The new trend of events is that a couple holds a glamorous umabo (bringing of gifts to the groom’s family); and on a different date hold a white wedding – both of which cost exorbitant amounts of money. Umabo then becomes the substitute for a ceremony at which the ancestors would have been appeased, and asked to give their blessings on the event, protecting the newlyweds, ukuthethwa kwedlozi and ukubuzwa komthetho: this has all fallen by the wayside. Family praise poets are now hired acts who recite a few lines of izithakazelo, in some cases Shaka’s praise names. The point is − family doesn’t care or even notice whether the praise singer recites Mandela’s or Zuma’s praises.

It goes further: Expensive marquees have replaced isigcawu (an open field where the climax of the wedding ceremony takes place) accompanied by a sound system, caterers, and wedding coordinators hired to manage this spectacle. Then there’s a display of fancy contemporary costumes, expensive drinks dispensed from those expensive liquor cold rooms that we spend fortunes on hiring. Everything is hired, including some traditional Zulu dancers – something which should come naturally to us Zulus, and should be performed by family and neighbours. As the drumbeat draws one back to one’s roots, unknown to many, one has a sense that the spectators are thinking to themselves, “Where do these people (dancers) come from – the rocks?”

The role of elder women to the bride-to-be has become redundant. The bride’s guidance by the elder women has been outsourced to bride’s friends, who in most cases are young, and unmarried, and therefore not equipped to impart the marriage-life experiences and wisdom to the bride-to-be. And when the marriage does not turn out to be what was hoped for or expected (perhaps even before a year has passed; perhaps soon after), some of the bride’s friends become the first to urge “Shiya phansi mngani” – “friend, you have to walk away from this marriage”. Whereas the immediate reaction of an elder is to say: this marriage is not only about you and your husband  – wendele emndenini – “let us attempt to help the two of you resolve matters, because you married the entire family.” Friends cannot play this mediating role and shouldn’t be expected to.

The same applies to a man: The elders would usually sit him down and they are usually the first ones to say “ngeke ulande ingane yabantu le uzodlala ngayo la, lomfazi wathelwa ngenyongo layikhaya,” (you will not dare ill-treat this child (bride); you are the one who brought her here, and besides, she’s not only your wife.) They are quick to remind the bride-groom that, as much as she is his wife, she’s also the wife of the ancestors, and therefore enjoys the same protection and love.

Whilst some of these changes are exciting, reflect the times we live in, I believe that there are certain rituals that must still be performed even at the most glamorous of weddings: certainly there are specific duties which should never be outsourced. I have great respect for cultural entertainers − after all, I am one of them. However, I do not believe that a fellow Zulu must spend money hiring dancers, something community girls and boys should be able to do with relative ease or at least with a bit of coaching and training. And in planning this union we should never ever leave the elders out of the planning process – if anything, they should be in charge of planning.

NOW THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO WANT TO DO THINGS RIGHT BY THE ANCESTORS IN INVOLVING THEM IN THEIR MARRIAGE. HOWEVER, THEY MAY NOT KNOW WHERE TO START, BECAUSE OF THEIR UPBRINGING, RELIGION, OR FAMILY DYSFUNCTION, INTER ALIA. HERE IS MY ATTEMPT AT ASSISTING YOU TO FIND SOME LIGHT:

Go to an Isangoma (diviner) or Umthandazi (prophet) and find out about your life, or about that ancestor who has been your shining light all along. That is the person you should look to appease, not your hundred ancestors, some of whom may have been turned against you by witchcraft, performed by close relatives, in most cases.

In most cases those that look after us are from our mothers’ side, yet we tend to forget about these. Some problems could arise if by mistake you may be appeasing the wrong ancestors – take R100 or less and find out – even seek 2nd or 3rd opinions before you make that decision – just as you would do with a medical doctor. Avoid people that want to charge you thousands. For me, personally, it doesn’t make sense to keep slaughtering for the people who may have turned their back on you. When you burn impepho, ask that one person who is looking after you, appease him or her, and leave it up to that one person to decide with whom to share “the meat or umqombothi”. – He or she knows, but this is not reciprocated.

NB: Acknowledging and pleasing your ancestors does not always have to cost a cow or a goat – sometimes diviner or prophet would suggest that you make  “itiye” which is basically “biscuits, fruit, cold drinks, sweets, burning of impepho by your father on your behalf to thank and appreciate the ancestor/s for having your back against adversities. As a token of appreciation, you have brought him or her itiye to be shared with whomever is selected. For these things to be properly done, you do need a guidance of a sangoma or prophet, and there’s no shame in consulting a sangoma or a prophet, just as there’s no shame in seeking marriage counselling. Ancestors are the foundation of everything we do: let us involve them.

For me, these are some of the non-negotiables:

  1. Ukubikwa komsebenzi ngembuzi esayidini likamakoti. I believe that a bride must at least take a week off work, and have her father or uncle slaughter a goat. The male relative should inform ancestors of the bride’s upcoming wedding – at which time they should protect her and keep her strong. Umgonqo is important, because it gives the bride time to reflect. She should spend at least a week with elders who impart wisdom to her on how to carry herself as new bride, how to face challenges and shortfalls, amongst other valuable advice.
  2. Ukushiswa kwempepho at different stages, including when the bride leaves her home for the last time. It is always very important that the bride depart from the emakhaya la kulele khona okhokho bakhe (rural homestead where the ancestors lie buried), because then there’s usually a kraal to which her father or uncle leads her by the hand, before departing at dawn.
  3. Imvunulo (traditional costume) must be proper. I feel that the bride and groom should aim to buy instead of hiring, because of the sentimental value. Brides and grooms need to put more effort into the traditional attire for the wedding than we are currently seeing.
  4. During the ceremony – a bride should be able at least to sing her “inkondlo”, or perhaps start it before having someone take it over if she is not musically gifted. A bride may compose her own “inkondlo”; however, there are old ballads, such “Baba Nomama”, siya kwamama ongemama, wemathambo kababa, and many others – you just have to ask – even look on YouTube.

Your happiness is important, but that of ancestors is also greatly to be regarded. The rewards it brings to you and your family are unimaginable. Lets go back to our roots. Azibuye emasisweni.