15/04/2025
*The Simelane Migration: A Story of Refuge and Resilience*
The Simelane people's journey to Shiselweni is a powerful testament to their resilience and their search for peace. Faced with hardship and conflict in their homeland of Nkalaneni, under the rule of the Ndwandwe, they sought a new beginning. Warfare had ravaged the area, disrupting their lives and forcing them to seek refuge.
Fortuitously, the Simelane had connections within the Ngwane royal family. Their sisters, Lojiba and Somnjalose, had previously married King Ndvungunye, offering a potential path to safety. Hoping to secure the king's protection, the Simelane decided to seek his favor. Maweni Simelane was chosen as their emissary and sent to the Ngwane royal residence at Shiselweni.
King Ndvungunye welcomed Maweni and recognized the potential value of the Simelane people. He offered them land to settle, understanding the strategic advantage of adding more warriors to his forces in anticipation of future conflicts with the Ndwandwe. He also saw the benefit of having more people to cultivate his fields.
Maweni returned to Nkalaneni with the king's promising offer. The Simelane, eager to escape the turmoil, embarked on their journey to Shiselweni. Tragedy struck as they crossed the Phongolo River. An attack by the Ndwandwe resulted in the death of their chief, Mabonya. Despite this devastating loss, the Simelane pressed on, demonstrating remarkable fortitude.
Now led by Mabonya's chief wife, Magala, who bravely carried the young heir, Bhozongo, on her back, they continued their arduous trek. Upon reaching Shiselweni, they were granted land by King Ndvungunye and established new homes.
Bhozongo eventually ascended to the chieftaincy, and the Simelane integrated into the Ngwane kingdom. The women contributed by working in the royal fields, the young boys tended to the royal cattle, and the men served as warriors in the king's army. Their skills and loyalty strengthened the Ngwane kingdom.