02/09/2025
Why Did Somkhanda kaZiguda Refuse to Cross the Black Mbuluzi River While Zwangendaba Crossed?
In the reign of Zwide kaLanga, the powerful Ndwandwe king, two sons of Ziguda of the Jele clan—Zwangendaba and his younger brother Somkhanda held important positions. Ziguda had many wives: the first wife (indlunkulu)gave birth to Zwangendaba, while the second wife (ikhohlwa)bore Somkhanda. This meant Zwangendaba was senior by house, even though Somkhanda was older by age.
Both brothers grew up in the service of Ndwandwe armies, fighting in campaigns that made the Jele feared warriors across the land. Their loyalty to Zwide gave them status but also marked them for destruction once Shaka kaSenzangakhona defeated Zwide. After the battle of Gqokli Hill in 1818, Shaka vowed to crush every ally of Zwide especially the Jele clan, because Zwangendaba was the well-known leader of the ibutho LamaPhela..
However, Shaka kaSenzangakhona defeated Zwide, and his wrath fell upon all of Zwide’s allies. The Jele were among the most wanted because they had been senior commanders capable of leading entire nations. Their survival depended on fleeing and hiding.
The Journey to the Mbuluzi River
The Jele began a long northward flight, driving cattle and moving cautiously to avoid Shaka’s forces. Their path led them to the Black Mbuluzi River (Mbuluzi eMnyama) in Eswatini. The river was dangerous, full of crocodiles, whirlpools, and reeds. The Swazi on the opposite bank shouted across, warning that to cross safely, a man of high birth must be sacrificed.
The elders were tired from the long march, and the Jele were fearful. Somkhanda, as a prince of the Second House, realized he could be chosen as the sacrifice. For the safety of his people, he decided not to cross, choosing caution and protection over risk.
The Renaming of the Jele
To shield his followers from Shaka, Somkhanda stopped calling them “Jele” and adopted the name Gumbi. Some say the name came from their constant hiding in “amagumbi” (corners), while others claim it honored a Jele princess named Gumbi who had returned with Somkhanda. In doing so, the Gumbi Royal House was born, carrying the Jele bloodline in secrecy and survival.
Zwangendaba Crosses the River
Meanwhile, Zwangendaba kaZiguda, heir of the Great House, crossed the Mbuluzi River with his followers, entering the Lubombo Mountains of Swaziland. The reigning king, Sobhuza I, feared Zwangendaba but chose diplomacy over war. He gave Zwangendaba land, regiments from the Nkosi clan, and three wives, who later bore chiefs of the present Ngoni lineages.
From Swaziland, Zwangendaba continued north, establishing the Ngoni nation across Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania. His path represented courage, expansion, and the creation of new kingdoms.
The Separation of Somkhanda and Zwangendaba
The Black Mbuluzi River became a defining point in Jele history. Somkhanda stayed behind, safeguarding his people and founding the Gumbi Royal House in KwaZulu and Msuzwaneni (Golela). Zwangendaba crossed north, creating thrones, alliances, and the Ngoni legacy. This separation was not a division of loyalty but a division of destiny: caution and continuity for Somkhanda, courage and expansion for Zwangendaba.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Mbuluzi River
The Mbuluzi River shaped two royal destinies. Somkhanda gained a throne of protection and continuity, ensuring the survival of his followers under the new Gumbi identity. Zwangendaba forged a throne of courage, creating kingdoms and spreading the Ngoni nation across central Africa.
From one lineage arose two paths, one of hidden survival and one of bold expansion, both preserving the legacy of the Jele people and leaving a lasting mark on Southern Africa’s history.
