Times Of Swaziland: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ZWANES

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ZWANES
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The editor on 10/04/2014 04:21:00


Sir,
May I take this opportunity to write about the history of the Zwane clan.
Sandlane Zwane was a member of the Tichele regiment which was recruited by King
Sobhuza I (Somhlolo).
He was the traditional Prime Minister of Old Ludzidzini Royal Kraal as well as
Mbekelweni Royal Kraal. In 1862, he was the leader of the army helping Mzila
Ndwandwa during the civil war with his brother.
The Swazi army was victorious. He also supported Tsandzile Ndwandwa in favour of
Prince Macaleni (King Ludvonga) to become a king.
Support
He was also in support of Prince Mbandzeni to become a king after the death of
King Ludvonga. Historians describe Zwane as an intelligent, even genius-level,
indvuna during his time.
When King Mbandzeni was sick, tangoma were summoned to the Mbekelweni Royal
Kraal and they were ordered to smell out who was bewitching the king.
They moved a short distance from the Royal Kraal accompanied by warriors and
tindvuna; this is where Sandlane was among those who were killed.
However, this was probably because many other people were jealous of Zwane’s
position. Before Zwane died, he made a will saying that he must be buried next
to the path and he was buried next to the path to fulfill his will.
Buried
He was buried adjacent to Ekupheleni Zion Church, at Ludzeludze Inkhundla.
His area at Elundzi was then under the authority of Prince Mancibane waNdlaphu.
King Sobhuza II returned their position as chiefs in 1960, when he appointed
Chief Nhloko Zwane of Elundzi.
To prove that the Zwane Clan has a galaxy of geniuses, Doctor Ambrose Phesheya
Zwane was the first Swazi medical doctor in Swaziland.
King Sobhuza II helped Doctor Zwane with paying fees at the University of Wits.
During the construction of the University of Swaziland at Kwaluseni, many
homesteads were ordered to move to give way for the construction, but not the
Zwanes (kaLamatukisa) who brought up King Sobhuza II.
Married
King Sobhuza II married three Zwane Makhosikati, who are as follows:
Queen Zintombi Zwane, mother of Princess Betfusile, the first-born child of King
Sobhuza II.
Queen Lomacandza Zwane, mother of Prince Singizwe and Prince Zinjoli.
Queen Ntombiyesigodlo Zwane, mother of the following:
*    Prince Phuzigazi
*   Princess Siphila
*     Princess Tsandzisile
*    Prince Sivukelene
*    Princess Lomajuba
*    Princess Ncengencenge
When King Sobhuza II went to England in 1923, Mr Amos Zwane was one of his
companions. At the death of Queen Mother Nukwase in 1957, Reverend Andrew Zwane
spoke on behalf of the King.
The King said Zwane was like his father. Mushudvulwane Zwane was the Governor of
Lobamba Royal Kraal.
Witness
The first Swazi Catholic Bishop was Bishop Mandlenkhosi Zwane. There is also a
Sandlane Street and a Sandlane Border Post, near Bhunya.
In sports we witness some of the best players coming from this clan, e.g. Gebie
Zwane from Highlanders, Mlamuli ‘Sputla’ Zwane from Kwaluseni Rebels, Caesar
Zwane and Mhlonishwa Zwane from Moneni Pirates and Mduduzi Zwane, the cyclist.
Ndumiso M Dlamini,
National Court President