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|
 Chief Thandisizwe Diko | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 570,000[1] estimated 2024 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
Eastern Cape,Kwazulu Natal, South Africa) | |
| Languages | |
| IsiBhaca (near Extinction) IsiXhosa,IsiZulu | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity,African Traditional Religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Xhosa,Swati,Zulu,Phuthi,Thembu otherNguni people |
| The AmaBhaca Nation | |
|---|---|
| Person | IBhaca |
| People | AmaBhaca |
| Language | IsiBhaca |
| Country | KwaBhaca |
TheBhaca people, oramaBhaca, are anNguniethnic group in South Africa.
AmaBhaca were formerly known as the Zelemus or AbakwaZelemu between the 1700s until 1830 when they were formally referred to as AmaBhaca. They are the descendants of chief Zelemu who lived in the Pongola and ruled his people who were part of the abaMbo people. Chief Zelemu shared the same ancestor with Chief Wushe by the name of Lufulelwenja. Zelemu and Wushe went separate ways in the early 1700s and their descendants were both called the AmaWushe and AbakwaZelemu. It was in the 1730 when their grandsons ( Khalimeshe and Mjoli) reunited again to form one tribe that later migrated south under the leadership of Madzikane ka Khalimeshe.
The AmaBhaca primarily speakisiBhaca one of theTekela languages in the Nguni branch, a mutually intelligible dialect with isiXhosa, isiZulu, and siSwati. IsiBhaca reflects their cultural identity and is spoken in areas such asMount Frere,Ixopo,Umzimkhulu, andBulwer. However, it is not recognized as an official language in South Africa or taught in schools. This has led to a decline in its use, as many amaBhaca are adopting dominant languages likeisiXhosa,isiZulu, and English for social and economic reasons.IsiBhaca is considered to be near extinction. It faces significant challenges that threaten its survival. Despite this, efforts are made to preserve it through informal teaching and community initiatives. The linguistic shift highlights broader issues of language maintenance among minority groups in South Africa.[2]
Here's a list of Bhaca kings from the earliest known time when the Bhaca (then known as the Zelemus) were settled around the Lebombo region until the time they moved south to isiBubulungu to the present dayKwaBhaca, iXopo,Bulwer,Underberg, Mzimkhulu.[3]
After the death of Ncaphayi the ruling line split into two sections, the great house section under Mdutyana moved back to Mzimkhulu. Ncaphayi's successor was his son from the great house King Diko who was birthed by Queen Mamjucu.
KingNcapayi had many wives. The first wife, Makhohlisa (daughter of Dzanibe clan), gave birth to King Diko and Sogoni. His second wife, Indlu yekunene, bore him Makaula, while his third wife Iqadi lendlu enkulu, produced Dabula, Tshalaza and Mpongoma.
Ncapayi is said to have been a fearlessfreebooter, and adiplomat of note who showed more intelligence than his father Madzikane.[4]
According to Rev. Soga, during the year that Madzikane was killed, Ncapayi enteredThembuland to avenge the death. TheThembus under KingNgubengcuka made an ineffectual stand and the Bhacas swept away a large number of cattle.[5]
Before Madzikane died and because of his relationship withKing Faku, he advised his son to temporarily be a tributary King inPondoland. Ncapayi took the advice and Faku welcomed the Bhacas, which coincided with the arrival of Nqetho, a Chief of the Qwabes who had moved from Natal to escapeKing Shaka's army because he would not serve underKing Dingane. When he entered Pondoland and tried to secure land by violence, Faku was anxious to evict him with Ncapayi's assistance. AmaBhaca drove them back into Natal and Dingane issued an instruction to kill Nqetho.[5]
The Thembus' defeat by the Bhacas, Faku to make an arrangement with Ncapayi when the Pondos wanted to attack the Thembus. They entered Thembuland on three occasions and each time succeeded.[4]
Soga asserted thatcupidity was the force that brought Faku and Ncapayi together and to have destroyed their relationship later. In 1845 Ncapayi attacked Nyanda, the Right Hand section of the Pondos under Ndamase, the son of Faku. He raided Nyanda successfully. King Faku assembled an army and moved against the Bhacas, attacking them on all sides. He drove the Bhacas before him on the ridge kuNowalala. Ncapayi was wounded and forced off the ridge, landing on a ledge. He was in a helpless condition with both arms broken and a severeassegai wound. He lay there for days, asking those who came to look at him to end his misery. After King Faku gave the order, he was killed.
In about 1837Boers arrived in Natal with herds of cattle. Between 1837 and 1840, the Boers fought the Bhacas who teamed up with theBushmen to raid the herds.
In about February 1838 the Boers settled in the upland of Natal and began to create the Republic of Natalia. After their victories over Dingane, they extended northward to uMfolozi and St. Lucia Bay.[6] The Boers created arrangements with other kings and therefore did not consider them as enemies. For example, they considered King Faku to be a friendly king and rated Ncapayi as having a powerful military and as a threat.
When the Boers came back, they attacked the Bhacas[7] and raided with 700 men and 50 horses.[citation needed] This is said to have provided the spark for the British intervention in the Bhaca land (which had become part of Natal). An area nearMaclear is called Ncapayi land (Kapayi land – because they could not pronounce "Nca").
Media related toBhaca people at Wikimedia Commons
