Page 78 - Heritage Streets of KwaMashu 2025

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HERITAGE STREETS OF KWA-MASHU
uMcijo - “Sharp Points” The sharp pointed (wooden) needle, pointed at both ends
UMbonambi - the Mbonambi formed part of the left horn in the battle of Isandlwana and according to oral narrations, it is distinctive for being the first of the Zulu Impi to breach the British line – “the beholders of real sorrow”. King Mpande named this regiment thus to express his sorrow at the death of Prince Mbuyazi (because he had experienced sorrow, of Mbuyazi being dead, killed by Cetshwayo whom he disliked).
iNgobamakhosi - “Benders of Kings” or “Humblers of Kings”. So named because Prince Cetshywayo was not favored by Mpande; then he humbled-defeated and killed Mbuyazi, and enrolled the Ngobamakhosi regiment. The burden of this is that the Zulu nation was supporting Cetshwayo in opposition to the will of the King, Mpande- favouring Mbuyazi - hence the name creation of a regiment uNokhcnke (uZulu ekhenkesile - The Zulu nation in passive resistance to the will of the King; a people whose loyalty is no longer becoming – umutsha ungahlangani – a nation divided).
iNdluyengwe –““Leopard’s Lair” or “Leopard’s spots”, or “Leopard’s skin”
uKhandampevu - “Grey Head” – strong and matured men part of the army chest (isifuba).“Ukhandampevu olwenqaka amatshe ezulu”, meaning the Ukhandampevu regiment which caught the hailstones. It is said this regiment fought four horrendous battles without losing a man (so was iNgobamakhosi) (www.1879zuluwar.com).
iSangqu - “White Tails” or “Orange River” – which defined their regalia and color of shields. (My great-great father, Bhobokana (Shishi) fought in Isandlwana under this regiment and returned unharmed. AmaShish’ adl’ abantu; uhele-hele, umoya wesiwa; ubhememe lwempi (the amaShishi, the warriors that eat