The role of Prince Thimuni kaMudli kaJama in Zulu history with special reference to the activities of his sons, Ndlovu and Chakijana and their descendants, 1842-1980
Every nation has its own heroes that form part of its history- The history of the blacks, the Zulus in particular, is characterized by heroism, but very little is nowadays known about our heroes. The photo and the name of Prince TTiimuni appears in many books, but merely as an example of the traditional attire used by the hero warrior of AmaZuiu. No researcher has taken pains to trace the history of such a remarkable figure in the Zulu history. Thimuni belonged to Zimpohlo regiment of inkosi Shaka Zulu. He helped Shaka in building a strong Zulu nation by defeating different izizwe. Before the end of the Battle of Ndondakusuka, he crossed Thukela river into the British colony of Natal. Thimuni and his brother Sigwefoana supported Mbuyazi instead of Cetshwayo. Sigwebana died in the battle and Thimuni took over his wives, resulting in the birth of Chakijana and Lokoza. Ndlovu became the son of Thimuni's own first wife, Mkhomoto. The defeat of Mbuyazi resulted in strained relationship between Thimuni and the Zulu royal house. When Thimuni reached Maphumuio, inkosi Mkhonto Ntult gave him part of his area where he became inkosi. Thimuni's sons, Ndlovu and Chakijana disputed the heirship and Thimuni separated them. Chakijana was told to go and occupy Mvoti area as inkosi. Both Thimuni's sons used the name Nodunga for their districts and that was in honour of their grandfather, Mudli, whose umuzi was Nodunga. When the Bhambatha uprising broke out, Ndlovu and Chakijana sided with AmaZulu against the British government. That brought about reconciliation between them and the Zulu Royal House so that their sons Mbango and Piti communicated freely with the Zulu Royal House. Mbango's son, Manukanuka, was evicted in 1972 from his land by the South African government, the reason being that he communicated secreteiy with the British government against the loss of his land to Whites and Indians. The South African government sold Manukanuka's land for the part played by Chakijana in the Bhambatha uprising. Ubukhosi of Ndlovu's Nodunga No. 7 was only disturbed for a short period when Ndlovu was imprisoned. It was put under the Ngubane people under the chieftainship of Sibindi Ngubane of Mabomvini isizwe who made his brother, Mmeleli to be chief of Nodunga isizwe. However, when Ndiovu came back from exile ubukhosi was restored to him and his descendants.
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