Mpande's - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

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not only to the man who had won them,
but to others who had not yet
distinguished themselves. In view of all
this publicity, the position of a coward,
who would have no-one to praise him if
he dared to gjJ!f!, must have been
invidious. "10
The Zulu people of Mpande's time had specialist declaimers of
praises (izimbongi) as an important order of their institutions." Thus,
the position ofroyal specialist declaimers of praises (imbongi) was a
jealously guarded and highly valued appointment, carrying with it
immense status. Mpande's most renowned specialist declaimers of
praises were Magolwane Ka Mkhathini Jiyane and Mshayankomo Ka
Magolwane 12
Magolwane Ka Mkhathini was killed at his homestead (umuzi) at
Ntabankulu on Mpande's orders. He used to call out to the king:
"Weh, Mpande! Weh, Mpande!
The cattle are leaving you "13
He meant that there should be war. The specialist declaimer of
praises might bellow at night or get up at dawn and bellow, leaving
E.l. Krige: The Social System ofthe Zulus, pp. 58 - 61; J.SA, Vol. 3, Evidence of
Mkebeni, 17 September 1918, p.198.
R.e. Samuelson: Long Long Ago, p.253.
K.c., Stuart Papers, file 58, Notebook 17, Evidence ofMtshapi and Ndube,
11 May 1918, J.SA, Vol. 3, Evidence ofMgidblana, 71une 1921, p.I08.
1.S.A., Vol. I, Evidence ofBaIeni, 14 May 1914, p.30.