Ngonyama Langalibalele I (c.1814–1889) – Hlubi

Langalibalele (literally “the sun is boiling hot”, taken to mean “sunny day”), also known as Mtetwa, was king of the amaHlubi from c. 1836 to 1889.

The Hlubi appellation for king is ‘Ngonyama’ (meaning “The Lion”). Langalibalele became king of the amaHlubi after the Zulu king, Dingane, ordered the killing of his elder brother, Dlhomo, for defying him.

During the time of King Shaka, they were said to be known as “a race of intrepid warriors” (because of their elite regiment, Iziyendane).

Conflict with the Zulu King, Mpande resulted in the move into the colonies, first the Natal Colony, then the Cape Colony.
As a result of a clash with the authorities of the Cape Colony relating to the registration of his arms, he was captured and imprisoned on Robben Island in 1874, where he would serve for 11 years of his life

Once a dominant force, yet today their language is endangered. Who are the Hlubi?

The traditional historical view is that the amaHlubi took part in the southward migration of the eMbo group/nation or amaLala from central Africa, reaching the KwaZulu-Natal region in the 13th century.

There is evidence which suggests that after they arrived in Southern Africa, a section of their group splintered off. This group would go on to become the Swazis (still today the dialect is similar).

The Hlubi dialect is currently endangered, with attempts underway by academics to revive the language and having it recognised as an official language

Comments are closed.