Who are amaHlubi?

According to historical evidence presented to the Commission on Traditional Disputes and Claims, amaHlubi originate from the Samburu and Shubi people found in present-day Kenya.

They are a much older nation than either amaZulu or amaXhosa. The earliest known amaHlubi inkosi, who ruled the nation around 1 300, was Chibi.

The nation formed part of the eMbo people’s downward migration from central Africa.

They were the largest group of this migration and were also known as amaNgelengele, amaMpembe or imiHuhu. It was in about 1 650 that their name changed to amaHlubi.

During their downward migration, they at first settled briefly along the Lubombo mountains, a range extending from the north of present-day KwaZulu-Natal to the Swaziland-Mozambican border.

During the 13th century, some of them moved south and settled in present-day KwaZulu-Natal. Those who stayed behind became known as amaSwati.

It is estimated that amaHlubi moved to the uMzinyathi

(Dundee) region in about 1500.

It is believed that different tribes and clans joined amaHlubi because they were blessed with the gift of rainmaking and knowledge of traditional medicines.

During the reign of Shaka Zulu, amaHlubi lived peacefully with amaZulu as their neighbours.

Shaka’s mentor, Dingiswayo, even sought shelter from them when he was on the run from his father, Jobe. During his stay with amaHlubi, Dingiswayo was appointed as induna by Bungane, their king.

During the reign of Mthimkhulu II, amaNgwane attacked amaHlubi and killed their king. Consequently, Shaka attacked and conquered amaNgwane.

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