umgitchwa

Updated: June 20, 2025

Umgitchwa is the elder, but Somhlolo is the son of a daughter of the king, and therefore, according to Zulu custom, entitled to succeed to the chieftainship. But an ancient custom is not to be thus abrogated by a stroke of the pen, and Somhlolo is practically chief of the district. Fighting is imminent between the two brothers.

Henry Rider Haggard - Cetywayo and his White Neighbours: Remarks on Recent Events in Zululand, Natal, and the Transvaal

A chief called Dilligane, to whom the district should have been given, is practically head man of the district, and takes every possible opportunity of defying the nominee chief, Infaneulela, who is not acknowledged by the people. Another case is that of Umgitchwa, to whom a territory was given. In this instance there are two brothers, Umgitchwa and Somhlolo, born of different mothers.

Henry Rider Haggard - Cetywayo and his White Neighbours: Remarks on Recent Events in Zululand, Natal, and the Transvaal