Mangwende

Mangwende is a dynasty from Southern Africa, Zimbabwe commonly known as Mangwende dynasty of Nhowe or Mangwende of Nhowe. It is the royal dynasty of the Nhowe people, who are a part of the Shona tribe now living in Murewa, Mashonaland East, Zimbabwe. The Mangwende dynasty was started by the patriarch of the Nhowe people, Sakubvunza in 1606 who established the Shona traditional state of Nhowe. The name Nhowe refers to the traditional state as well as the Nhowe people.

The Mangwende Chieftainship employs a system of collateral succession which alternates between two houses of the dynasty. The two houses of Chieftain lineage are Mhotani ( Bokoto ) and Hundungu ( Chitopi ) houses. The earliest use of the name Mangwende is in 1859, by Hundungu who ruled as Chief from 1859-1878. Hundungu is the first person to assume the ruling title “Mangwende” with proper investiture from the Rozvi, the traditional council. Prior to this, there was no common name in reference to the chiefainship, and previous Chiefs used family names in respect to the clan, "Nhowe".

Totem

The totem of the Mangwende clan is “moyo mzukuru” which uses the bull as its symbolic animal. However, in practice, the tribe strictly holds only the heart of the animal as sacred, not the whole animal.

Chieftainships: 1606-2013

Mangwende dynasty, formerly in Matandandura and Matukutu, settles in Nhowe. The chieftainship changes hands between the two lineages on the death of the sitting Chief (unless the authorities deems otherwise).

Gatsi. 1633-1656 Mushawatu. 1657-1681 Dembetembe. 1681-1706 Mhonyera. 1707-1731 Nhuta. 1732-1756 Zemura. 1757-1781 Rota. 1783-1831 Mhotani. 1833-1857

''''Mhotani ( Bokoto ) and Hundungu ( Chitopi ) are the highest ranking names in modern day history of Nhowe politics as they represent both Chieftainship (lineages) of Mungate1(Mushawatu) and Gatsi1. Tne names Bokoto and Chitopi houses are purely for administrative purposes. It should be noted the two lineages lived in close proximity for over (3) three centuries at Mahopo Chitopi Nyakambiri river near Marondera.

'History

The Mangwende clan dominated the geographical area between Makoni and Mutoko in Mashonaland East, Zimbabawe, which then existed in the political format of traditional states. Mangwende had a fighting force that fought rival clans, and was often called to defend allies in battle. Within their territory, the Mangwende chieftainship had several sub-Chiefs of surrounding clans under their protectorate who would pledge allegiance to Chief Mangwende in return for military support if attacked by other rival Chiefs. As the paramount chief, Mangwende administered over the welfare, security and civil order of small chieftainship clans and presided in ceremonial duties.

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Wikipedia