BAKANGOMANE ARE A TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION WHICH OBSERVES A SYSTEM OF CUSTOMARY LAW AND IS RECOGNIZED BY LAW CONTEMPLATED IN SECTION 211 OF THE CONTITUTION OF THE REPLUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, 1996 (Act No. 108 of 1996) .

 

The bakaNgomane Kingdom is led by  Inkosi Hhoyi II, We are a community driven Traditional institution based in Nkomazi leading under The Hhoyi Traditional Council.  The Royal family is dedicated in its leadership, responsibilities and chieftaincy to the community of Hhoyi, Nkomazi and Enhlanzeni. We also participate in various projects to empower the community and keep the spirit of Ubuntu and traditions alive.

 

 

Our Mission is to:

 

• To promote the culture of Ubuntu through our social responsibility programs.
  
  
• To inform and educate the community about issues relating to HIV and AIDS.
  
  
• The Hhoyi Traditional Council together with the Ngomane Royal House aims to maintain financial balance; to ensure that it provides a more permanent, and an economically developed community to build a self-sustainable society.
  
  
• As primary custodians of culture we strive to promote bio diversity and are committed to upholding our different cultural practices amongst our society.
  
  
• Job creation for the community.
  
  
• Bring solutions to social and economic issues for the communities.

BakaNgomane Kingdom Praises

 

Ngomane, Mshika!

Mganu lowahluma emini kaMandlakazi kwatsi entsambama wahhohloka!

Mdletshe, Msindazwe, Mfuyi wamatje abanye bafuyi izinkomo, Komane, Kubhayi, Mafumisi, Xibiha hi masirha

 

 

Our Royal Kraals can be found in:

(Headquarters) Fig Tree for the Hhoyi Community,

Mangweni  for the Lugedlane Community

 Kamaqhekeza (Sibayeni) for the Siboshwa

 

 

 

HISTORY OF THE bakaNGOMANE

 

The bakaNgomane, a Hlangane tribe discovered by Ingwenyama Simhulu have enjoyed such independence until the white government decided to abolish such on the grounds that their subordinates or junior chiefs refused to recognize the supremacy of that white government.

 

TAX WARS:

Hhoyi, the main branch of bakaNgomane was demoted from the status of paramount to that of chief. In the process, most of his land was taken to establish the Kruger National Park South, Komatipoort, Marloth Park and the Strydom Block Farming Scheme for white farmers.

 

In the 1930’s the bakaNgomane decided to approach the union government with their grievances, however, instead of being listened to, their cattle were slaughtered on the pretext they had foot and mouth disease. The bakaNgomane became more violent thus harboring MK insurgents which led to the bombardment of Hectorspruit in the 1970’s. This was a final straw, and the remaining baka Ngomane were removed from the so-called white areas and displaced elsewhere.

 

 

FAMILY TREE

 

Mahumane

 

Ntiyi I

 

Hhoyi

 

Nkapane

 

Ntiyi II

 

Hhoyi II

 

 

Ummemo (Cultural Festival)

 

Ummemo is held in most traditional councils in the province of Mpumalanga. These are annual festivals per traditional council and are mainly seen as the Traditional Leader’s/Inkhosi’s annual address to his/ her community. Usually, Ummemo creates greater hype amongst community members especially during the month of their respective festivals and provide good economic benefits for the local community.

 

The main purpose of Ummemo is the promotion of culture, tradition, the passing of laws, reports, for the kings various activities that Men, women and children get in involved in in honour of their culture, seasons and action plans. Ummemo is known as a time for celebration, meetings, discussions, dance, culture practices, rituals and honouring of heirs and leaders. Communities are reminded of their respective cultures and cultural practices that instil good morals.

 

Ummemo is a gathering where the royal king and his family sends and open invitation to the community and special guests that are influential in their different positions and environments as well as the community at large.

 

Elders in the community usually teach the youth (young girls and boys) how to behave themselves including issues of sexual abstinence which reduces teenage pregnancy and the spread of HIV/ AIDS.

 

Elders of the Royal Family also narrate the history of the tribe/ chieftaincy to the community. This is done to ensure that as South Africans, we do not lose our identity or forget where we come from. Our heritage, history and culture are therefore preserved and valued.

 

The respective traditional dance, practices, food and attire are displayed during the festivals. Entertainment is mainly dominated by cultural groups dressed in their traditional attire and a taste of African food/ African cuisine is also prepared. Sale, exhibition/ display of cultural crafts and attire also characterizes the festivals. The festivals usually draw large crowds. People who have migrated to urban and semi-urban areas return to their rural areas of origin during the time of these festivals to celebrate their cultures.

 

The bakaNgomane Ummemo happens every year in Mid October. Also known as a time for celebration, meetings, discussions, dance, culture practices, rituals and honouring of heirs and leaders.

 

 

 

 

The attendance

 

• Estimate of over 6000 Guests / Spectators annually
• The community
• Media

 

 

Invited Guest Yearly

 

• The Kingdom of Swaziland
• The Zulu Kingdom
• National / Local House of Traditional Leaders (Chieftaincies)
• Honourable MECs including Government parastatals
• National media
• Local media