AmaNdlambe

The AmaNdlambe are a tribe located in the Eastern Cape, South Africa; having been so named after its originator the great Xhosa prince Ndlambe, son of King Rharhabe. The AmaNdlambe are one of the last tribes to have been created in Xhosa history around the turn of the 19th century.

Ndlambe was the second born son from King Rharhabe's great wife Queen Nojoli of the AbaThembu. Rharhabe's heir and upon whom the government of the tribe would fall on Rharhabe's death was called Mlawu. It is said that on the day that Mlawu was to marry his great wife Nobutho, he suddenly became ill and died. However, on his death Mlawu had fathered two sons out of wedlock i.e. Ngqika and Ntimbo.

When King Rharhabe died in battle, Ndlambe was requested by the councillor's of Mlawu to provide them with an heir for the great house. Ndlambe knowing that his brother had fathered two sons, sought out the two boys in order that one would rule over the Rharhabe kingdom. Indeed, the two children were found and thus the sons of his deceased elder brother were brought by the councillors to Ndlambe's kraal to select a successor.

It became apparent that Ndlambe favoured Ngqika over Ntimbo, as even though Ntimbo appeared the eldest of the two, he exhibited a sickly disposition. The councillors of Mlawu favoured Ntimbo, as it would enhance their own powers over the great house if Ntimbo were to succeed the kingship.

This dispute was referred to the senior branch of the Xhosa nation, to be decided by the Gcaleka monarch King Khawuta. Whilst a delegation was sent to King Khawuta to formally request his assistance; Ndlambe sent an informal party to the king requesting that Ngqika be selected new king of the Rharhabe. In preparation for the arrival of the king, festivities lasting several days commenced where the two young princes were fêted. When King Khawuta arrived and having received word from Ndlambe on the suitability of one of the two young princes by the name of Ngqika; King Khawuta accompanied by his councillors, did not even utter a word but merely got off his horse, bestowed Ngqika around his neck with a string of royal beads, got back on his horse and left. The simple gesture by the king laid the whole matter to rest and Ngqika became king of the Rharhabe branch of the Xhosa.

...
Wikipedia