Emafikamuva

The Emafikamuva (Siswati: meaning "those who came late") refers to groups that arrived in the Eswatini region after the Bemdzabuko ("original ones") and Emakhandzambili ("those found ahead") had settled.[1]

These groups were often refugees or migrants seeking protection from Swazi rulers and were incorporated into the Swazi state as subordinate or client groups.[2]

Notable clans among the Emafikamuva include the Nkambule, Nhlengethwa, Mathunjwa, Mtsetfwa, Dladla, Mngometfulu, Mabaso, Tsela and Masuku.[3] Their inclusion expanded the kingdom’s manpower and influence during its serious military expansion across the 19th century under King Mswati II.[1][3]

References

  1. ^ a b Thwala, Thabani (2013).The Politics of Placing Princes in Historical and Contemporary Swaziland, MA thesis, University of the Witwatersrand. pp. 12, 13–14, 18, 76, 117 & 140. Available at: University of Cape Town Digital Collections.
  2. ^ Zwinoira, R. T. (1984). "Some toponyms and ethnonyms of Swaziland". African ethnonyms and toponyms. UNESCO. pp. 23–38. Retrieved 2026-01-03.
  3. ^ a b Matsebula, J.S.M.(1988). A History of Swaziland, Longman. 3rd edition. ISBN 0582031672