Have you ever stood in front of a giant, heavy gate? It’s impressive, right? It protects what is inside. It decides who comes in and who stays out.
Well, if your surname is Masango, you are that gate.
Literally. The word Amasango in Zulu and Ndebele means “Gates.”
But this isn’t about garden gates. We are talking about the gates to the royal kraal. The gates to the city. The gates to safety. If you are a Masango, you come from a line of protectors, guardians, and people who held serious authority.
Today, we are going to unlock the history of the Masango clan names (Izithakazelo). We are going to find out why they are called “The People Who Lock Out the Owners” and why they share blood with the famous Khumalos.
So, open the door. Let’s walk through.
The Masango Cheat Sheet (The Praises)
If you want to greet a Masango properly, you need the keys. You need the names that show you know who they really are. Here is the list:
Masango!
Mntungwa!
Mbulazi!
Nqaba!
Gamedze!
Wena wamasango!
Wena wamasango avalela abaniniwo! (You of the gates that locked out their owners)
Wena owakhahlela inkomo esifubeni! (You who kicked the cow in the chest)
Nkomo iyakhala, iyakhal’ igoduka!
That line about locking out the owners? It’s legendary. Let’s break it down.
The Legend of the “Locked Gates”
This is the most famous story about the Masango clan.
The praise goes: “Wena wamasango avalela abaniniwo.”
Translated: “You of the gates that locked out their owners.”
Now, why would you lock an owner out of their own house?
This is a story about power and strategy. It implies that the Masango ancestors were so powerful, or perhaps occupied a fortress so securely, that even the people who claimed to own the place couldn’t get in without their permission.
It symbolizes control. If you control the gate, you control the kingdom. It means the Masango people are not pushovers. You can’t just walk over them. They decide when the door opens.
“Mntungwa” and the Royal Blood
You will hear this name a lot: Mntungwa.
This is a heavyweight title.
The praise Mntungwa links the Masango clan to the Khumalo clan (the family of King Mzilikazi and the Ndebele nation).
It means they are part of the absolute elite of the Nguni people. They are “The Pure Ones.” When you call a Masango “Mntungwa,” you are acknowledging that they come from the aristocracy. They have royal blood running in their veins.
“Nqaba”: The Fortress
Then there is Nqaba.
In Zulu, Inqaba means a Fortress or a Stronghold.
This fits perfectly with the “Gate” theme. A gate needs a wall, right?
Being called Nqaba means you are a place of safety. You are solid. You are dependable. When the world is falling apart, people run to the Masango clan for protection. They are the safe house.
“Mbulazi” and the History
You will also hear Mbulazi.
This refers to a specific, powerful ancestor. Mbulazi was a key figure in history (often linked to the succession disputes in the Zulu kingdom).
By using this name, the Masango clan keeps the memory of that ancestor alive. It links them to the turbulent, exciting times when the Zulu and Ndebele nations were being formed.
The Ndebele Connection
It is important to know that the Masango name is huge in the Ndebele culture (both in South Africa and Zimbabwe).
Because they are Mntungwas, they were part of the core group that moved north with King Mzilikazi. They were the trusted ones. They were the gatekeepers of the new nation.
So, if you meet a Masango from Zimbabwe, they will likely share these exact same praises. The history crosses borders.
How to Praise a Masango
So, how do you use these names to show respect? Here is your guide.
1. The “Control” Compliment
If a Masango friend is being strict or enforcing rules (like a bouncer or a boss), say:
“Yebo, Masango! Lock the gates! Avalela abaniniwo!”
It’s a funny way to acknowledge their authority.
2. The Royal Greeting
When you shake their hand:
“Sawubona, Mntungwa. Sawubona, Mbulazi.”
It shows you know they are “top shelf” people.
3. The “Safe Place” observation
If they help you out of a jam:
“Ngiyabonga, Nqaba. You are my fortress.”
It’s a heartfelt thank you.
The Final Word
The Masango name is all about access and protection.
You are the Masango (The Gates).
You are the Nqaba (The Fortress).
You are the Mntungwa (The Royal).
You are the person who stands between safety and danger. That is a big responsibility.
So, to all the Masangos out there: Keep guarding the gate. We are safe because of you.
Mntungwa! Masango!