Most of our history as Africans has been oral history told over generations. This means that over time, these stories, riddles and mythology get distorted. It is quite common to hear different versions of oral narrations of the same event. Most of the earlier historiography was written by either white “liberals”, academics, or white “supremacist” writers. White liberals were also influenced by the European influence and perceptions of Africa, who regarded Africans as inferior.

In search of some answers about the Nxasana genealogy, and as we try to piece together the Nxasana history, it has been extremely difficult to verify the sources and some of the stories which form part of this manuscript.

Most of the old and wise Nxasanas who are descendants of Magxala have since died. The limited research we have been able to conduct for this manuscript has been based on the stories that we have been told over the years, as well as accounts more recently by those who are with us and had the privilege of seeing and listening to Solomon “Soli” Nxasana. We remain indebted to them. Siyabonga MaNxasana.

These are:

• Ntombende Muriel Nxasana ka Nyembezi ka Soli Nxasana,
• Bhekisisa Harold Nxasana, ka King ka Soli Nxasana
• Ntomb’zandile Mrewa (nee’ Nxasana), ka Nyembezi ka Soli Nxasana,
• Rhoda Mba (MaNxasana), ka Gidward ka Soli Nxasana
• Layilayi ka Lanti kaMabhongo Nxasana

They are some of those who lived with Soli and played a significant role in contributing to this short manuscript.

We also surveyed some letters which Soli and some of those who came after him wrote, and we are indebted to Anti Ntombende Nxasana who has kept some of these letters safely for us to benefit from as a source to reconstruct our history. Some of these letters are dated as far back as March 1937(yes, 70 years ago!). We also undertook a survey of relevant books, pamphlets, articles on the internet, and other publications to compile this history.

The commemoration of Soli Nxasana on 15 December 2007, should act as a constant reminder of the values and virtues which we as Nxasanas stand for. These values and virtues will always act as a compass to guide our lives, attitudes and behavior and those Nxasanas who will come after us.

Hopefully as we embark on this journey of discovery of our ancestors, who Soli was, the values which he and his forefathers and foremothers stood for, what makes us who we are, we will stimulate some of us and our progeny to conduct more scientific historic and literary research on the Nxasana history, our stories myths and beliefs. Hopefully someday we will have a “Dr. Nxasana or descendant of the Nxasana clan” who will have researched the origins of the great Nxasana clan.

We are also grateful to all the Nxasanas and Mvusis who helped us with information to construct the family tree. Special thanks are due to the following people who took the extra effort to assist;

• Bab’ Bhekisisa Nxasana
• Sibusiso Nxasana (kaSimphiwe, ka King, kaSoli Nxasana)
• Khumbulani Nxasana(kaHodges, kaHolon, kaSoli Nxasana)
• Aunt Rhoda Mba (MaNxasana, kaGidward, kaSoli Nxasana)
• Thandi Nxumalo (MaNxasana, kaBachithile, kaMakethe, kaSoli Nxasana)
• Dano Meyiwa (kaNtombi Chiliza, kaAsiena, kaSoli Nxasana)
• Aunt Nisa Mvusi (umaJolobe owenda no Selborne Mvusi, kaVunina, kaSoli Nxasana
• Aunt Elva Zwane (MaMvusi, kaVunina, kaSoli Nxasana)
• Malum’ Xhaki Mvusi (kaVunina, kaSoli Nxasana)
• Themba Mvusi(kaGaba Mvusi, kaVunina, kaSoli Nxasana)
• Sis Thami Dyasi (MaNxasana, kaGerman, kaMajavu, kaSoli Nxasana)

Ningadinwa Nangomuso!