The Mafwe are a Bantu-speaking ethnic group native to Southern Africa. They are part of the larger Lozi ethnic group and have significant populations in Namibia and Zambia. Their language is known as Chifwe but Silozi is used as the formal language in official, educational, and media contexts.[2]
Mafwe | |
---|---|
Total population | |
>55,581 | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Namibia | 55,581 (2023 census)[1][a] |
Languages | |
Chifwe | |
Religion | |
Christianity | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Lozi people |
Kings and leaders
editLeaders since Kabende Sita carry the honorary title of Mamili.[3]
- Sebitwane, Kololo King, ? - 1851
- Sekeletu, Kololo King, 1851-1863
- Mbololo, Kololo King, 1863-1864
- Lewanika, Lozi King, 1864-1909
- Moremi II, Tswana King, 1876 - 1890
- Sekgoma Lethsolathebe, Tswana King, 1891-1906
- Kabende Simata, Mamili, 1864-1914
- Simata Lifasi, 1914-1931
- Lifasi Simata Mamili, 1931-1944
- Simata Simasiku Mamili, 1944-1971
- Richard Muhinda, Mamili, 1971-1987
- Boniface Bebi Mamili, 1987-1998
- George Simasiku, Mamili 1999-
Notes
edit- ^ Including 12,183 Matotelas.
References
edit- ^ "Namibia 2023 Population and Housing Census Main Report" (PDF). Namibia Statistics Agency. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
- ^ Minahan, James B. (2016). Encyclopedia of Stateless Nations: Ethnic and National Groups around the World, 2nd Edition: Ethnic and National Groups around the World (2 ed.). ABC-CLIO. pp. 248–49. ISBN 9781610699549.
- ^ Dierks, Klaus. "Traditional Leaders in the History of Namibia". Retrieved 14 November 2019.