AmaNdlambe
The AmaNdlambe or the Ndlambe is a Xhosa principality located in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Founded by Prince Ndlambe, son of King Rharhabe and grandson of King Phalo, Ndlambe's advisors and strong army were known as the 'AmaNdlambe'. Prince Ndlambe was also the uncle of King Hintsa. History of the chiefdom Ndlambe was the second born son from Great-King Rharhabe's great wife Queen Nojoli of the AbaThembu. Rharhabe's heir who was to be the ruler of his Great House following his demise was Prince 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 councillors of deceased 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 House. 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; although 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 Great House of the Xhosa Kingdom, to be decided by the 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 ruler of the AmaRharhabe. 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 ruler of the House of Rharhabe. During the minority of Ngqika, Ndlambe became regent, assisted at times by the young Prince's mother Yese; a woman largely known for her salacious appetite in men and would in later years have a negative influence to her son's reign. She had a notorious sexual relationship with the colourful Afrikaaner interpreter Coenraad de Buys, which did not sit well within the conservative Xhosa society. Ndlambe was a popular and much loved regent having seen a great expansion and rise in the fortunes of the AmaRharhabe. He ruled as regent for a period spanning over twenty years, and is viewed by some historians