An iconic photo of King Pontino KaXilowa who was known mostly as Inkosi Yamakhosi Mphezeni III. He was born to oNdlunkulu (Queen) Justina Tembo. His elder brother was HRH Prince Sheba who unfortunately died whilst still a youth. It was this death of the Prince that led to his father, King Xilowa to leave the Phangweni base and establish eFeni.
Now, notice the man who is with the King, he was singing when this photo was taken. His song was more of a lamentation. His point was that, since the white man had defeated the amaNgoni in 1898, then the whites were not humans but had supernatural powers and had come from a planet above (where he is pointing). In essence this man was saying the Ngonis were an invincible nation that could not be defeated by 'normal humans'.
This same man captured with the King, depsite his social status, was very close to King Pontino KaXilowa. His signature name was 'Njongonjo' and his village was in the Mthandweni Isigodi of iNkosi Nthonga (Kapatamoyo). He would travel a long distance to see the King and would always move with a bag. In this bag he would bring the King local traditional delicacies such as Inswa, Magenge and Mafulufute.
King Pontino reigned from the village founded by his father and died in June, 1981. The previous year, he had historically resurrected the amaNgoni's most ancient Ncwala which had been banned for over 80 years. Just like his grandfather, Prince Nsingo KaNtutho, he was involved in the liberation movement, at one time inviting the eyes of the colonial government who warned him against such a path.
He had once visited King Sobhuza, the Emaswati monarchy and had travelled to England to oppose the federation. He was an avid hunter and gifted iNgoma dancer who loved dancing from the cattle kraal. He had also a particular liking for South African traditional music. He lived in Zimbabwe and Malawi at some point before ascending on the throne. He was the last amaZwangendaba King to ever be coronoated or wear the British customised attire.
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