Mafwe Explained

Group:	Bafwe
Native Name:	Mafwe
Languages:	Chifwe
Religions:	Christianity
Related Groups:	Lozi people
Population:	15,000
Region1:	Namibia
Pop1:	15,000^[1]
Region2:	Zambia

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]

Kings and leaders

Leaders 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 and References

1. Web site: The Mafwe People Group In All Countries . Joshua Project . Joshua Project . 2 August 2024.
2. Book: Minahan, James B. . Encyclopedia of Stateless Nations: Ethnic and National Groups around the World, 2nd Edition: Ethnic and National Groups around the World . 248-49 . 2 . ABC-CLIO . 2016 . 9781610699549.
3. Web site: Traditional Leaders in the History of Namibia . Klaus . Dierks . Klaus Dierks . 14 November 2019.