iNduna (plural: iziNduna) is a Zulu/Xhosa title meaning advisor, great leader, ambassador, headman or commander of a group of warriors. It can also mean spokesperson or mediator, as the iziNduna often acted as a bridge between the people and the king.[1] The title was reserved for senior officials appointed by the king or chief and was awarded to individuals held in high esteem for their qualities of leadership, bravery or service to the community.[2][3] The iziNduna would regularly gather for an indaba to discuss important issues.
Amongst the Ndebele the term was also used to collectively refer to a group of elite soldiers operating under a specific induna.[4]
The term has found widespread use in South African English and Afrikaans, and it is a common reference to boss or lead person.[5] In modern times the terms Chairperson and induna are sometimes used interchangeably.[6]
- ^ African spirituality that shapes the concept of Ubuntu Archived 6 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine, by M J S Masango, page 6
- ^ Induna Award
- ^ "About.Com". Archived from the original on 14 March 2008. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
- ^ See Ndebele/Shona Rebel Armies of 1896 by Dennis Bishop for examples
- ^ Post-Colonial Workplace Regimes in the Engineering Industries of South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe Archived 21 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine, by Andries Bezuidenhout
- ^ See Social Assessment of the Amangwane Community Campsite Project[permanent dead link], by Priscilla Wendy Grimster Maud for examples.