Mafwe

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]

Bafwe

Mafwe
Total population
>55,581
Regions with significant populations
Namibia	55,581 (2023 census)[1][lower-alpha 1]
Languages
Chifwe
Religion
Christianity
Related ethnic groups
Lozi people

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

1. Including 12,183 Matotelas.

References

1. "Namibia 2023 Population and Housing Census Main Report" (PDF). Namibia Statistics Agency. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
2. 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.
3. Dierks, Klaus. "Traditional Leaders in the History of Namibia". Retrieved 14 November 2019.