Falo kaMgudlwa had a long tenure as Chief. His principal councillor was the warrior
Mbombini Molteno kaSihele. Mbombini was a large, fierce man of great cunning and charisma. In spite of being illiterate, in later life Mbombini became a national poet for the Thembu people, and a keeper of Thembu oral history and lore. Falo was instrumental in establishing a mission station in the region. Through Mbombini's influence, he also contributed to the "Thembu History per Chief Falo Mgudlwa at Qumanco" (18/06/35. McLaughlin Papers, Cory Library, Grahamstown). His homestead became a major repository of history for the Thembu and Qwathi nations, and several chroniclers such as Cronje Mlahleni Xundu spent time in his household to study this history.
Kaiser Matanzima spent a portion of his childhood in the household of Chief Mgudlwa {esitya amasi enkomo zendlu kaMgudlwa}. Falo was one of the first Chiefs of his nation to convert to Christianity. The later Thembu Council writer described him as having unusually dark complexion, a birth mark and extraordinary physical strength. He died at the age of 95. His death was followed by numerous disputes among his adopted sons Qaqawuli (Qaqauli) and Daliwonga, and succession disputes among his own children. His own children included Matsolo, Harold Guleni, Colenzo, Attwell, Isaac, Cecil, Stormont, and Buller. Mbombini, who had been charged by Falo on his death bed, to look after his descendants, was involved in resolving these disputes. In resolution, Falo was succeeded as Chief by his sons Matsolo and Harold Guleni Mgudlwa. ==References==