In traditional politics they are divided into five kingdoms (Kwangali, Mbunza, Shambyu, Gciriku and Mbukushu), each headed by a hompa or fumu, both meaning "king".
During the harvest season in April the vakwangali people eat (mafumpura) a tuber like plant which is dug from the soil when it starts to crack.
It is a social relation dominantly rooted in clan and it is not necessarily determined by blood connections.
There is a command of respect and high level of obedience towards the senior clan.
Other people can also become clan members by seeking allegiance due to various unifying circumstances such as floods or war.