POLOKWANE – South Africa is a rainbow nation and therefore compromises of a variety of cultures and traditions.
Limpopo is a province with many cultures and most people inherit their names from their great grandparents and aunts and uncles.
Review spoke to several learners in Polokwane to find out what their first names mean.
Khuthadzo Chongo is a Vhenda whose name means comfort and says his mum told him he was given that time as when he was born he comforted the family from all the challenges that they faced in the past.Mmathabo Mamabolo said “My name means mother of joy and happiness. I am always reminded of how much happiness and joy I have brought my family when I was born. I am a Pedi girl and very proud of my culture,” she said.
Rivele Languta said that her name is ancestral and means to forget, usually the past or past mistakes which hinder someone from progressing in life. “My parents say that they use my name to lead a positive life,” she said.Ntombi Phasha said, “My name means lady in IsiZulu. I am told I was named Nthombi short for Ntombikayize which translates to lady or girl,” she said.Hamza Joomo is Muslim and said that his name means brave lion or a brave, strong someone. “It’s a name which I inherited form my family,” he said.Jayshil Mistry said that his name is Hindi and means joyful or is often given to a person who brings joy and happiness to other people.
Names make us unique and at times guides us in terms of how to behave, for instance those who are named Lerato (Love) are said to posses love and share it with everyone and Lethabo (Joy) are said to bring happiness and joy to other people.
Raeesa Sempe is a Caxton Award-winning Digital Editor with nine years’ experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and started her journey as a community journalist for the Polokwane Review in 2015. She then became the online journalist for the Review in 2016 where she excelled in solidifying the Review’s digital footprint through Facebook lives, content creation and marketing campaigns. Raeesa then moved on to become the News Editor of the Bonus Review in 2019 and scooped up the Editorial Employee of the Year award in the same year. She is the current Digital Editor of the Polokwane Review-Observer, a position she takes pride in. Raeesa is married with one child and enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music and baking – when she has the time. “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon." – Tom Stoppard
