Mzansi unites to celebrate diversity with Real Mzansi Names
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart,” Nelson Mandela once said.
These words resonate deeply in South Africa, a nation where the colours of our 12 official languages paint a vibrant tapestry of cultures and histories. But what happens when we stumble over the very words meant to connect us – our names?
Beyond simple identifiers, names in South Africa are woven with cultural weight and significance. They are echoes of our heritage, whispers of ancestral stories, and pronouncements of hopes for the future.
Across the country, South Africans are coming together to embrace the meaning and significance of their names. Local TikTokers, Mrs Bullock, South Africa’s favourite dancing teacher, shared her pride in her name across social media, while Mzansi’s Greatest Family gathered around the family table to dive into the deeper meanings behind their names.
TikToker Witney, proudly representing the TshiVenda culture, shared her real name Tshimangadzo with her 3 million audience – a name many weren’t aware of before.
This campaign has ignited conversations from every corner of South Africa, with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and languages joining in to share their stories and highlight the importance of names and correct pronunciation through the #RealMzansiNames movement.
Dr. Yanga Majola, a world-renowned Linguistics Professor at the University of Tshwane, whose expertise in African languages and culture provided critical insight. “People learn better when they are relaxed and having fun. By celebrating Real Mzansi Names with Cadbury, we embrace the diverse cultures across our nation and forge new and unshakeable bonds while encouraging everyone to acknowledge African languages and ethnicities.” said Dr. Majola.
You can join the conversation following #RealMzansiNames
