Why Nelson Mandela has six names
June 24, 2013 -- Updated 1522 GMT (2322 HKT)
Nelson Mandela became an international figure while enduring 27 years in prison for fighting against apartheid, South Africa's system of racial segregation.
But while the world may know him as Mandela, the man considered to be the founder of South Africa's democracy is known by a number of others names in his own country. Some of the monikers date from his childhood, while others reflect the respect felt for an anti-apartheid hero and the country's first black president.
But while the world may know him as Mandela, the man considered to be the founder of South Africa's democracy is known by a number of others names in his own country. Some of the monikers date from his childhood, while others reflect the respect felt for an anti-apartheid hero and the country's first black president.
Rolihlahla
At birth he was given the name Rolihlahla Mandela by his father,
Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Henry, according to the Nelson Mandela Foundation. In
Xhosa, one of the official languages of South Africa, "Rolihlahla"
means "pulling the branch of a tree." More commonly, it's said to
mean "troublemaker."
Nelson
The name "Nelson" first made an appearance when the
young Mandela was at primary school. According to the Nelson Mandela
Foundation, it was given to him by his teacher, Miss Mdingane, on the first day
of school in the village of Qunu, but it's unclear why she chose that
particular name. It was the early 1920s and, at that time, it was customary to
give African children English names to make them easier for British colonials
to pronounce.
Madiba
In South Africa, Mandela is most commonly referred to as Madiba,
the name of the Thembu clan to which he belongs. Madiba was the name of a
Thembu chief who, in the 19th century, ruled over a region called the Transkei
in the country's southeast. Referring to Mandela as Madiba is a sign of
endearment and respect, according to the Nelson Mandela Foundation. This hut is
at the "Great Place" palace at Mqhekezweni where Mandela lived as a
child under the guardianship of Thembu regent, Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo.
Tata
Considered the founding father of democracy in South Africa,
Mandela is also referred to by many as simply "Tata," the Xhosa word
for "father." Here, he receives a hug from a Soweto girl during a
visit to a black township near Johannesburg in 1990.
Khulu
The Xhosa language also offers another term of endearment for
Mandela. "Khulu" is the shortened word for "uBawomkhulu,"
which means "grandfather." The word also means "great,
paramount, grand," according to the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Dalibhunga
At the age of 16, Mandela, like other Xhosa boys, was formally
initiated into manhood through a traditional Xhosa ceremony. At the time, he
was given the name of Dalibhunga, which means "creator or founder of the
council" or "convenor of the dialogue," according to the Nelson
Mandela Foundation. It adds that, when using the name to greet Mandela, the
correct usage is "Aaah! Dalibhunga." This image show young boys from
the Xhosa tribe attending a traditional initiation school in Libode in 2008.
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