With reference to the naming of Shaka, the legend goes that Nandi was very angry at being seduced and deserted by Shaka’s father, Senzangakhona kaJama . He and his advisors had denied her pregnancy saying that it was a merely a stomach beetle. Thus, when the child was born, she presented this "stomach beetle" to him saying, "Here is your Shaka."

The intention was to remind him the of the existence of his child, and to prove that she had not lied. Obviously now the name Shaka, has elevated the lowly beetle to a very high standing amongst the Zulu people.

In many African cultures, names from nature are often used. For example Ngwenya (Zulu), Ngwena (ShiBemba, Mokoena (Sesotho - pronounced Mukwena) all mean crocodile. Ndlovu and Tlau mean lion in two languages. Bhungane, -the name of a famous Zulu leader – is a locust in Zulu. Mthimkhulu is a big tree. Langalibalele - hot sun).

People’s names in African languages often signify events or situations. For example in the Zulu tradition (the father gives the name soon after birth), boys are highly sought after and if a girl is born first, her name may be Ntombelihle (beautiful girl)/ or Ntombikayise (father’s girl). If a second girl is born her name could be Ntombifuthi (A girl again). If a 3rd girl is born, she could be named Ntombizodwa (girls only!)

As the good professor has indicated, in our article on names and naming, current events often impact the names of the children.

Perhaps the names like Nelson (Mandela), Nonkululeko. Nkululeko (with Freedom) will impact us in the future. These names will have been created by the new freedom from Apartheid, in our country.