Professor Mukenge’s Path to Professorship
On the 7th of October 2024, Professor Mukenge took the stage for a momentous occasion: his inauguration as a full professor. He began his speech with heartfelt gratitude to his family, friends, and colleagues who supported him throughout his journey. The ceremony unfolded with a reflection on his background and the path that led him to this achievement. Born in the small town of Kabomve in the Democratic Republic of Congo to a father who worked as a miner, Prof Mukenge found inspiration in the words of a primary school teacher and developed a deep love for the French language. His passion was ignited by books such as “Kocoumbo l’étudiant noir,” by Ake Loba, “Climbié,” by Bernard Dadié, “Madame Bovary” by Gustave Flaubert and “Vingt ans après” by Alexandre Dumas. These literary works not only shaped his understanding of Francophonie but also challenged him to view the world from new perspectives.
La Journée française du 27 septembre 2024 : A Vibrant Celebration of French Culture
On September 27th, the French department hosted its annual event, “La Journée Française,” (French day) celebrating French culture through food, music, dance, and poetry. The event was vibrant and engaging, with Lesedi serving as the enthusiastic MC. Madame Cordell kicked off the festivities with an introduction about the department’s history and development. This was followed by testimonies from past and present students, who shared how studying French has positively impacted their careers and lives. Ms. Botha emphasised the quote by Goethe: “He who knows no foreign languages knows nothing of his own.” The essence of this statement is that mastering more than two languages enriches our understanding and helps us navigate the world more effectively.
French 3’s Tourism Adventure to Plettenberg Bay
On September 6th, French 3 embarked on an unforgettable journey to Plettenberg Bay, a stunning seaside gem on South Africa’s Garden Route. This adventure was a highlight of their tourism course, offering a perfect blend of exploration and excitement. The trip kicked off with a four-hour drive to Plettenberg Bay, a journey that promised picturesque views along the way. The excitement kicked off at the Tsitsikama Bridge, home to South Africa’s most famous bungee jumping spot. The students were mesmerized by the breath-taking spectacle of daredevils leaping from the bridge, a sight that left them utterly amazed. Paul said, “The bridge is absolutely amazing, with a stunning view”. The drive and the subsequent arrival at these scenic spots created an exciting start to the adventure, enhancing the anticipation for the days ahead
Immersing Students in French: A Successful Term at the French Club
During the June Holidays, Imkhitha Macanda “Immy”, a French honours student, embarked on a transformative journey to Strasbourg, France, for a short course in French diplomacy and diplomatic studies, sponsored by Campus France. Strasbourg is situated near the border with Germany, Strasbourg is renowned for its blend of French and German influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and cultural identity.
A Journey in Strasbourg with Imkhitha Macanda “Immy”
During the June Holidays, Imkhitha Macanda “Immy”, a French honours student, embarked on a transformative journey to Strasbourg, France, for a short course in French diplomacy and diplomatic studies, sponsored by Campus France. Strasbourg is situated near the border with Germany, Strasbourg is renowned for its blend of French and German influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and cultural identity.
Maryse Condé’s Legacy Explored: A Conference of Tribute and Insight at the Université of Yaoundé I in Cameroon
The Université of Yaoundé I in Yaoundé, Cameroon, recently hosted a heartfelt conference dedicated to celebrating the life and literary contributions of Maryse Condé, a revered French-Caribbean writer whose profound influence resonates throughout the literary world. Gathering shortly after her passing in early April 2024 in France, scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts gathered to honour her enduring legacy at the Day of Maryse Condé. The conference served as a platform to explore and commemorate Condé’s remarkable career. Attendees from diverse backgrounds came together to delve into her impact on literature, examining themes that define her extensive body of work. One notable participant, Prof. Mukenge, contributed a presentation focusing on Condé’s versatility as a writer, with a particular emphasis on her acclaimed 2015 masterpiece, Mets et merveilles (“Feasts and Marvels”). This work, weaving together themes of food, culture, and identity, highlighted Condé’s adeptness at intertwining personal experiences into her narratives, thereby enrichingthe depth of her literary exploration.
Unveiling Literary Brilliance: A Recap of the International Colloquium on Henri Djombo's Works at Université Marien Ngouabi in Congo Brazzaville.
The recent International Colloquium at Université Marien NGouabi in Congo Brazzaville sparked an enthusiastic exploration into the captivating world of literature, with the spotlight shining brightly on the works of Henri Djombo. From May 28 to May 30, 2024, scholars, researchers, and literary enthusiasts from around the globe converged to delve into the intricate layers of Djombo’s literary oeuvre under the theme: “L’oeuvre de Henri Djombo et Les enjeux des sociétés contemporaines” (The Works of Henri Djombo and the Challenges of Contemporary Societies). Professor Mukenge, an esteemed participant and the Head of the Department of French and Francophone Studies, brought his scholarly prowess to the forefront with a compelling presentation titled “Les deux faces de Henri Djombo: l’homme, l’écrivain et son potentiel littéraire” (The Two Faces of Henri Djombo: The Man, the Writer, and his Literary Potential). Prof Mukenge’s presentation unraveled the complexities of Djombo’s works, from “Sur la braise” to “Lumières des temps perdus,” delving deep into the essence of Djombo’s creativity and his engagement with the socio-political landscape of Congo Brazzaville. Prof Mukenge’s presentat
Exploring the Legacy of Henri Lopes: A Reflection on the Rabat Conference
In the heart of Rabat, Morocco, on 23 April 2024, a significant conference was hosted by the Language, Literature, and Culture Laboratory, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. The occasion was no ordinary event; it was a commemoration of the life and contributions of the Congolese writer, Henri Lopes – a man whose influence transcended the realms of literature into diplomacy and politics. Henri Lopes, renowned for his literary works, diplomatic finesse, and political engagement, left an indelible mark on the African intellectual landscape. His multifaceted persona, encompassing roles as a writer, diplomat, and politician, garnered admiration and reverence from scholars and writers across the continent.
Professor Arthur Mukenge examines identity, colonialism, and global narratives in French and Francophone Literature
Rhodes University’s Professor Arthur Mukenge, a distinguished scholar of Francophone African literature, delivered his inaugural lecture titled “Literary Criticism in an African Context: A Francophone African Literature Perspective” on 07 October 2024.
Empowering future scholars by amplifying the suppressed voices of African intellectuals
Earlier this month, the Rhodes University School of Languages and Literature hosted the book launch of Jonas Ntsiko: Hadi Waseluhlangeni Collected Writings (1873-1916). This event marked the release of Volume 9 of the Opland Collection of Xhosa Literature, a series of books collaboratively edited and translated by Professors Jeff Opland and Pamela Maseko. Professor Pamela Maseko, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at Nelson Mandela University, Visiting Professor and former academic at Rhodes University. Maseko was also the keynote speaker at the book launch.
Exploring the Nexus of Wealth, Inequality, and Artistic Expression: Insights from Professor Patrice Mwepu's Workshop Participation
From 7 to 9 January 2024, Professor Patrice Mwepu, from French and Francophone Studies, and the Confucius Institute at Rhodes, delved into a thought-provoking workshop held at the University of Lagos in Nigeria. This scholarly gathering was aimed to dissect the intricate tapestry of wealth accumulation, societal inequality, and their analysis in various disciplines, including geography, economics, history, and literature. Organised under the auspices of the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence initiative, the workshop brought together scholars from different geographical spaces, including representatives from the University of Bayreuth (Germany), Moi University (Kenya), and the University of Ghana.
Rhodes University honours renowned Xhosa writer late SEK Mqhayi
Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape has honoured the late SEK Mqhayi, one of the greatest Xhosa writers in history. This comes, as the institution celebrates 200 years of the written isiXhosa language.
Rhodes University hosts Language Resources Audit
Rhodes University hosted the first sector-wide Language Resources Audit conducted by the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLAR) at the Continuing Education Centre this week.
Coalition negotiations: A sidelined ANC, a surprised DA and a demanding EFF
South Africa’s coalition negotiations after the November 2021 election were full of unexpected plot twists. November’s news reporting reveals clear, almost cartoonish characterisations of our largest three parties emerging from a backdrop of extremely complex negotiations and a soap-opera-worthy web of love-hate relationships.
Isikolo seeLwimi noNcwadi: Icandelo leeLwimi zesiNtu kwiYunivesithi iRhodes lisingathe itheko lokuphehlelela iincwadi zeeMbongi
Ngolwesibini, umhla we-21 KweyoMsintsi 2021, isikolo seeLwimi noNcwadi: Icandelo leeLwimi zesiNtu kwiYunivesithi iRhodes belibhiyozela ulwimi lwesiXhosa likwaphehlelela neencwadi zemibongo.
Rhodes University joins a consortium of universities to revive African languages in universities
In an effort to revive and preserve indigenous African languages, Rhodes University has joined a consortium of universities to collaborate in a project funded by the European Union called BAQONDE.
Challenging the language of power in South African courts and beyond
Language constituted in how and what we ‘hear’ and ‘speak’ impacts various aspects of our reality, including how we experience the South African democracy as it stands. Those were some of the words from Judge Belinda Hartle at the virtual launch of A handbook on Legal Languages and the quest for linguistic equality in South Africa and beyond by Rhodes University alumna, Dr Zakeera Docrat, in partnership with Professor Russell Kaschula and Professor Monwabisi Ralarala.
African Languages student writes first-ever ChiShona PhD thesis at Rhodes University
A PhD student in the African Language Studies Section in the School of Languages and Literatures, Mr Ignatius Mabasa, has been awarded a PhD for the first-ever thesis written in ChiShona at Rhodes University.
OPINION | Academic’s aim to expose linguistic injustices that plague SA’s legal system
The confluence of language and justice is at the heart of Rhodes University academic Dr Zakeera Docrat’s work.
Rhodes University’s African Languages Studies Section, in the School of Languages and Literatures, holds a virtual S.E.K. Mqhayi Day Celebration.
This prestigious event is held annually to celebrate the life and the works of Samuel Edward Krune Loliwe Ngxekengxeke (SEK) Mqhayi, who is regarded as the “father of Xhosa Poetry“.
Why using just one language in South Africa’s courts is a problem
Language is a crucial element of any criminal justice system. Forensic linguist David Wright has written that people find themselves in the judicial system’s linguistic webs at every step of the legal process.
Forensic linguists explore how emojis can be used as evidence in court
Emojis have become ubiquitous in text communication – messages are peppered with smiley faces, hearts and other graphic icons. They were first drawn by graphic designer Shigetaka Kurita, and generated by a Japanese communications firm called NTT DoCoMo in the late 1990s. Now they’re everywhere.
Thina singabantwa base Afrika
The etymology of a word goes a long way in teaching us the history, the routes and the roots of a word as expressed at a joint Rhodes University and Makhanda Black Kollective (MBK) community seminar entitled ‘Ukuhlambulula from an anti-humane world’ in Fingo Village, Makhanda.
Rhodes University launches new model Confucius Institute
Delegates from as far as the People’s Republic of China (PRC) travelled to Makhanda to celebrate the opening of the new model Confucius Institute Centre at Rhodes University on 9 November.
Book refines South African law through forensic linguistics
Collaboration between students and supervisors is key, explained Professor Monwabisi Ralarala the Director of the Fundani Center for Higher Education, CPUT and Chairperson of the African Language Association of South Africa (ALASA), at a recent book launch at Rhodes University.
Language Committee announces new policy directives
Acting Chairperson of the Rhodes University Language Committee, Dr Hleze Kunju, announced the revised Language Policy and Committee directives during Rhodes University’s School of Languages’ two-day Forensic Linguistics Colloquium.
Using forensic linguistics in the pursuit of justice
As part of the two-day Forensic Linguistics Colloquium held by the NRF SARChI Chair in the Intellectualisation of African Languages, Multilingualism and Education on 9 and 10 October, guest speaker Professor Monwabisi Ralarala presented his research on the anomalies in police record construction and sworn statements within some cases in the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The Steve Biko competition encourages young minds to think big
Learners from various local high schools came together for the annual Steve Biko Competition in Eden Grove, at Rhodes University on Saturday.
Celebrating isiXhosa as an official language in South Africa
On Friday the 20 September, the Amazwi South African Museum of Literature was abuzz with people from all walks of life who gathered to celebrate IsiXhosa as one of South Africa’s official languages.
Rhodes University and Fort Hare unite to teach dictionary skills
Last week Thursday and Friday, the Steve Bantu Biko lecture theatre was bustling with activity as Rhodes University hosted a dictionary skills training workshop.
Reverend fills in Xhosa language gaps
Amid a sea of young university students who will graduate from Rhodes University next weekend, 79-year-old reverend JC "Koos" Oosthuysen prepares to receive his doctorate in African Languages.
Professor honours BB Mkonto during International Year of Indigenous Languages
Rhodes University’s Professor Russell Kaschula was invited to give the inaugural talk at the prestigious BB Mkonto lecture at Nelson Mandela University on 24 July 2019, as part of the University’s commemoration of the International Year for Indigenous Languages.
Rhodes University hosts African Linguistics School
For the first time in the history of South Africa, the African Linguistics School (ALS) was hosted by Rhodes University from 01 July to 12 July 2019.
Giving language a universal voice: The journey to reviving, resuscitating and reigniting isiXhosa after 30 years
Hlumela Palesa Mkabile, a recent Masters in Linguistics graduate of Rhodes University, has opted to explore dynamic and versatile research about the Xhosa language in her thesis, which is the first of its kind in over 30 years.
A case for African languages in the legal system
In August 2017, African Language Studies Section of the School of Languages and Literatures at Rhodes University reported that they were developing a new Honours module to ‘address the classism and language-based discrimination of our legal system’.
Rhodes offers beginner isiXhosa lessons
Language is an essential tool in effecting transformation in a culturally diverse institution like Rhodes University.
Writer Mtuze honoured
"READ and read and do more reading," renowned Xhosa writer Peter Tshobisa Mtuze said on Monday, when he was honoured by the Eastern Cape government for his lifetime’s work.
Putting Rhodes University on the Map
The journal French Studies in Southern Africa (FSSA) has elected its new editor, Prof Patrice Mwepu from French Studies, School of Languages & Literatures (Rhodes University), who has been elected as the new editor in chief of the journal.
African languages have the power to transform universities
A history lecturer teaching a class about the history of the Xhosa people in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province stops speaking English for a few minutes.
Ethics of poetic ethnicities
How I wish I could, like many, pretend that the ethics of poetry are engraved on a rock somewhere at the centre of the global village — an assumption that downplays the fact that one’s domicile, environment and experience directly informs his literary outlook.
Senior Teaching Award for 2013 – Ms Undine Weber
Language acquisition can be seen as a necessary means to an end, namely to develop understanding between people and cultures.
Language a pivotal tool to effect transformation at university
Language is one of the pivotal tools to effect transformation at a university like Rhodes
Language in the Spotlight
Grahamstown is home to a number of multilingual activists, and recently hosted the isiXhosa Children's Literacy Festival, organised by Elinor Sisulu and the Puku Foundation.
Taking ownership of indigenous languages and learning
Higher education in an African context is the focus of two Research Chairs that explore fundamental issues about the delivery of higher learning.
Rhodes University Multilingual Short Story Competition
The Rhodes University Language Committee is engaged in a project to raise awareness on campus about multilingualism in Higher Education in South Africa.
French Ambassador visits Rhodes
French Ambassador Her Excellency Ms Elisabeth Barbier visited Rhodes University recently and met with a range of dignitaries, staff and students at Rhodes and the Diocesan School for Girls (DSG).
A 'legend' and a 'creative genius'
Professor Mbulelo Vizikhungo Mzamane meant many things to many people. Some have described him as a "legend" and a "creative genius", an outgoing person, who enjoyed good company as well as a good dialogue.
Author invited to share ideas at UK university
Eastern Cape author Bandile Magibili has been invited to the University of East London in Britain for three weeks to deliver a series of lectures based on his self-published book, 2 B Black.
Rhodes students excel in French
An awards ceremony was held recently to celebrate the success of Rhodes University students who passed the DELF A1 test.
Human displacement an enduring theme in our literature
Human settlement, more often than not, emanates from human displacement.
Mother-tongue classrooms give a better boost to English study later
What language should South African children be taught in?
Motshekga defends use of African languages
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga yesterday defended the government’s plan to start phasing in the learning of an African language at all South African schools, saying scientific research showed that children who study in their first languages for the first years of schooling perform better.
A response to Jonathan Jansen’s Percy Baneshik Memorial Lecture to The English Academy of South Africa
Professor Jonathan Jansen is rector of the University of the Free State. On 18 September 2013 he delivered the English Academy of South Africa’s Percy Baneshik Memorial Lecture.
Wrest power from English tyranny
If our children are to stand tall, they must master the language used to exclude them.
Children are lost without translation
Too few stories have been translated into African languages: let’s do something about it.
Xhosa legends’ literary works brought to life
Xhosa literature fanatics can look forward to further compilations of the written works of legendary authors like Samuel Edward Krune Mqhayi.
Photo unlocks little-known story
An ancient photograph of long-dead relatives who fled Europe for South Africa in the 1850s, has inspired a Rhodes University language professor to write about life in the Eastern Cape and other parts of the country over the past 150 years.
Faculty of Education gets new Dean
Prof Xoliswa Mtose has been appointed UNIZULU's Faculty of Education Dean.
Author Soga heading for Rhodes
By day Soga Mlandu oversees municipal administration but by night he writes short stories.
Youth shape the way we communicate
As in tsotsitaal, they play with language — and in so doing help create a common culture.
Language expert to launch a book during Festival
Prof Russell Kaschula, the National Research Foundation SARCHhi Chair of Intellectualism of African Languages will launch short story anthology as part of the Wordfest Programme on Sunday, 30 June 2012, in Eden Grove Red lecture theatre. The book is entitled Displaced, explores past and present complexities in South Africa.
Anthology of young writers' work
Paperight has released the Paperight Young Writers' Anthology 2013, a new multilingual anthology of original short stories, essays, poetry and illustrations by South African high school pupils.
New Shuttleworth-funded anthology discovers next generation of SA writers
Paperight is proud to announce the release of the Paperight Young Writers’ Anthology 2013, a new multilingual literary anthology of original short stories, essays, poetry and illustrations by South African high school students.
African languages to be compulsory for all pupils
Cape Town - An African language - including Afrikaans - will be compulsory for all pupils until matric, according to a new policy which could be implemented at all schools from as early as next year.
Evolving through language
The University of KwaZuluNatal's announcement that it would make it compulsory to learn Zulu there from next year, has been hailed by many as a return of African languages to the educational centre, in a true post-colonial sense of the word.
Learning and language
Using a mother tongue makes progress at school or university easier for students the University of KwaZulu-Natal's announcement that it will make it compulsory to learn Zulu at that university from next year has been hailed by many as a return of African languages to the educational centre, in a true postcolonial sense of the word.
The practicalities of implementing the policy will be difficult but the benefits are enormous.
It was shocking to hear someone on Xolani Gwala's SAfm early morning news programme this month referring to the use of African languages in the schooling system as "dragging us back to the days of apartheid".
University demands that students and staff learn Zulu
The University of KwaZulu-Natal's decision that all new students register for a compulsory Zulu course from next year has thrown the proverbial cat among the pigeons. While details of the initiative – a first for South African higher education – are unclear, the university believes that students must demonstrate bilingualism to earn their degrees.
Languages liberate and unify
The University of KwaZuluNatal's announcement last week that it would make the learning of Zulu compulsory from next year, has been hailed by many as a return of African languages to the educational centre, in a true post-colonial sense of the word.
African languages key
We recently read about the Eastern Cape’s forgotten schools where teaching and learning is simply not happening.
Nzayo uses language to reach multicultural audience
A MULTILINGUAL Grahamstown language activist who uses a hilarious mix of Xhosa and English to tickle the funny bone has been nominated for a top South African Comics Choice Award.
Crossing the language barrier
It’s been a long time coming, but learning an African language will soon be compulsory in schools. Brent Meersman tries to keep ahead of the kids
‘Enough’ teachers for African languages
There are enough African language teachers to introduce the teaching of an African language in all schools in grades R and 1 from next year, says the Department of Basic Education.
Master one language before tackling another
I applaud the University of KwaZulu-Natal for introducing isiZulu as a course for first-year students. But I wonder why this otherwise progressive move was made compulsory.
Multilingualism is a resource
Apartheid used our languages to divide and rule. Today we want to use them to increase social cohesion and economic participation.
Quest for a new engaged intellectualism
It struck me the other day that black South Africans use the term ukuzabalaza and the word Umzabalazo almost exclusively in relation to the fight against apartheid and colonialism.
Varsity students must take isiZulu
Kwazulu-natal language move sparks controversy in the halls of higher learning.
Rhodes lauded for African science ‘translatathons’
BREAKING down long-held beliefs that indigenous African languages could not be used to teach science would go a long way towards ridding South Africa of “linguistic apartheid”.
Mobile Xhosa for health practitioners
It's a problem commonly faced by healthcare practitioners in multilingual societies: how to translate medical questions put to them in other languages accurately enough for them to provide correct diagnoses and treatment.
SA's shifting language landscape
“Afrikaans and English no longer ‘white languages’,” read a press release from the SA Institute of Race Relations this week. The analysis of data from the 2011 census indicates that only 40% of South Africans who speak Afrikaans at home are white, while less than 34% of those who speak English at home are white. While isiZulu remains the most commonly-spoken language by quite a wide margin, it is English which is leading the way as the most preferred teaching language.
University has hopes to score in Xhosa
Stellenbosch University is taking steps to promote and embrace Xhosa, along with other African languages, via sports terminology booklets.
Tongue-tied on language policy
How is it that the language in education policy in a country with one of the most progressive constitutions in the world still fails the majority of its learners from their earliest school years?
Words, pictures tell story
"I cannot tell my story without recalling a long way back." - Hermann Hesse.
Education helps build relationships
More than 10,000 South Africans are learning Chinese in universities and secondary and primary schools around the country thanks to efforts by the Chinese government to enhance Chinese language education in South Africa.
The Iliad goes local
Homer’s Iliad, the well-known Greek poem set in the Trojan War, has been translated into English versions and virtually every language in the world for many centuries, but now a South African professor in classic literature has published the first South African English translation of the epic tale.
Language teaching ‘not just a political statement’
Teachers and lecturers from as far afield as China, Ethiopia and Germany congregated at Rhodes University recently to share their experiences of teaching second or additional languages.
Navigate SA’s linguistic minefield with tolerance
Separate conversations on recent flights have underlined for me the important role that language will play in our search for cross-cultural unity and harmony.
African languages need to be developed - Blade Nzimande
Minister says both wealthy and poor black children lose out from a lack of mother tongue education.
Slow development of African languages at South African universities a concern
The South African Department of Higher Education and Training says it remains concerned at the slow development of African languages in the country's universities and has set up a Ministerial Advisory Panel to look into the issue.
Tribute to multilingualism proponent
Dean of Humanities Prof Fred Hendricks presented a deeply personal tribute to the multi-linguist, Prof Neville Alexander at the opening of a colloquium on second language teaching recently.
Tribute to multilingualism proponent
Dean of Humanities Prof Fred Hendricks presented a deeply personal tribute to the multi-linguist, Prof Neville Alexander at the opening of a colloquium on second language teaching recently.
Does the medium affect the message for students?
Most South African students in higher education are not being educated in their first language. English dominates the higher educational context, including learning material and the circulation and distribution of new knowledge.
Learning new languages pays
The expressions "ni hoa", "al salaam a'alaykum" and "namaste" might not mean much to most South Africans, but as the new world economies develop rapidly, the value of being able to greet people in Mandarin, Arabic and Hindi is rising.
Guanxi with Rhodes leads to Chinese book donation
It was a rainy evening in early March when journalism alumni Wang Guoqin noticed the sign to the Confucius Institute while revisiting his alma mater with family and friends. His curiosity led him to Chinese Studies Professor Ma Yue, who still happened to be in his office.
Somadoda Fikeni gives an inaugural Multilingualism Awareness Lecture
Political analyst and social commentator, Professor Somadoda Fikeni, will give a public lecture on the challenges of multilingualism in higher education tomorrow (15 May).
Language has to be on national agenda
Multilingualism in higher education faces challenges SOUTH Africa's democracy was at a crossroads and language, at the heart of real transition and liberation, was not even on the national agenda, political analyst and commentator Professor Somadoda Fikeni warned.
Chinese centre boost for Rhodes
RHODES University’s decision to offer Chinese studies four years ago is helping to turn what many perceived as a colonial establishment into something with more universal appeal.
Vital that whites learn to speak African languages
Bheki Sele. Tabo Ma-beki. Senzo Msunu. Kagalima Mokla-Ante. This is just an example of how African names are remorselessly butchered by people who clearly have no intention of learning a thing about African languages. So, Cele becomes “Sele” – dangerously close to “isela”, a thief in isiXhosa.