Joanita Male
In many African cultures, a name is rarely just a name.
It can be a sentence, a prayer, a memory, or a family’s way of making sense of the world. Growing up, I mostly cared about whether my names sounded nice. Later, I became curious about what they actually meant. Like many Africans, I carry several names, and I remember having to explain every variation when I once applied for a work permit.
But there was one name that always fascinated me.
It was given to me by my aunt, and for years its origin remained a mystery. Then, during a recent family conversation, I finally learned its meaning.
The name is Nzibona. Loosely translated, it means, “I see them.”
I love how much can be hidden inside those three words. Perhaps it means seeing those who helped us when nobody was watching. Perhaps it means recognising blessings that are easy to overlook. Perhaps it means seeing situations clearly, even when they’re uncomfortable.
Whatever the original intention was, I’ve found myself drawn to the idea of living a life where I truly see people, their kindness, their struggles, their contributions, and the opportunities hidden in plain sight. The funny thing is that my sister has called me by that name for years, long before I understood its meaning. Maybe that’s the beauty of names. Sometimes we spend years growing into them before we finally understand them.
Do you know the meaning of your name? And has it shaped the way you see yourself?
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