An analysis of personal naming in post-apartheid Bolobedu, Limpopo Province

Abstract

The study focused on the analysis of personal naming in post-apartheid Bolobedu, Limpopo Province, with the aim of providing an understanding of the importance of personal naming in the study area. It unpacked the personal naming practices of the Balobedu tribe, with particular focus on Ga-Kuranta as an area that is part of the Balobedu tribe. This study employed the qualitative research approach, and a descriptive case study design. The population of the study comprised Khelobedu speaking people from GaKuranta under Greater Letaba Municipality and the purposive sampling technique was employed. 26 participants took part in this study. The data of the study were collected through unstructured interviews and analysed thematically. The study was underpinned by the Social Constructivist Theory. The findings of this study revealed that personal naming among Balobedu is not an accidental event, but a process that is guided by family history, societal norms, and events such as death, marriage celebration, starvation and coronation of a queen or induna. The study further highlighted that personal naming among Balobedu is still affected by Christianity and most personal names given to children are Christian names. Moreover, the study recommended that parents should be encouraged to bestow names that are positive to their children.