You know how some people are just… solid? They are the rock of the family. They are the ones you lean on when everything else is falling apart. They don’t panic. They don’t run.
If you know a Thabethe, you know exactly what I am talking about.
The name itself sounds strong, doesn’t it? Tha-be-the. It has a rhythm to it. And the history behind this clan is just as powerful. We are talking about a family that is famous for being stubborn (in a good way), for holding their ground, and for a very funny story about grinding corn.
Today, we are going to look at the Thabethe clan names (Izithakazelo). We are going to find out why they are called “The Mountains” and what it means to be a “Gama.”
So, find a comfortable spot. Let’s talk about the people who don’t move.
The Thabethe Cheat Sheet (The Praises)
If you want to show respect to a Thabethe, you have to speak their language. You can’t just wave at them. You need the titles that make their ancestors proud. Here is the list you need to memorize:
Thabethe!
Gama!
Mthimkhulu!
Magalela!
Dlekedle!
Wena owagaya amabele ngesibunu! (You who ground the sorghum with your buttocks—yes, we will explain this!)
Wena wentaba! (You of the mountain)
Mageza ngobisi abanye begeza ngamanzi! (You who washes with milk while others wash with water)
Okay, we have a lot to unpack here. Washing with milk? Grinding corn with… what? Let’s get into it.
The Mystery of “Gama”
This is the name you will hear most often. Gama.
It is practically a second surname. “Sawubona, Gama.”
The name Gama is a legendary ancestor. But the word itself has interesting roots. In some contexts, it links to the word Igama (Name) or to being known.
But historically, Gama was a leader who solidified the clan’s identity. Using this name is like using a VIP pass. It shows you know the family tree. It shows you respect the roots.
“Mthimkhulu”: The Big Tree
You will also hear Mthimkhulu.
Let’s break it down:
Mthi = Tree
Mkhulu = Big / Great
So, Mthimkhulu means “The Great Tree.”
This is a symbol of shelter and royalty. A big tree provides shade for the whole village. It provides wood. It provides fruit.
Calling a Thabethe “Mthimkhulu” is saying, “You are the protector. You are the provider. You are the one who covers us.” It’s a beautiful image of leadership.
The Funny Story: Grinding with the… Um…
Okay, we have to talk about the elephant in the room. The praise line:
“Wena owagaya amabele ngesibunu.”
Translated: “You who ground the sorghum/corn with your buttocks.”
I know, you are giggling. But there is a reason for this!
It’s a story about resourcefulness and persistence.
The legend says that an ancestor was in a situation where they didn’t have a grinding stone (imbokodo). But they needed to eat. They needed to feed their family. So, they improvised. They used the weight of their own body to crush the grain against a hard surface.
It sounds funny today, but back then, it was a sign of determination. It means, “I will do whatever it takes to survive. If I don’t have the tools, I become the tool.”
It’s a badge of honor for being a survivor.
“Mageza Ngobisi”: The Wealth Flex
Then there is this fancy line:
“Mageza ngobisi abanye begeza ngamanzi.”
Translated: “You who washes with milk while others wash with water.”
This is the ultimate flex.
In the old days, milk was valuable. It was food. If you had enough milk to bath in it, you were incredibly wealthy. You had so many cows that you didn’t know what to do with the milk.
It symbolizes prosperity and royalty. It means the Thabethe clan wasn’t just surviving; they were thriving. They were living the soft life before hashtags existed.
The Mountain Connection
You will also hear: “Wena wentaba.” (You of the mountain).
This refers to the geography of where the ancestors lived—likely in the hilly regions of KZN or Mpumalanga.
But metaphorically, it means they are unmovable. You can’t push a mountain over. You can’t scare a mountain.
It reinforces that “solid rock” personality we talked about earlier.
How to Praise a Thabethe
So, how do you use these names without sounding awkward?
1. The “Rich” Compliment
If a Thabethe friend buys something nice or looks good, say:
“Yebo, Mageza ngobisi! We can see the wealth!”
It’s a fun way to acknowledge their style.
2. The “Hard Worker” Joke
If they are working really hard on a task, you can tease them gently:
“Don’t work too hard, Gama! Remember the sorghum story!”
(Only do this if you are close friends!)
3. The Respectful Hello
Just keep it simple for elders:
“Sawubona, Mthimkhulu. Sawubona, Gama.”
It works every time.
The Final Word
The Thabethe name is a mix of luxury and grit.
They are the people who wash in milk (luxury).
But they are also the people who will grind corn with their own bodies if they have to (grit).
That is a powerful combination. It means they know how to enjoy life, but they also know how to survive the hard times.
So, to all the Thabethes out there: Stay solid. Stay unmovable. You are the mountains.
Gama! Mthimkhulu!