our Swazi names

Upon arriving at our training-host family’s homestead a few months ago, we were given Swazi names. And now, upon visiting our permanent host family’s homestead in Zombodze, We’ve been given NEW Swazi names.

I (he-J) am Velaphi Nsibandze, and Jamie- girl is Khetsiwe Nsibandze. Our surname is determined by the homestead in which we live, and the Nsibandze clan is the largest, most powerful family in Zombodze. In fact, the Chief is a Nsibandze—which allows us to meet directly with his inner-council on community matters, as needed. So that’s kind of exciting. The name “Velaphi” literally means, “where are you from.” Pretty hilarious, huh? The question I’ll be asked more than any other—and it’s my new name. That’s how they do it here in Swaziland. People’s first names often translate into things like, “the last one” or “another girl.” The names given to us by our current (training site) host family translate as, “We thank you” and “We are Thankful” Siyabonga and Sibongile, respectively. Jamie’s newest first name, “Khetsiwe,” is really cool. It means “Chosen” or “one who is chosen.” Isn’t that nice? Better than “where are you from,” I think.

It occurs to me that most people reading this will not know how to pronounce these names, so here’s a little guidance for the linguistically curious. The a’s are pronounced like “ahh”, the o’s are like in “bone,” and the –ng is like in “sing.” The capitalized letters indicate stressed sounds.

Siyabonga: sEEya-bonga. That’s my current Swazi name—Siyabonga Ngambule.

Sibongile: see-bong-EElay. That’s Jamie-girl’s current name—Sibongile Ngambule.

Velaphi: vel-A-pee. That’s my new name—Velaphi Nsibandze. The –ph is not an “f” sound.

Khetsiwe: ket-SEE-way. That’s Jamie-girl’s new name—Khetsiwe Nsibandze

Strange but true: more people in Swaziland know us as either Velaphi & Khetsiwe or Siyabonga & Sibongile. Ask for Tim and Jamie and—I’m not kidding—you’ll likely get blank stares.