Why Do We Use Izithakazelo

The following essay will be focusing on how we can use izithakazelo as sources in historical research. When I researched about izithakazelo, concepts such as ‘praise names’, ‘clan praises’, and ‘family praises’ came up. The word ‘coward’ can absolutely not go together with the word izithakazelo, as izithakazelo has such high appraisal. Izithakazelo is connected to the Zulu culture, and when they are praised, they start with the surname and then clan name whereas amaXhosa start with the clan name then the surname (iziduko). This essay will be mostly based on the Zulu culture and izithakazelo.
Izithakazelo is a very old practice, it is said that it is as old as people can remember. Elder members of a clan are considered to be wise and people
Izithakazelo is considered to be more important than ones surname. People with the same iziduko or izithakazelo are considered related and therefore cannot get married. Izithakazelo can show us the lineage of a clan.
There are many uses for izithakazelo. It can be used for different types of ceremonies, salutations and friendly conversations. These days izithakazelo is used in communication with the ancestors, in Zulu amadlozi. In the introduction I have mentioned the importance of knowing your izithakazelo, this is the reason why: Every single clan member needs to know their izithakazelo in order to communicate with the ancestors (amadlozi). One cannot ask someone else to communicate with the ancestors for you, you have to do it yourself and that is why your izithakazelo is important. Izithakazelo cannot be forgotten, if this happens, the clan will die out. I cannot imagine that such a thing would happen as izithakazelo carries so much value and respect.

Historical events is also recorded using izithakazelo. The clan believes that when a member dies, they do not really die, they sleep. While sleeping they are communicating with the
Izithakazelo is an oral tradition that is used for hundreds of years, maybe thousands. These days oral sources of history does not seem that important because it is intangible and may be false. This is what we believe, and it is wrong to overlook it. I believe that the only disadvantage of transmitting things orally over such a long period such as izithakazelo, is that small things may be left out over time. In the end it can be something entirely different to what it was. I do not believe that this happened to the practice of izithakazelo as it is considered such an important one.

In conclusion, I have spoken to a couple of Xhosa and Zulu students and they believe that iziduko and/or izithakazelo will never be cut out from their culture. It is a tradition that is sent down generation to generation. It is part of who they are. It is the highest form of respect toward the particular individual or clan. I can only imagine the honour it would be to be a part of