Xhantela was started with a clear purpose, and we chose our name to reflect our commitment to develop entrepreneurship in South Africa. In this article, we delve into the essence of our identity. Exploring the meaning of the name, we highlight three compelling metaphors. All of this while offering a glimpse into the captivating world of the isiZulu language.
When introducing the company in different walks of life, people often ask: “What does Xhantela mean?”. I often reply: “As with any name, it was purposefully chosen”.
It definitely wasn’t because the Western world could easily pronounce it. The Comedian Russel Peters describes a South African experience where he meets a person with a click of the tongue in his name (similar to Xhantela) – it makes for good entertainment. Our name can lead to unusual pronunciations, but it was also chosen to stand out.
Usage of Xhantela
Xhantela is the root of a word in isiZulu, which most modern Zulu speakers no longer use. My isiZulu-speaking friends from rural KwaZulu-Natal consider it an old word only used by the purists. This highlights the first metaphor: our organisation exists for those serious about business. Good business principles are timeless; building a lasting business never goes out of style.
In the Bible, a passage in Job 8:16 says: “He thrives and prospers [like a green plant] before the sun, and his branches spread out over his garden.” The isiZulu translation is: “Yena uluhlaza phambi kwelanga; imiXhantela yakhe iyaxhantela ensimini yakhe.”
Some definitions and examples
I’m glad to see the tree I transplanted is forming new shoots
Ngiyajabula ukubona isihlahla engasitshala siqala imixhantela emisha.
To unlock the deeper meaning, we need to look at the language structure of nouns in isiZulu. They comprise of two parts: a prefix and a root. Nouns are put into classes (categories) based on their prefixes, indicating whether the noun is singular or plural.
In the passage in Job, the word is used twice. The prefix “imi-“ of the first instance indicates “Xhantela” is used as a noun in its plural form. It is part of the category used for “nature” and “objects”. The word refers to the shoots of the plant, highlighting the second metaphor: our organisation exists to ensure that the green shoots (being small businesses) are developed to grow our economy in ways no one else believes are possible. The word “Xhantela” is also used in the passage as a verb: “iyaxhantela”. WordHippo translates this as “intrude”: to enter without permission.
The full literal translation of the passage in Job, therefore, reads: “You, the green one, moving forward because of the sun; his shoots intrude in his field.”
Linking to our mission
Usage of the word in the book of Job is central to our third metaphor: Xhantela is entering the market where the mashonistas are running rampant. We are doing so without their permission. Like the green shoots in his field, Xhantela intrudes in this market. We are rooting out those who are taking advantage of the poor and overwhelming the market with good.
Starting a business is daunting, and starting a movement for good also faces many challenges. We believe that each person has the power to start a business, with a bit of guidance – as all young shoots need. This guidance doesn’t have to be complicated. Often, a few timeless principles make a world of difference.
Every young business can benefit the community within which it lives. Often young businesses need to intrude in places where new thinking is required. Together with our brave entrepreneurs, we aim to bring a world of growth to our economy – helping entrepreneurs build their lives along the way.