What is a clan name in South Africa?
A clan name links a person to family ancestry, a wider lineage or a historical community. Depending on the culture, it may be spoken as an isithakazelo, isiduko, sereto, seboko, dithoko or another form of praise tradition.
More than a surname
A surname is commonly used in everyday records, while a clan name can express deeper relationships, remembered ancestors and community belonging. The same surname may occur in more than one cultural setting, and different branches may use distinct praise forms.
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