The Archive with Mr Ogodiseng Kaka Mokakale
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Mr Ogodiseng Kaka Mokakale is our guest today on The Archive. He holds a Master’s in Indigenous Knowledge Systems and is a Lecturer at the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus. He is also the author of Tswina Ya Setswana, a South African Literary Awards-recognised work, and a PhD candidate set to graduate in July 2026.
In today’s episode, we explore the history and significance of clan names in Southern Africa. Before surnames, before provinces, and even before colonial borders, communities identified themselves through clan names systems that carried history, lineage, migration stories, values, and a deep sense of belonging.
From Bakgatla to Barolong, Bangwaketse to Batlhako, these names are more than identifiers. They are living archives of identity, preserving the memory of who we are and where we come from across generations.
We unpack how clan names shaped social structure and cultural continuity in Southern Africa, and what they continue to reveal about identity, community, and heritage in the present day.
In today’s episode, we explore the history and significance of clan names in Southern Africa. Before surnames, before provinces, and even before colonial borders, communities identified themselves through clan names systems that carried history, lineage, migration stories, values, and a deep sense of belonging.
From Bakgatla to Barolong, Bangwaketse to Batlhako, these names are more than identifiers. They are living archives of identity, preserving the memory of who we are and where we come from across generations.
We unpack how clan names shaped social structure and cultural continuity in Southern Africa, and what they continue to reveal about identity, community, and heritage in the present day.
