The names to choose from
Here is a list of the names you can choose from, together with their language and the motivation for suggesting them.
| Suggested name | Language | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu | English | Definition: “Ubuntu is an ethic or humanist philosophy focusing on people's allegiances and relations with each other. The word has its origin in the Bantu languages of southern Africa. Ubuntu is seen as a classical African concept”
Ubuntu is seen as one of the founding principles of the new South Africa, and is connected to the idea of an African Renaissance. The concept of ubuntu is used to emphasize the need for unity, as well as the need for humanitarian ethic. It defines us in so many ways, and is found in many of Africa's different cultures. “A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed.” – Nelson Mandela What really sums it up is: “A universal truth A way of life Underpins the concept of an open society Respect Helpfulness Sharing Community Caring Trust Unselfishness One word can mean so much This is the spirit of Ubuntu” -Nelson Mandela In many ways this asteroid represents South African individual’s like us, the asteroid depends on the universe, gravity and so many other things and “co-exists” in space, highlighting one of the key factors of ubuntu: “I am because we are.” |
| Jabulani | isiZulu | It is connected to the soccer world cup and is an African name, meaning happiness and celebration. |
| Mzanzi | isiXhosa | Mzanzi means THE SOUTH. I can't imagine a more appropriate name at this time. The movement of the asteroid coincides with an event that will have all the eyes of the world roving over the SOUTHERN part of our beautiful continent AFRICA |
| ILITYE | isiXhosa | The word means lump of rock |
| isiqobo | isiXhosa | We don't have a xhosa thing in science so it would be nice if we could name it. Lot of people would enjoy and xhosa people would be excited. Isiqobo means "hard object". |