Cadbury is back with its #RealMzansiNames campaign, reminding us that the power in your name is more than just how it sounds; it’s the story of who you are. And in true Cadbury spirit, where small gestures of generosity make a big difference, this year’s campaign encourages South Africans to practice a simple but powerful act of generosity: saying someone’s name correctly.
Leading the charge once again is rugby player Retshegofaditswe “Ox” Nché. Last year, Retshegofaditswe opened up about how tricky it can be for people to pronounce his full name, which in Setswana means “we are blessed”. While most still stick to “Ox” because it feels easier, this year he’s flipping the script. He’s taking the message straight into the commentary box to show that saying names right isn’t just respectful, it’s generous.
In the new video, Ox chats with his mom, Keitumetse Nché, a Maths and Social Sciences teacher, in a fun and heartfelt conversation. “Names have meaning. You are not just Ox. Re-tshe-go-fa-dit-swe!” she reminds him, showing why getting it right matters – whether it’s everyday life or during the excitement of live commentary. Ox jokes about commentators who’ve gotten it hilariously wrong, but he’s clear: “When you say my name correctly, you’re telling my story.”
This year, Cadbury is taking it even further with the Real Mzansi Names TikTok filter, led by sports commentators Motshidisi Mohono and Layla Arrinson. Fans can use the filter to learn the correct pronunciation of male and female Springbok players’ names – making sure everyone gets it right, while celebrating the stories behind the names we all know, support and love.
Together, Ox and his mom challenge Mzansi: if you can say Cappuccino, you can say Retshegofaditswe. Because when you get it right, you are not just saying a name, you’re showing respect, generosity, and honouring the story behind every name.
Instagram Link to video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPGSRtyDONK/