Behind the Name

Every name carries a story

UPHAWU represents more than a name. It reflects our identity, values, and the stories we seek to uncover and share.

The Meaning

UPHAWU means a “mark/sign/symbol”. The word comes from Southern African Bantu languages,
namely Xhosa, Zulu, and Ndebele. 

A MARK

Physical or symbolic, visible or unseen.

A Story

Each marks tells a story.

A connection

Connecting individuals to their heritage
and shared community.

Why Uphawu

A mark is the beginning of a story.

It can signal belonging, trace history and unlock identity. Through UPHAWU, we honour the marks: not only on the body, but in place, objects, archives and memories that carry our stories.

“Every mark tells a story, and every story deserves to be heard.”