SOUTH African celebrated model, Pearl Thusi has suggested that the world’s seventh wonder, the Victoria falls reverts to its original name, Mosi-oa-Tunya Falls.
Before the arrival of European explorer David Livingstone in 1855, the iconic waterfall, one of the seventh wonders of the world, was known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates to “the thundering smoke” in the Lozi language, and the Tonga speaking people called it the Shungu Namutitima meaning the boiling Water.
Livingstone named the falls after Queen Victoria, but Thusi argues that this perpetuates a colonial legacy and undermines the significance of the indigenous name.
Thusi’s sentiments came after visiting the Zambian side of the falls last year, but recently shared on X formerly Twitter her admiration for the natural wonder and her belief that returning to the original name would help to preserve African cultural heritage.
She believed renaming the falls to its original name also helps to maintain confidence in African beliefs and culture..
“One thing about my God [and] my ancestors, they show up and show out. I had no clue that I’d end up on the edge of the biggest waterfall in the world!. Thank you to the kind and generous people of Zambia for always showing me love. And the Vic Falls ( I prefer calling it by its indigenous name MOSI O TUNYA) staff- you guys are amazing and so talented not to mention patient and generous with your time and efforts.”
“Can Zimbabweans and Zambians please share the original name of the fall? To be honest, I wish that was still the name but apparently, it isn’t being changed for tourism purposes. I don’t enjoy that it glorifies a coloniser, but it’s also none of my business low key,” posted Thusi.
By Buumba Mwitumwa
Kalemba September 17, 2024
