Isithwalandwe, noun

Forms:
Also Isitwalandwe.
Origin:
IsiXhosa.
A high honour awarded originally among Xhosa people for bravery in battle, and in recent times by the African National Congress for service to the people.
1955 Bantu World 2 July 1Three people were decorated with the Isithwalandwe at the Congress of the People last Sunday...‘the highest honour that Africans can bestow for meritorious services to the community. In the olden times,..this honour was given to African heroes who distinguished themselves on the field of battle. It is a feather which they wore on their heads. It was only given on rare occasions.’
1962 A.J. Luthuli Let my People Go 158The people bestowed a great honour on Dr. Dadoo, the Indian leader, on Father Huddleston, and on me. The Xhosa title Isitwalandwe was conferred on each of us.
1964 M. Benson Afr. Patriots 214The Isitwalandwe — the feather worn by the heroes of the people symbolizing the highest distinction in African society.
1989 SR Scene (Rhodes Univ., Nusas SRC) Oct. 1She (sc. Helen Joseph) has also been awarded the Isithwalandwe — the highest honour accorded by the ANC.
A high honour awarded originally among Xhosa people for bravery in battle, and in recent times by the African National Congress for service to the people.
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