From Madlanga to 'Clock it': South Africa's words of the year revealed

From Madlanga to 'Clock it': South Africa's words of the year revealed Nokuthula Khanyile Fri, 10/16/2026 - 07:00

JOHANNESBURG - Madlanga Commission has been named South Africa’s Word of the Year for 2026, while “Clock it” has won in the social media category. The expression “Oh, I see” was named Sign Language Word of the Year.

The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), in partnership with media research company Focal Points, announced the winners after unveiling the shortlist earlier this week.

The six shortlisted entries in the main category were the Madlanga Commission, illegal immigration, Gender-Based Violence, March and March, xenophobia and femicide.

The social media category featured “Clock it”, “Nikhona”, “Gone Kanje”, “Diabolical”, “Abahambe”, “Aura farming” and “Ashwagandha”.

According to PanSALB, the South African Word of the Year is a word, term, expression or sign that best reflects the year through language.

“To qualify for consideration, the word(s) must capture the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of 2026. There must be evidence that the usage of the word or expression has significantly increased across a broad range of media in the past 12 months,” the organisation said.

PanSALB said this year’s shortlist reflected issues dominating public discourse, including the Madlanga Commission, which has brought allegations of deep-seated corruption within law enforcement into the spotlight.

Other prominent issues included illegal immigration, the March and March movement, gender-based violence and femicide.

Several shortlisted expressions have also moved beyond social media and entertainment into everyday vocabulary, particularly among younger South Africans.

“Gone Kanje”, popularised by Amapiano singer Scott Maphuma, is one example of a phrase that has gained traction beyond music and entered the lexicon of younger audiences.

Another notable entry is “Nikhona +27?”, an expression commonly found in social media comment sections, particularly on TikTok. The isiZulu and isiXhosa word “Nikhona” is used to ask whether someone is present or around.