Bakkie derives from the Afrikaans (Dutch) influence in SA for Pick-up truck (something you carry things in). Even Mercedes built Bakkies in South Africa based on the old 180 diesels all those years back (to my knowledge they were unique to SA). They have recently returned to the fold of building Bakkies/Utes.

As you say the concept was most certainly Australian. Twincabs are all the rage here these days.

Your GM Holden based V8 units were sold here & went like stink. Fast & powerful ~ handled well too. Much loved by the surfing community. Some amazing paint jobs.

 

The performance of most US cars were suffering from smog regulations when we were living there in the 1990s. Pick-ups were an exception and could comfortably keep up with my UK spec Daimler V12.
The origin of the ute is interesting. They say that English farmers' wives were the market push behind the original Range Rover. That was a long way from the fashion accessory, 'Chelsea Tractor,' that whole sector has become.