South African Cultures

ARTS The following are the main types of art in the Xhosa culture: Beading: Beadwork in the Xhosa culture includes jewellery, bags, belts, traditional clothing, and other items such as smoking pipes. Xhosa beadwork is not seen only as an …

BEING AFRICAN- AFRICAN CULTURE EXPLAINED XHOSA MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS When you visit one of the provinces of South Africa, the Eastern Cape, you will notice that music is an integral part of the Xhosa culture. The music highlights their values, history, …

BEING AFRICAN- AFRICAN CULTURE EXPLAINED TRIBES AND CLANS The Xhosas are one of the four Nguni tribes of South Africa, along with the Ndebeles, Zulus, and Swazis. They are traditionally found in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. What …

  ARTS Zulu people are very creative, and this is seen in their art and craftwork – primarily beadwork, weaving, and pottery.    Women and children weave every day-use mats, beer sieves and baskets for domestic purposes.  They also make …

BEING AFRICAN-ZULU CULTURAL MARRIAGE #AfricanCultureExpained INTRODUCTION The Zulu nation is one of the Nguni-speaking cultures and the largest ethnic group in South Africa, KwaZulu Natal. They generally have a strong cultural belief in their ancestors and customs.  Every parent’s dream …

There are 10 steps of the Xhosa Marriage process  Step 1:  Ukuthunyelwa Kwencwadi  Step 2:  Ukuvuma (Acceptance) Step 3: Ilobola  Step 4: Marriage Ceremony Step 5:  Umdudo/ Umtshato Step 6: Ukwambesa  Step 7:  Ukusiwa Komtshakazi Emzini Step 8:  Ukutyiswa Amasi …

Key Roles Explained ABAKHWENYANA-The groom’s family Oonozakuzaku (The lobola ambassadors)              In the Xhosa culture – the lobola negotiations is mainly the men’ s role. Among the group of men that partake in these discussions are; the groom’s father, the …

BEING AFRICAN- AFRICAN CULTURE EXPLAINED Pregnancy: Xhosa Culture (isiXhosa) Like in any other African culture, pregnancy plays a significant role in the life of Xhosa women.  In the Xhosa culture, pregnancy is regarded as an important event in a women’s …

MANNERS AND PROTOCOLS – IN XHOSA CULTURE (ISIXHOSA) GREETINGS Greetings are an essential aspect of any African culture. In the Xhosa culture, people are expected to greet one another at all times. It makes no difference if the other person …

NEIGHBOURLY PRACTICES Xhosa people are warm-hearted, kind, welcoming, and friendly people that are always happy to share what they have with other people.  There is a vast difference in the rural and urban lifestyles of Xhosa people. In most parts …

CLANS AND TOTEMS Zulu Culture (IsiZulu) INTRODUCTION The name Zulu means “the sky.” They are the single most prominent clan that comprises more than nine million people in South Africa. They are a part of the Nguni ethnic group founded …

Funerals: Xhosa Culture (IsiXhosa) Funerals – Introduction The death of a loved one is always a significant transition in one’s life. When someone is dead, no one rejoices. According to African culture, a person’s life after death continues in another …

Neighborly Practices: Zulu Culture (IsiZulu) Zulu people promote good neighborly practices and value proverbs and phrases to communicate essential teachings. The following activities and proverbs are used in the Zulu culture to promote neighborly practices. ACTIVITIES  Igeja Igeja means “hoe,” …