Did you know? The first inhabitants of South Africa were the San and the Khoekhoe. The San and Khoe descended from early stone age people and migrated from their birthplace in East Africa to the Cape. South Africa's Official Languages. Find out more. Languages Setswana Language The Setswana language is one of 11 official languages spoken in South Africa, and one of nine indigenous languages chosen for this title in the post-apartheid constitution. Languages Xhosa Language There are 11 official languages in South Africa, of which Xhosa is one of the most widely spoken.
Languages Zulu Language IsiZulu, more commonly shorted to Zulu, is one of the 11 official languages of this country. South Africanisms just now sometime soon, shortly now now sooner than "just now" lift elevator boot trunk of a car howzit hello a greeting , as in "how is it going" koppie rocky hill play play pretend bakkie pick-up truck flat apartment robot traffic lights bundu bushveld kloof ravine braai bar-b-que Useful Zulu Phrases and Words Yebo Yes Cha No Ngiyabonga I thank you Ngicela Can I please have How are you?
Kuhle Good, fine Ngiya phila. I am fine. And you? I'm looking for Ngilambile I'm hungry Lalela Listen Malini? How much? Kulungile Good, fine Ndiphilile. We make it easy for you to plan your trip online.
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Only young girls may go around bare-breasted. The pipe smoking of Xhosa women is also well known and a huge variety of beaded pipes abound. Women and men also use cosmetic white clay on their faces. The Xhosas have a strong oral tradition with many stories of ancestral heroes. Ancestor worship rituals as well as the initiation ceremony for young men are still practised, even though many young men die or are mutilated by the circumcision.
Stick fighting is a common pastime for men, whose day time job is looking after the cattle. Women tend the crops, and do much of the other work around the home. It was Xhosa leaders who initiated the fight against apartheid and founded the ANC.
Among these were two of our modern day heroes, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. The Ndebele culture is renowned for the skill of the women who decorate their homes in vibrant geometric designs. Skills are passed from mother to daughter and the shapes used are often inspired by their intricately fashioned beadwork. Ndebele woman wear neck rings and traditional blankets of striking colours.
The Sotho groups of the South Sotho, Pedi and Tswana have some major cultural differences from the Nguni group Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele and Swazi , especially with respect to how they organise their villages and their marriages.
The Sotho peoples tend to organise their homes into villages, rather than scattered settlements. In Nguni society, marriages to kin is frowned on while the Sotho will seek brides from kin, notably cousins on the maternal side. The Nguni are grouped in clans, while totems, or praise-names taken from animals, distinguish the Sotho-speakers.
Sotho villages were also organized into age-sets, or groups of men or women who were close in age. Each age-set had specific responsibilities e. An entire age-set generally graduated from one task to the next, and the village often celebrated this change with a series of rituals and, in some cases, an initiation ceremony. In the past initiations into adulthood were elaborate ceremonies lasting a few months, in which girls and boys were taken separately to the bush in the winter.
The boys were circumcised. Increasingly, funerals have become the most elaborate life-cycle rituals. The South Sotho people of Lesotho baSuto are identified with the brightly colored blankets that they often wear instead of coats.
These blankets have designs picturing everything from airplanes to crowns to geometric patterns. The blankets are store-bought—there is no tradition of making them locally. Traditions of folk art include beadwork, sewing, pottery making, house decoration, and weaving. Functional items such as sleeping mats, baskets, and beer strainers continue to be woven by hand from grass materials.
Folk craft traditions have been revived and modified in response to the tourist trade. The Shangaan people are located mainly in the area of the Kruger Park in Mpumalanga. To escape Shaka, Soshangane fled north, through Swaziland, finally settling in Mozambique. His men found wives among the locals — among them Tsongas — and thus the Shangaan people were established. Soshangane imposed the strict Zulu military system and tribal wear on Shangaan traditions, but retained the beautiful Tsonga homesteads that include round huts with patterned thatch roofs.
He also incorporated their love of music that features a variety of ingenious stringed, wind and percussion instruments. The Shangaan people, through Tsonga influence, are one of the few ethnic groups in South Africa to practice fishing and include fish in their diet. Because of the wealth of game in the area they also enjoy venison and crocodile, which they bake in a delicious groundnut peanut sauce.
The most unusual aspect of their diet, however, is their love of the mopani worm found in the mopani forests of the Lowveld. These are either dried or pan fried in butter, which is an experience no adventurous traveller should miss.
An important figure in traditional Shangaan culture, as with all the Nguni peoples of south eastern Africa, is the Sangoma, a healer and spiritual guide.
The Venda culture is built on a vibrant mythical belief system, and water is an import theme, believing lakes and rivers to be sacred, and that rains are controlled by the Python God. One of the most sacred sites of the Venda is Lake Fundudzi where annual rites are held.
This is where the famous Domba Python Dance is held and young maidens, as the final stage of their initiation into womanhood, line up in single file and dance in long winding lines, like a snake. South Africans are a diverse mix of peoples from Africa, Europe, Asia and elsewhere, and the many museums scattered around the country preserve rich histories, heritages and cultural traditions.
Cata Cultural Village is a traditional Xhosa community that allows visitors to learn all about the local people and their heritage while enjoying the attractions of Eastern Cape province. A cultural affinity survey showed that audiences abroad are 3. Viewers of Blood and Water, were especially attracted to the landmarks and monuments depicted in the show. Attractions that were explored by co-stars of the hit show, Dillon Windvogel and Ama Qamata, in this YouTube video where they walk through the stunning city of Cape Town.
The Mother City. Feast your eyes, feed your soul and be inspired by South Africa in full bloom… South Africa is unique. It is one country in the world where one can weave a vibrant tapestry of culture and heritage from the many and varied attractions, experiences and influences that permeate daily living.
Discover amazing landscapes that feature everything from breathtaking peaks to serene wide-open desert lands. This Women's month, South African Tourism together with global on-demand video streaming service, Netflix, creators of the SA pop culture hit show, Jiva. Whether you're a vlog-it-girl or just simply itching to go out and explore, pack a bag with mom, daughter, sister, partner, or friend and enjoy Mzansi.
There's plenty to see and do. Celebrated on the 16th of June each year, Youth Day honours the anniversary of the Soweto youth uprising and recognises the role played by the youth in the liberation of the country. The Valley of a Thousand Hills between Durban and Pietermaritzburg is the gateway to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, rich in history, culture, scenic beauty, outdoor adventures and tourist attractions.
Let's ShareSouthAfrica! A perfect visit for the upcoming festive season. The beauty is overwhelming and it is worthwhile to enjoy the sublime views. South African summers are for fun, happy people and enjoyment. South Africa boasts some of the greatest Golf courses in the world. Good morning from a beautiful and sunny Franschhoek in the Western Cape.
Discover a melting pot of cultures, urban adventures and fusion cuisine in this coastal city. Global English.
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