African Culture Tours | Xhosa Cultural Experience | Wild Coast

XHOSA CULTURE

The word "Xhosa" comes from the name of an ancestral king who, according to tradition, was the first man on earth. The Eastern Cape Province is the home of this, the second-largest tribal group in SA, with almost 5,5 million of the estimated 8 million Xhosa people living in the province. They represent almost 20% of the country's total population.

They were once part of the Nguni migration, having slowly moved down from the Great Lakes, far to the north, and having been well established in the area by the time European settlers appeared on the scene in the mid-seventeenth century.

The amaXhosa are divided into many sub-groups with distinct differences in heritage and customs, the main sub-groups being the Bhaca, Bomvana, Mfengu, Mpondo, Mpondomise, Xesibe and Thembu. It's perhaps less common for people to refer to themselves as Xhosa, rather describing themselves as a Thembu, a Bomvana or Mpondo, etc. Port St Johns is in the heart of Pondoland, home of the Mpondo people.

They all share a common language, isiXhosa.

The Transkei retains a strongly traditional power-structure, and the King is of immense importance to the people. Tribal justice is administered by Headmen and Chiefs, and ultimately by the King himself. Due to its political and geographical isolation in the past, this is THE area in South Africa to experience African culture at its most traditional.

Religion is an important aspect of the culture. Mission stations were established from the 1820's, and there was large-scale conversion to Christianity in the Twentieth Century. Today, many (if not most) Xhosa are Christians - with a distinctly African slant. Traditional beliefs remain at the core of the culture. These include their own taboos and practices, such as animal sacrifices to the ancestors, and these beliefs have become intertwined with western Christianity. The ancestors are a very important part of daily life, and they act as intermediaries with the supreme being, who is called uThixo or uQamata. Witchdoctors occupy a powerful position within the community, and serve as traditional medical practioners, interpreters of dreams and soothsayers - the intermediaries with the spiritual world. Amongst the methods they use are the throwing of bones to forecast the future, and the use of potent herbal remedies.

Cattle are very important in this pastoral culture and remain, to many, the only true measure of wealth. For instance, no traditional marriage can take place unless a dowry (lobola), which consists primarily of cattle, is paid to the bride's father.

Men and women have distinct roles within the community. Both go through coming-of-age rites.

MORE INFO ON XHOSA CULTURE...

FREE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES IN THE RURAL HEART OF SOUTH AFRICA!

Port St Johns offers probably the best, and definitely the cheapest and most convenient culural trip in South Africa!

Take a 5km walk along the cliffs towards Second Beach. No guide is necessary (but can be arranged if you wish, at a small cost). Stroll through the clifftop lali (village), chat with the friendly villagers, perhaps play football with some of the local kids, stop in at the Millenium Bar and maybe see dolphins & whales while you sip on a drink. End up at Delicious Monster restaurant at Second Beach - we'll come & pick you up for free.

XHOSA CULTURAL TOURS

PORT ST JOHNS, EASTERN CAPE

FREE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES IN THE RURAL HEART OF SOUTH AFRICA!