The dynamism of South Africa’s diversity of cultures: A Rainbow nation
by Stella Sigcau
19 February 2020
South Africa, which is often referred to as the cradle of humankind, is home to diverse cultures which are dynamic for example but not limited to, Sotho, Tswana, Pedi, Afrikaner, English, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Thembu, Bhaca, Mpondo, Hlubi, Balibedu, Tsonga, Venda, Swati, Indian, Khoi, San.
(Image credit Pixabay)
These cultures have unique history, heritage, languages, dress codes, cultural practices and even religious beliefs. The late former President Mandela referred to this diversity as the rainbow nation. Some of these cultures trace their origins from the Abambo and the Nguni groups; others are of Indian, Dutch, Malay origins, others are of the Khoi and the San origins, some descend from the mixing of these cultures and the list goes on.
Prior to the advent of the arrival of the colonial powers in South Africa it is reported that the San and the Khoi often referred to as abaThwa or Bushmen who were semi nomadic hunter gatherers were already in settlement and the Bantu clans and tribes migrated to the Southern part of Africa splitting and establishing various Kingdoms. Some tribes along the way would be conquered and absorbed by the dominant ones to form Kingdoms and some tribes or clans would seek refuge in other Kingdoms and thus become part of those Kingdoms recognising the King of that Kingdom as the supreme ruler. Some of these tribes were of Nguni and Abambo origins which it is reported originated from Ntu or Bantus. There is a view that Ntu was either the first created individual hence umntu (nguni name for person) or the first leader of the Bantu tribe in Africa.
Some writers like AT Bryant are of the view that from Nguni, three tribal groupings emerged notably the abaMbo, amaLala and Abenguni hence the terms Abenguni (Lala group), Abenguni (Mbo group) and Abenguni (Nguni). Others are of the belief that from Ntu the Bantu group was formed and from the Bantu group emerged the Nguni, Abambo and Amalala groups. According to the New World Encyclopedia, the Bantu-speaking people are traced from West Africa where they originated around 4,000 years ago and are primarily found in Rwanda, Angola, Burundi, Zimbabwe and South Africa. According to another source the Bantu descendants are found in Central Africa, Eastern Africa and Southern Africa. It is reported that the Bantu identities are found in languages such as Bemba, Lingala, Isizulu, Isimbo, Bemba, Ndebele, Shona, Swazi, Xhosa, Mpondo, Venda, Khoikhoi, Luhya, Makonde, Hutu, Tutsi and so on. The Indians are reported to have arrived in South Africa around 1860.
There is therefore a diversity within above mentioned cultural groups of South Africa with distinct languages, heritage and history. For example the Abambo group it is reported include the Mpondomise, Mpondo, Hlubi, Ndebele Kingdoms; the Nguni group include the Xhosa and Zulu Kingdoms, amongst those of Indian origins there are Tamil, Muslim, Hindu, amongst the Abathwa group there are Khoi, San, amongst white South Africans there are of English, Dutch, German, Portuguese origins, there are Lemba African Jews and white Jews. The list goes on. All these reflect on the diversity and dynamism of cultures of South Africa. Culture is therefore important to various tribes in South Africa.
The culture of a people is described as what marks them out distinctively from other human societies in the family of humanity and cultural differences distinguish societies from one another. It is referred to as an integral part of every society that creates a feeling of belonging and togetherness among the people of that society. In some sources culture is described as encompassing various aspects of communication, attitude, etiquette, beliefs, values, customs, norms, food, art, jewellery, clothing styles and that every society has a different culture, which gives it an identity and uniqueness. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) culture is the set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features of society or a social group, and encompasses, lifestyles, ways of living together, value systems, traditions and beliefs. The word culture is said to have been derived from a French term, culture which in turn derives from the Latin "colere," which means to tend to the earth and grow, or cultivation and nurture.
The elements of culture are referred to as the following:
Language- form by which people communicate or express themselves which serves as a means of cultural identity.
Social Structure- A pattern of relationships between and among individuals and groups.
Customs and Traditions- customs and rituals are an integral part of evolutionary process and social behavior.
Arts- encompasses a wide range of forms, including literature, crafts, architecture, music, dance, dramatics, etc.
South Africa’s rainbow nation is thus made of these dynamic cultures who also celebrate their roots, who they are, their heritage through a variety of events that take place throughout the year. These annual cultural celebrations include the Zulu Reed Dance which is celebrated in the Zulu Kingdom in September; the KwaNdebele Heritage Festival which is celebrated in the Ndebele Kingdom in February; Amahlubi celebrate Umgubho wamaHlubi in October, AmaMpondo celebrate the Mpondo Culture and Heritage Festival and the Mpondo Reed Dance in September. The Baralong Cultural event is celebrated by Abatswana of Barolong origins, Amavhenda celebrate the Domba, the Hindu celebrate the Dewali. In Cape Town the Cape Minstrel Carnival portrays the history and culture of Cape Town. It is said that after emancipation, freed slaves of the Cape and their descendants formed dance bands who would compete amongst each other, a colourful event. South African government also celebrates this diversity during the heritage month, September. 24 September is the Heritage day in South Africa.
All these activities are celebrated to share the diverse cultural heritage of South Africa and to preserve and promote that heritage. This also contributes to cultural tourism, cultural heritage, rural development and broader economic development of South Africa. At a time where differences can lead to conflict these events also contribute to promotion of unity in a diversity of cultures, cultural diplomacy, breaking down cultural stereotypes and tolerance. In the era of globalisation these can have economic spin-offs through for example, trade of cultural artefacts, tourists travelling from various parts of the globe to experience these cultural activities, this boosting also the hospitality and transport industry. There is therefore a need for initiatives such as these throughout the world to be supported in order to preserve this dynamism of cultures to also become sources for economic development and job creation. Investment and support of these initiatives is imperative for the greater good of South Africa and the world at large.