South African tribal group: Xhosa

The Xhosa ethnic group of South Africa are just one of several large such grouping in the country. The name is pronounced: “Kho-sa” They are part of the greater Nguni tribal group, who first settled in Zululand (Now Kwa-Zulu Natal). Due to continued war and fighting between them and the larger Zulu group, they eventually moved south towards the area that is now known as the EasterCape province.

This area was mainly occupied by hunter gatherer people, the San, but they were in many cases integrated into Xhosa society. The distinctive clicks from the old San language are still heard in the Xhosa language to this day.

The Xhosa group suffered a momentous tragedy which to this day still shines through in them. A young Xhosa woman, Nongqawuse reportedly had a vision that if the Xhosa people killed all their cattle, the ancestors would help them to defeat all their enemies once and for all. These included the white settlers and their arch enemies, the Zulus. The people did this, but the vision never came true. Within a few months the people were starving and this led to the eventual demise of their nation and its independence.

Several well-kown black leaders are from the Xhosa group. These include: Nelson Mandela and Steve Bhiko.

The home life of the traditional Xhosa revolves around the family dwellings or homesteads. This consists of huts build from reeds and clay. The floors are traditionally made from cow’s dung. Several families may life together and a larger grouping of huts, also known as a “kraal”.

The Xhosa’s have a patriarchal society. The husband is the leader of the household and all family members are under his supervision and protection. A woman stays under the protection of her father until she gets married, but after that, she becomes part of her husband’s family. The position of the household head is hereditary and the oldest son will normally be the next in line.

Cattle are the pride and joy of Xhosa men and it symbolizes the wealth of any man. In order to obtain a bride, a man has to pay “Lobola”, which is in effect a price paid in cattle. In modern times, this could also be paid in currency, if agreed to between both families.

The traditional food of this group includes meat, maize and beans. Vegetables may also be included in meals and often forms part of a slow cooked stew. “Umgqusho” is a mixture of samp (crushed maize) and beans, cooked slowly until soft.

Tradition dictates certain dress rules for ceremonies and status in society. Girls would traditionally go bare breasted until they are married. After marriage, she would cover her breasts as a token of respect for her husband and his family.

All young men must be initiated in order to become men. During initiation, they are taught about manhood by elders and they are circumcised. The young boys are separated from their family at this time and they are covered with white clay as this is believed to ward of evil spirits. After the initiation, they wash the clay of as a sign that they are leaving childhood behind. Sadly many boys have lately died in modern day “initiation schools” run by unscrupulous characters, which are only in it to make money. The South African government is actively trying to remedy the situation. A man is allowed to get married four years after being initiated, but in modern time this is not adhered to.

Some words that you might use if ever meeting a Xhosa:

Xhosa = English
ubuntu = respect
unjani = how are you'
fine = ndi philile
enkhosi = thank you
nceda = please
ewe = yes
hayi = no
hamba kakuhle = go well
sala Kakuhle = stay well