Zulu+People

The Zulu People Black South Africans are divided into four major ethnic groups: Ngumi, Sotho, Shangaan-Tsonga, and Venda. The Nguni represent two-thirds of the blacks and can be divided into four subgroups: the Northern and Central Nguni (the Zulu-speaking peoples); the Southern Nguni (the Xhosa-speaking peoples); the Swazi (people from Swaziland and adjacent areas); and the Ndebele (people of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga). IsiZulu is the most commonly spoken official language in South Africa. The word Zulu means “sky.” It was the name of the ancestral founder of the Zulu royal line. Today there is an estimated 45 million South Africans and 22% of them are Zulu.

The Zulu people have a unique religion and interesting culture. They practiced a religion based on ancestor worship, a creator god, witches, and sorcerers many years ago; but now a days, many have converted to what is known as Modern Zulu Christianity, which is a mixture of ancient Zulu beliefs and Christian beliefs. The Zulu people are very fond of singing and dancing as well. They are always accompanied by drums and the men dress as warriors. They perform at births, weddings, and funerals. Zulu folklore was passed down orally in the form of stories, poems, and proverbs. The tales sought to explain Zulu history or to teach a moral lesson. The craft-making, weaving, pottery, and beadwork are a trademark of the Zulu people.

The Zulu families are defined by who you live with whether it be by blood, marriage, or adoption. Zulus practice Polygyny, which is when a man is married to more than one woman, and the woman who bares his heir is his “great wife”. Children are encouraged to eat off the same plate as this is a sign of friendship. The same goes with drinking cups. This derives from a belief that you should “share what you have” and be generous.

Clan chiefs are traditionally chosen through genealogy. The chief acts as a leader in war and a judge during peace. Close kin of the chief are typically selected as headmen, which help govern sections of the clan. This was installed nationwide when Shaka formed Zulu nation and untied the Zulu people. Shaka can be seen as bad for killing Zulus as he conquer the land, or as a hero that united the many separate clans. Since Shaka’s death in 1828 and with many of the conversions to Christianity, there is less power held by the chiefs and the military. However, the traditions, history, and culture of the Zulu are still known and practiced with pride.