The+Shangana+People

The Shangana people are also known as the Shangaan. They are from the Lowveld region. They are a very mixed ethnic group, combining aspects of the Nguni, Tsonga, and Zulu cultures. The Shangaan were started in the 18th century. They began from Tsonga traders coming to southern Africa. These traders would trade beads and cloth for ivory, copper, and salt. In 1819, Soshangane, a great Ndwandwe warrior, was defeated by King Shaka. Soshangane fled to the north and settled in Mozambique. Here his warriors married local women. Most of these women were from the Tsonga. The Shangaan were created from the merging of these two cultures. Soshangane set up a Zulu type military system for the Shangaan. He liked many aspects of the Tsonga traditions. He kept the Tsonga way of buildings homes. These were round huts with thatched roofs. He also kept the love of music, which would use string, wind, and percussion instruments. In the beginning of the 20th century, the Shangaan were forced to move from the land that they called home. The land that they lived in was turned into Kruger National Park. Today, the Shangaan live mainly between Kruger National Park and the Eastern Escarpment. The Shangaan have a diet that includes influences from their many cultures. The Tsonga people brought fishing to the Shangaan, and because of this, fish is part of their diet, which is unusual for South African ethnic groups. The Shangaan also enjoy hunting. They eat venison and crocodile that they have killed. They prepare the crocodile with a ground nut sauce that many say is delicious. The Shangaan have one delicacy that is extremely unusual. The collect and eat the Mopani worm from the Mopani forests in the Lowveld. They dry them out and eat them like jerky. They also pan fry them in butter. Many visitors to the area like to try these worms and enjoy the unusual treat. Even though they began from many different groups, the Shangaan have created their own traditions and culture. They have their own place in South African history. They have contributed much to South Africa to make it the country it is today.