Over these last few months, I have experienced adventure and entertainment ranging from incredible wildfire to breath-taking natural wonders, but I knew that I could not leave this culturally rich continent with out experiencing the wonder that comes from the numerous tribes of Africa. Thankfully, this past Saturday Simone and I were able to make a short 30 minute trip away from Joburg to a village where several of the South African tribes have come together to share their cultures with the public. This place was the Lesedi Cultural Village.
For 3 hours, Simone and I were led through the Lesedi Cultural Village were we were given a first hand glimpse into the lives of the Pedi, Zulu, Sotho, Ndebele, and Xhosa tribes. Our cultural adventure began with a movie that helped give the history of the tribal cultures of Africa and the evolution of South Africa through it's bushmen and regional tribes up to the struggles of the Apartheid and the birth of modern SA. The movie was very informative and interesting, but Lesedi was sure to go far beyond a simple documentary. After the film, the real experience began.
Upon leaving the theater, Simone and I were lead through the trails of the grounds and arrived at our first authentic tribal village. This first stop was the home of the Pedi tribe. The Pedi tribe are most distinctly recognized by their Scottish kilts. Yes, I said Scottish kilts. The story of the kilt wearing Pedi is that during a war between the Pedi and the British, the British troops lined the front of their ranks with kilt-clad Scottish highlanders. Seeing the Scottish in their kilts, the Pedi chief ordered his warriors not to attack because he believed that the British had placed women at the front of their lines. This mistake proved costly to the Pedi, and after a horrible defeat they adopted the wearing of the Scottish kilt so to never forget their gallant error. We also learned that a lesser know fact of the Pedi is that one of their favorite snacks is dried caterpillars, which Simone and I bravely tried (not recommended).
After the Pedi, we were off to the Zulu village. The Zulu are know as the fiercest warriors of South Africa. Led by the notorious Zulu chief, Shaka Zulu, the spear welding Zulu's helped to protect African culture from being stamped out by invading Imperialism.
From the Zulu, Simone and I then traveled to the village of the peace mountain-dwelling Sotho. Concentrated mostly in the nation of Lesotho (a small independent country located in the heart of South Africa), the Sotho are identified by their conical hats (representing their mountain homes), colorful blankets, and relaxed demeanor.
Lastly, we made a trip to the village of the Xhosa (when trying to pronounce, replace the "x" with a click sound). As can be imaged, this tribe, which is native to the eastern cape of South Africa, is recognized best by their unique language which consists of various integrated click sounds among the syllables. I for one cannot even began to try and pronounce many of the words because my tongue was only brought up to perform hard vowel sounds...
At the end of our tour, Simone and I were treated to a wonderful presentation of African dancing and a buffet consisting of many local favorites. The day was certainly one that I will never forget.
Enkosi kakhulu (Thank very much in Xhosa)
Mike
