Ndebele peoples culture

Southern and Northern African Ndebele people preserved their cultural identity. Art, life, and language profile for Ndebele of South African and Zimbabwe culture. Southern African Ndebele people maintained the use of the isiNdebele language, rituals, customs and art forms as a means of asserting their African Ndebele identity and resistance to outsiders.

Ndebele African people tribe art, history, and language.

Explore and Understand Africa Through Her Food and Culture

The Nguni tribes represent nearly two-thirds of South Africa's Black population divided into four distinct groups; the 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.

Traditionally the Ndebele wife would wear rings called idzila as a status symbol around her arms, legs, and neck. These outward symbols can be removed only in case of death of the spouse. Idzila was worn by the wife to embody her until death does us part union and devotion to her husband. 

Husbands used to provide their wives with the idzila rings. The more prosperous husbands could afford to by his wife more idzila rings thus the more rings the wife would wear the greater her status in the Ndebele community.

Today it is no longer common practice to wear these rings permanently. Over time, among the youngest populations, this custom to wear the idzila for a lifetime is disappearing. Each African culture is a unique answer to the question of what it means to be human. In today’s rapidly changing world, people from Africa worry about losing their traditional culture, the traditional way of life is getting lost.

One Ndebele beauty custom that has survived the modern way of life is elaborate wall paintings.  The Ndebele wall paintings have a strong symbolic value and are closely linked to the home and to the relationship of the person. Women paint on the outside walls and sometimes also on the interior walls with rich geometric patterns learned from childhood. The walls are changed and repainted in particular moments of family life.

The South African Ndebele origins are unknown however, their history can be traced back to chief Mafana in the 1600’s. The Ndebele first officially recorded chief, chief Mafana was succeeded by chief Mhlanga. 

The Ndebele second chief Mhlanga had a son named Musi who decided to leave his homeland. Chief Mhlanga did not name an heir and after his death, his two sons argued over the position and the tribe divided into two divisions, the Manala, and the Ndzundza.

Mampuru and 30 men murdered Mampuru's brother Sekhukune on August 23, 1882, he then went into hiding. Commandant General Piet Joubert was ordered to find Mampuru.  Joubert located Mampuru after the Ndzundza tribe women were tortured into revealing his whereabouts at Erholweni Mapochs Caves on October 12, 1882.

It was only after the Boer forces with the aid of other tribal chiefs surrounded the caves cutting off food and water supplies. Mampuru was sentenced to death and died at the gallows on November 22, 1883, in Pretoria South Africa. The war was ended after eight months and one day, on July 8, 1883.

The First Boer War disturbed the cohesive tribal structure of the Ndzundza-Ndebele when they lost the battle and their tribal lands were confiscated. However, the Ndebele preserved their distinct cultural identity. They maintained the use of the isiNdebele language, rituals, customs and art forms as a means of asserting their cultural identity and resistance to outsiders.

Ndebele wall paintings have strong symbolic value and are closely linked to the home and to the relationship of the person within. Ndebele Women paint on the outside walls and sometimes also on the interior with rich geometric patterns.

The walls are changed and repainted in particular moments of family life. This art form has developed in the second half of the nineteenth century, using bright of the brightest colors. Earth tones were used in the past.

There are three main groups of Ndebele people; The Southern Transvaal Ndebele (now Gauteng and Mpumalanga) The Northern Transvaal Ndebele (now Limpopo Province) around the towns of Mokopane (Potgietersrus) and Polokwane (Pietersburg). The Ndebele people of Zimbabwe, who were called the Matabele by the British. 

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Making Egyptian shay bil na'na' or mint tea from scratch is easy. Egyptian shay bil na'na' or mint tea is dried mint mixed with tea leaves and the mixture is brewed like regular tea.

Egyptian shay bil na'na' or mint tea

Ingredients:
2 sprigs dried mint
3 tablespoons loose tea
3 cups high quality water
Sugar optional

Directions:
In a pot that has a tea diffuser add the tea and mint. Pour the water of water over the tea leaves (boiling water may destroy the taste of your tea leaves if you are using green or white loose tea). Wait for the leaves to infuse, the time depends on your taste, longer brews for a richer taste, shorter for a lighter taste.

Tea holds great significance in the vibrant country of Egypt. 

Tea is an aromatic beverage that has become deeply ingrained in the Egyptian culture and is cherished by people of all ages. Let's explore the importance of tea in Egypt using a descriptive writing style suitable for an 8th-grade audience.

Tea, with its warm and comforting nature, has woven itself into the daily lives of Egyptians. In the bustling streets of Cairo or the serene villages along the Nile, you can often witness the enchanting rituals and traditions surrounding tea. Its presence is felt in homes, cafes, and social gatherings, bringing people together in moments of relaxation and connection.

In Egypt, tea is not merely a drink but a symbol of hospitality. When you step into an Egyptian home, you are likely to be greeted with a steaming cup of tea, offered with warmth and sincerity. It is a gesture that reflects the Egyptians' deep-rooted tradition of welcoming guests and making them feel at ease.

The preparation of tea in Egypt is an art in itself. The fragrance of boiling water infused with tea leaves fills the air, creating an inviting atmosphere. Tea is typically brewed strong, poured into small glasses, and sweetened with sugar or flavored with aromatic herbs like mint. The sight of golden tea cascading from the teapot into the glass is a delightful sight to behold.

Tea in Egypt serves as a catalyst for social interaction. It acts as a facilitator for conversations, forging connections between friends, family members, and even strangers. It is not uncommon to see groups of people gathered in cafes or teahouses, engaged in lively discussions over cups of tea. It is during these moments that ideas are shared, stories are told, and bonds are formed.

For Egyptians tea offers respite from the scorching Egyptian sun. In a land where temperatures can soar, the tradition of sipping tea provides a refreshing escape. The act of sitting in the shade, fanning oneself gently, and enjoying a cup of tea becomes a soothing ritual that offers relief and a chance to unwind.

The importance of tea extends beyond social customs; it has economic significance as well. Egypt has a thriving tea industry, with tea plantations dotting the landscape and contributing to the country's economy. Tea production provides employment opportunities, supporting local communities and ensuring a steady supply of this beloved beverage.

Tea holds a treasured place in Egyptian culture. It symbolizes hospitality, fosters social connections, provides comfort, and contributes to the country's economic landscape. So, the next time you visit Egypt, be sure to embrace the tea culture, immerse yourself in its rich flavors, and experience the warmth that this beloved drink brings to the Egyptian way of life.

Related Insight: Learn how Albert Einstein encountered Egypt’s mint tea tradition during his 1922 travels in our article Einstein’s Bridge: Where Neuroscience Meets Theology.

Pretty red punch from Ghana made with eatable flowers is a classic red flower party punch recipe made by steeping dried hibiscus flowers​.

Red is the most popular color used on flags in the world, it's also the international color for stop but you won't stop drinking Sobolo a lively red Ghanaian red punch made by steeping dried hibiscus flowers.

Tartly sweet dried hibiscus flowers red party punch is an ideal solution for serving up a big batch of party drinks. No need to take individual orders just make up a batch before the party and serve, allowing you time to enjoy your guests. 

Here's how to make punch that will keep guests coming back for more. you can mix and match to create a variety of punch recipes. 

Below is the basic recipe to make 1/2 gallon of punch, which is enough for eight servings. 

Dried Hibiscus Flowers Red Party Punch.

Ingredients. 3 cups dried hibiscus flowers. 10 cups high-quality water. 2 cups sugar.  Citrus fruit slices. Sliced fresh strawberries. Fresh raspberries. Directions In a pot that has a tea diffuser add dried hibiscus. Pour 3 cups of water over the edible hibiscus. Wait for the hibiscus to infuse turning a beautiful brick red color, the time the flowers steep depends on your taste, longer brews for a richer taste, shorter for a lighter taste. After the dried hibiscus drink cools, in a large pitcher or bowl combine 4 cups water and one 12-oz. can frozen lemon concentrate. Add 2 cups sugar; stir until dissolved. Add the concentrated hibiscus punch. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap; chill at least 4 hours. 

Just before serving, pour the chilled juice mixture into a large punch bowl. you just want to dress up your punch with some fruit slices. Be sure you have a ladle at the ready for serving punch. More about African food recipes and the African continent.

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Madagascar: The Island of Evolution and Extraordinary Wildlife

A brief glimpse into the fascinating history of Madagascar

Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island, sitting in the Indian Ocean just off Africa’s southeastern coast. Because of its geographic isolation, the island developed a truly unique ecosystem where over 90% of species are found nowhere else on Earth — including the iconic ring-tailed lemur.

Harvesting banana leaves in Madagascar, 1969

Early settlement: Madagascar was one of the last major landmasses settled by humans. Austronesian seafarers from present-day Indonesia arrived between A.D. 350–550. Arab and Persian traders followed as early as the 7th century, while African migrants reached the island around A.D. 1000.

Pirates and trade: By the late 1600s and early 1700s, Madagascar became a pirate stronghold and an important slave-trading hub into the 19th century.

Colonial era: Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1896 and regained independence in 1960 — the same year 17 other Sub-Saharan African nations achieved freedom from colonial rule.

Biodiversity hotspot: The island hosts about 5% of the world’s plant and animal species, many found nowhere else. From lemurs to baobabs, Madagascar is a living laboratory of evolution.

Challenges today: According to the World Bank, by 2011 about 92% of Malagasies lived on less than $2 per day. Poverty and slash-and-burn agriculture put enormous pressure on Madagascar’s dwindling forests, threatening its unique biodiversity. Losing just a few acres of Madagascar forest has a greater global impact than deforestation elsewhere because of its rare species.

💡 Did you know? About 85% of people in Madagascar still lack access to electricity.

Nearly 80% of the population depends on subsistence agriculture. Traditional slash-and-burn farming clears forest for crops but erodes the ecological heritage that makes Madagascar vital to the planet.

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Moroccan food is considered one of the most diverse foods around the globe.

Morocco is one of the most visited African countries throughout time and history and one of the main reasons Morocco remains popular is because of the food.

How to Make Moroccan Almond Honey Chicken

Moroccan Honey Chicken, the food of Morocco is a mix of Berber, Moorish, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and African cuisines. 

The cooks in the royal kitchens of Fez, Meknes, Marrakech, Rabat, and Tetouan refined Moroccan food over the centuries and created the basis for what is known as Moroccan food recipes today.

Moroccan Almond Honey Chicken

Serves 6
African food Total time from start to finish 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 teaspoons butter

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

1 chicken cut into pieces

2 chopped medium onions

1 chopped clove garlic

1 cup ground almonds

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoons pepper

1/2 cup honey

1 1/2 cups of chicken broth

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 lemon for juice 

Directions

In a casserole heat butter and vegetable oil and brown chicken. Season with salt and pepper and remove. In the remaining fat, cook onions and garlic until translucent. 

Add next 4 ingredients, cook over a gentle heat stirring until well mixed. Combine the broth and cornstarch and add to the contents of the casserole over high heat. 

Cook and stir sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Replace chicken, spooning sauce over chicken. Bake in covered preheated oven at 350 degrees for 1 hour.