10 Time Immemorial South African Tribes and Their Culture
10 Time Immemorial South African Tribes
Brief History and Culture of 10 Immemorial South African Tribes
Four major ethnic groups among Black South Africans are the Nguni (Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, and Swazi), the Sotho-Tswana, the Shangaan-Tsonga, and the Venda. Together, the Nguni and Sotho account for the largest percentage of the total Black population.
Related: Explore more about African tribes and cultural traditions
San
The San are the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa, where they have lived for at least 20,000 years. Known for their hunter-gatherer lifestyle and rich rock art, the San were once called “Bushmen,” but this term is now considered derogatory.
Basotho
The Basotho (South Sotho) live mainly in the Free State, Gauteng, and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa, with groups in Namibia and Zambia. King Moshoeshoe I united scattered Sotho peoples to form Lesotho.
Zulu
The Zulu, meaning “Sky People,” are South Africa’s largest ethnic group. They became a powerful kingdom under King Shaka Zulu. While many Zulu converted to Christianity, ancestral worship remains important.
Tsonga
The Tsonga include the Shangaan, Thonga, Tonga, and other groups. Known for complex social systems, the Tsonga historically passed inheritance to brothers rather than sons. Their music and dance remain vibrant today.
West Sotho (Tswana)
The Tswana are known for their complex legal system and the concept of letsema — voluntary communal work during planting and harvest. Their cattle kraal is the heart of village life.
North Sotho (Pedi)
The Pedi arose from a confederation of small chiefdoms. Ancestors are central to their spirituality, and initiation schools mark the transition to adulthood.
Xhosa
The Xhosa include the Thembu, Pondo, and Bomvana. They have a strong oral tradition, preserving history through proverbs and storytelling. Nelson Mandela was a Xhosa-speaking Thembu.
Venda
The Venda trace cultural roots to the Mapungubwe Kingdom and later Great Zimbabwe. Their pottery and spiritual traditions remain strong today.
Swazi
The Swazi of eSwatini uphold traditions such as the Umhlanga (Reed Dance) and Incwala ceremonies. Music and dance remain central to Swazi identity.
Ndebele
The Ndebele are famous for colorful wall art painted by women. Despite colonial pressures, they preserved their language, rituals, and geometric designs as cultural resistance.
FAQ about South African Tribes
What is the oldest tribe in South Africa?
The San people are considered the oldest, living in Southern Africa for over 20,000 years.
Which tribe is the largest in South Africa?
The Zulu are the largest ethnic group, with around 10 million people mainly in KwaZulu-Natal.
Do these tribes still follow traditional beliefs?
Yes, while many practice Christianity, ancestral worship and indigenous rituals remain central to cultural identity.
