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The African Gourmet

The African Gourmet: Explore African Culture & Recipes

One bowl of fufu can explain a war. One proverb can outsmart a drought.
Welcome to the real Africa—told through food, memory, and truth.

Christmas & New Year in Africa

FOOD PROVERBS

Climate change threatens food security in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Egypt, disrupting crops, water, and livelihoods.

Four Dimensions of Climate Change in Africa’s Three Most Populated Countries: Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Egypt

Climate change affects Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Egypt—Africa’s three most populated countries—in all four dimensions of food security: availability, accessibility, utilization, and system stability. These shifts have far-reaching effects on livelihoods, health, and economic resilience.

Explore and understand Africa through her food systems, climate resilience, and cultural knowledge.

Climate Change in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Egypt

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), climate change threatens food security by disrupting production, market flows, and nutrition. Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall bring droughts, floods, and desertification that destabilize local economies and make food more expensive and less nutritious.

Short-term impacts come from frequent extreme weather events. Long-term effects stem from shifting rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and water scarcity, which challenge farmers and threaten stable harvests.

Did You Know? Africa holds 65% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, yet climate change threatens to make large areas unproductive due to drought, desertification, and unpredictable rainfall.

Nigeria: Agriculture and Desertification

Nigeria is the continent’s largest cassava producer and a major rice consumer and importer. Water-intensive crops like rice and wheat face higher stress as droughts intensify. Windier, hotter conditions force crops to use more water, while unpredictable rainfall shortens growing cycles.

Desertification threatens fertile land, especially in the north—states like Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Yobe, and Zamfara are known as “desertification frontline” regions. Expanding sand dunes bury roads and villages, while rivers and lakes dry up after rains.

Ethiopia: Drought and Rainfall Instability

Four out of five Ethiopians rely on agriculture for their livelihood. El Niรฑo–induced droughts in 2015–2016 caused devastating crop failures, with up to 90% of production lost in some areas. Southern and southeastern Ethiopia, where communities depend heavily on livestock, suffered extreme pasture and water shortages.

The regions most affected include:

  • Oromia: Borena, Guji, Bale lowlands
  • SNNP: South Omo, Segen, Gamogofa lowlands
  • Somali Region: Fafan, Dollo, Jarar, Korahe, Nogob, Shebelle

Below-normal rainfall since 2015 has made recovery slow, leaving millions food insecure and dependent on aid.

Egypt: Water Scarcity and Nile River Politics

Egypt’s agriculture depends almost entirely on the Nile River. With more than 90% of the country desert, the Nile provides over 85% of its freshwater. Population growth, irrigation demands, and upstream projects like Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam have sparked water tensions.

Historic treaties such as the 1929 Anglo-Egyptian Treaty and 1959 Nile Waters Agreement gave Egypt control over the Nile’s flow. But climate change, rising temperatures (projected +1.5°C to +4°C by 2050), and changing rainfall patterns threaten this fragile balance.

In 2015, Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia signed the Khartoum Declaration to negotiate water-sharing. Yet, Ethiopia’s dam construction continues to reshape the politics of the Nile, raising concerns over Egypt’s water security.

Population impact (2015 estimates):

  • Nigeria: 181.5 million
  • Ethiopia: 99.3 million
  • Egypt: 89.1 million

Related Articles for Context

Introverts Quiet Plotting.

I am not quiet, I am plotting African Proverbs; may the Ancestors impart knowledge into you about quiet thinkers.


I Am Not Quiet, I Am Plotting African Proverbs


Explore and Understand Africa Through Her Food and Culture


Quiet people have the loudest minds


If you are the quiet sort, you are probably used to people misunderstanding your quietness. People may think you are shy or maybe even insecure just because you do not talk your head off to everyone.


Quiet people are thinkers; in fact, they tend to overthink a particular situation. Five African proverbs to help understand, people who are quiet may not be shy, but intensely thinking. 


I am not quiet, I am plotting African Proverbs


One does not become great by claiming greatness. African Proverb. If you are the quiet sort, you are probably used to people misunderstanding your quietness. People may think you are shy or maybe even insecure just because you do not talk your head off to everyone.
One does not become great by claiming greatness. - African Proverb
The dog's bark is not might, but fright. - African Proverb
The dog's bark is not might, but fright. - African Proverb
Fire and gunpowder do not sleep together. - African Proverb

Fire and gunpowder do not sleep together. - African Proverb

The calm and silent water drowns a man. - African Proverb

The calm and silent water drowns a man. - African Proverb

He who is courteous is not a fool. - African Proverb

He who is courteous is not a fool. - African Proverb

The plan kills; the weapon only does the deed. - African Proverb

The plan kills; the weapon only does the deed. - African Proverb

May the Ancestors Impart Knowledge Into You

I'm Not Quiet, I'm Plotting African Proverbs

·        The dog's bark is not might, but fright. - African Proverb

·        Fire and gunpowder do not sleep together. - African Proverb

·        The calm and silent water drowns a man. - African Proverb

·        He who is courteous is not a fool. - African Proverb

·        The plan kills; the weapon only does the deed. - African Proverb

African Proverbs


Together we build awareness that boost harmony, education, and success, below are more links to articles you will find thought provoking.

  1. Historical African Country Name
  2. Top 20 Largest Countries in Africa
  3. How many countries does Africa have?
  4. Roots of Africanized Christianity Spiritual Songs
  5. Chocolate Processing Facts History and Recipes
  6. Awesome Kenyan Woman
  7. Land is Not For Women in Sierra Leone
  8. African Kente Cloth Facts
  9. Accra the Ghanaian Capital Ultimate Mall Experience


Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

West African Recipes by The African Gourmet Egusi Smoked Fish Stew Recipe

Egusi smoked fish stew recipe is a stress-free, simple African recipe to make for a family weeknight dinner. Egusi seeds are the seeds of plants of squash, melon, gourd, and pumpkin which, after being dried and ground, are used as an ingredient in East and West African recipes.


Prep time: 20 min Cook time: 35 min Total time: 55 min

West African Egusi Smoked Fish Stew Recipe

Ingredients
2 large pieces any smoked fish
2 large white fish filets
2 large handfuls sorrel leaves or spinach
½ cup ground egusi seeds
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons palm oil or butter
1 teaspoon ground curry powder
1 hot pepper, chopped
5 cups fish stock or water


Directions
Heat palm oil over medium heat in a large pot; add onions and garlic. Add remaining ingredients except for egusi, fish and sorrel, or spinach. Cover and cook for 20 minutes. Add egusi and fish, stir, and simmer 15 minutes longer. Finally, add sorrel or spinach; simmer for 2-3 minutes and serve over rice.

Selling fresh fish in Africa to make Egusi Smoked Fish Stew

Three chief dark powerful creatures and African spiritual enemies are Impaka the cat, Incanti the chameleon and Inqolobane the snake.

The belief in spiritual enemies is common throughout the world. These ill-behaved often-dangerous spirits play tricks on humans and do things to disturb anyone who crosses their path.

Africa Spiritual Enemies Explained 


Spiritual Enemies


Mischievous spirits are real things to many people in Africa. They dwell in the rivers, the swamps, the forests, the desert and all places in between. They inhabit the great rifts and waterfalls. Every nook and cranny of Africa may have demons, goblins, evil mermaids and disembodied parts of humankind.

Spirits travel at night, during the day, carry mysterious lights, destroy farms, steal seeds from the town granaries, sprinkle disease and famine among the cattle and people, bewitch children in their sleep, impart gifts of divination, skill and other gratuities to whomsoever they favor, or bring sorrow, persecution, or death, any victim they will.

The belief in ill-behaved spirits are common throughout the world, a man suddenly disappears; evil spirits have devoured him. A hunter develops an unsteady aim with the gun; an evil spirit has paralyzed his expertise in shooting. A man is worsted in a bargain; his patron spirit has forsaken him. Somebody has a nightmare; it is a demon attempting to kill him.

They may meet a man in the highway and consume him without ritual. They may meet a woman at the well and bewitch her on the spot. A child playing outside may lose its soul in game played with invisible creatures and nobody be the wiser until they sicken and die.

Mischievous spirits are real things to many people in Africa. They dwell in the rivers, the swamps, the forests.
Spiritual Enemies

Types of African Spiritual Enemies


Supernatural beings may be feathered or hoofed, two-legged animal or four-footed animal, with a tail or without a tail, in any form or with no form at all. Against these evils, a strenuous daily fight in which an elaborate assemblage of charms and fetishes must be used.

South Africa’s traditional healers believe that supernatural origins are often the chief cause of disease and have much power over the sick person. Three chief dark powerful creatures and African spiritual enemies are Impaka the cat, Incanti the chameleon and Inqolobane the snake.

Impaka
Impaka is a creature resembling a cat, which has the power of getting inside any house at will. The Impaka is bred by evil spirits and then set on its mission of finding its victim, scratching the body and injecting them with poison.

Incanti
In its natural state Incanti is a poisonous snake that is believed to have the power of changing its color or assuming various forms resembling different objects and has great powers of fascination. Anyone who comes upon an Icanti is suddenly under a trance and becomes motionless and speechless for days.

Inqumbabane
Inqolobane is a wand like snake which is believed to be the chief cause of uncontrollable high fevers. By getting inside a person, Inqolobane slowly eats the insides of his victim and causing a lingering horrific death.

Protect Yourself from Spiritual Enemies with Fetishes

Common to many tribes in Africa is the belief that the fetishes are powerful through their ritualistic carving and sanctification. Fetishes also are made of different special substances and offered sacrifices depending on the need of the person.

A fetish is an object with perceived supernatural powers used to invoke vigilant and protective spirits to drive away evil spirits, invoke the power to afflict a person with a disease or attempt to control destiny. In Africa and throughout the world these beliefs are manifested in some of the most expressive and magical power figures ever created called fetishes.

Fetish figures throughout Africa are vessels of power that can control and in๏ฌ‚uence things seen and unseen affecting destiny. Fetishes are carved with the intention to be held in the hand or set upright in the ground during a ceremony in which songs, dances, invocations, divinations, and gifts are associated with fetish devotion.

Grilled Mango Chicken Sosaties Skewers

Sosaties are a traditional South African kabob recipe of lamb, chicken or mutton grilled on skewers over a braai or BBQ grill.

Grilled mango chicken Sosaties skewers are one of the great braai or barbeque kabob foods of South Africa.
African Recipes by

Grilled mango chicken Sosaties skewers are one of the great braai or barbeque kabob foods of South Africa.

Prep time: Cook time: Total time:

Grilled Mango Chicken Sosaties Skewers

Ingredients

4 large metal skewers

2 pounds white meat chicken cubed

2 red bell peppers cut into large cubes

2 large onions cut into large cubes


Marinade for chicken

1/2 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons Indian curry powder

2 tablespoons mango juice

4 sage leaves chopped

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons mango chutney

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Pinch of salt


Directions

Mix all marinade ingredients well and marinate chicken for at least 3 hours. Thread chicken, peppers and onion alternately on skewers basting with the marinade. Cook over coals for a few minutes on each side until chicken is completely cooked.

Chutney Marinade

Grilled Sosaties Kebobs photo by kennejima


First Second Third and Fourth World Countries

daily market in Mopt Mali

What are the names of First Second Third and Fourth World Countries?

First World refers to developed, capitalist, industrial countries, North America, Western Europe, Japan and Australia.

Second World refers to Russia, Eastern Europe and some of the Turkish States as well as China.

Third World includes developing nations of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Fourth World references stateless groups of people such as people living in refugee camps or people who are entirely self-sufficient, but they do not participate in the global economy.

Fourth World references stateless groups of people such as people living in refugee camps or people who are entirely self-sufficient, but they do not participate in the global economy.
Knufu recalling her life in South Africa


Officially there is no official definition of the term Third world however; people in their everyday conversations use the term to describe poor developing countries and inferior individuals.

Alfred Sauvy coined the original meaning of third world, in 1952. Third world meant countries that were unaligned with either the Communist Soviet bloc or the Capitalist NATO bloc during the Cold War. The Cold War roughly 1947-1991 was a time of nonphysical conflict after World War II between powers in the Eastern Bloc the Western Bloc.

The term Third World implies counties and their people are inferior due to widespread poverty and other factors. Third World obscures all parts of a country's culture and contributions that are not of an economic nature.

Fourth world people of refugee camps may live in long rows of tents or other shelters where most of the inhabitants rely on aid distributions and are therefore considered Fourth World because they are stateless with no or little income.

By right people can pursue their economic, social and cultural development without the labels of first, second, third and fourth world citizen. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the General Assembly on Thursday, September 13, 2007.

The document emphasizes the rights of indigenous peoples to live in dignity, to maintain and strengthen their own institutions, cultures and traditions and to pursue their self-determined development, in keeping with their own needs and aspirations.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recognizes the need to respect and promote the inherent rights of indigenous peoples which derive from their political, economic and social structures and from their cultures, spiritual traditions, histories and philosophies, especially their rights to their lands, territories and resources. The document confirms the right of indigenous peoples to self-determination and recognizes subsistence rights and rights to lands, territories and resources.

By right people can pursue their economic, social and cultural development without the labels of first, second, third and fourth world citizen.
Working on a plantation in Madagascar

Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

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If we have faith, we can move mountains.

Having faith Zulu African proverbs shows us that there is an all-knowing being greater and wiser than ourselves. Having faith African proverbs offers hope and confidence through unceasing unshakable faith.

Having Faith Zulu African Proverbs

 

Go forth alone, you will soon find a stone on the road that you that you cannot pass. ~ Having Faith Zulu African Proverb
To have faith means to trust 
When a home is burnt down the rebuilt home is more beautiful. ~ Having Faith Zulu African Proverb
Zulu African Proverb
Those that plan without the help of the spirit must plan again. ~ Having Faith Zulu African Proverb
Zulu African Proverb
Go forth alone, you will soon find a stone on the road that you that you cannot pass. ~ Having Faith Zulu African Proverb
Zulu African Proverb
A small fire is easy to smother. ~ Having Faith Zulu African Proverb
Zulu African Proverb
A deaf ear is followed by death; an ear that listens is followed by blessings. ~ Having Faith Zulu African Proverb
Zulu African Proverb
When heaven is pointed out a fool only sees the tip of the finger. ~ Having Faith Zulu African Proverb
Zulu African Proverb

Having Faith Zulu African Proverbs

1.   When a home is burnt down the rebuilt home is more beautiful. –Zulu Proverb

2.   Those that plan without the help of the spirit must plan again. – Zulu Proverb

3.   Go forth alone, you will soon find a stone on the road that you that you cannot pass. –Zulu Proverb

4.   A small fire is easy to smother. – Zulu Proverb

5.   A deaf ear is followed by death; an ear that listens is followed by blessings.  –Zulu Proverb

6.   When heaven is pointed out a fool only sees the tip of the finger. – Zulu Proverb

The Zulu hold their traditional culture in high esteem, preserving many of their traditions, rituals beliefs and ceremonies.
The Zulu hold their traditional culture in high esteem, preserving many of their traditions, rituals beliefs and ceremonies. 

More African Proverbs from the motherland.

  1. Your Attitude African Proverbs
  2. What is an African Proverb
  3. Do not invite evil to sit at your table then cry
  4. Mean Coworkers African Proverbs
  5. Having Faith African Proverbs

Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

Kazungula Ferry unites four corners of Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe of Africa. This is the only area in the world where four countries meet.

Kazungula Ferry unites four corners the only place in the world where four countries meet Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe of Africa.

Kazungula Bridge is situated where the borders of 4 African countries meet, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The Kazungula Bridge created a link between Botswana and Zambia across the Zambezi River that flows into the famous Chobe River.

Kazungula Ferry unites four corners of Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe of Africa.
Kazangula ferry engines

The Kazungula public ferry or pontoon service (a flotation device able to float itself as well as a heavy load) is driven by a side mounted diesel engine, transports a few vehicles at a time across the river.  The border crossing is the only place in the world where four countries come close uniting at a quadripoint.

A quadripoint is a point on the Earth that touches the border of four distinct territories. Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia are believed to be a quadripoint however, the countries of Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana actually only meet.

The ferry at Kazangula provides transportation to people and on average, 70 trucks cross with the ferry per day. About 100 trucks on both sides of the ferry crossing take up to two weeks before they are able to cross the Zambezi River.  The Kazungula Ferry is one of the largest ferries in south-central Africa, having a capacity of 70 tons and runs between Kazungula, Zambia and Kasane, Botswana.

In 2003 the Kazangula ferry capsized and was the site of a disaster where 18 people drowned.
Kazungula public ferry or pontoon service

In 2003 the Kazangula ferry capsized and was the site of a disaster where 18 people drowned. In order to alleviate the poor transportation issues, Kazungula Bridge project was planned in 2007 as much needed infrastructure transportation plan on the Zambezi River and to the surrounding African countries of Botswana and Zambia.  

The Kazungula Bridge is a multi-national project on the North-South corridor on the Zambezi River. The bridge construction is expected to take four years at a cost of US $259 million.  

Beginning in 2014, the project is being funded by loans from the African Development Bank, the Japan International Cooperation Agency as well as contributions from both the Governments of Zambia and Botswana according to the African Development Bank Group.

  1. Historical African Country Name
  2. Top 20 Largest Countries in Africa
  3. How many countries does Africa have?
  4. Roots of Africanized Christianity Spiritual Songs
  5. Chocolate Processing Facts History and Recipes
  6. Awesome Kenyan Woman
  7. Land is Not For Women in Sierra Leone
  8. African Kente Cloth Facts
  9. Accra the Ghanaian Capital Ultimate Mall Experience


Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

Leadership is a verb; a person who guides and directs maximizing the efforts of others towards the achievement of a goal. Our 15 ways to define leadership through African Proverbs teaches what leadership really is and what is needed to become a superior leader.

A king cannot reign without the support of the elders. - Burundian Proverb


15 Ways to Define Leadership Through African Proverbs


A large chair does not make a king. - Sudanese Proverb

The way a chief acts affects the entire village. - Ugandan Proverb

A king cannot reign without the support of the elders. - Burundian Proverb

Words of a good king do not lock all the doors; they leave the right door open. – Zambian Proverb

When there is peace in the country, the chief does not carry a shield. - Ugandan Proverb

The best words give no food. - Rwandan Tutsi Proverb

The wise chief does not eat from two sides. - Malawian Proverb

He who fears the sun will not become chief. - Ugandan Proverb

When a king has good counselors, his reign is peaceful. - Ghanaian Proverb

When you befriend a chief, remember that he sits on a rope. – Ugandan Proverb

A wild boar in place of a pig would ravish the town, and a slave made king would spare nobody. – Yoruba Proverb

Though the lion is lean, he can contend with a sheep. - Burundian Proverb

A subject less king is no king. - Zulu Proverb

Not all soldiers are kings. – Xhosa Proverb

The tree which is not taller than you, cannot shade you. - Wolof Proverb

Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

The rooster crowing in Oma Mbala crows for Eze Okpo perfect warrior African folktale.

During a time of intense fighting between clans living in Oma Mbala and Ikwuabo villages of Nigeria, the warring Igbo communities held the bravest fighter from Eze Okpo, Ezekwuabo, in high esteem.
The rooster crowing in Oma Mbala crows for Eze Okpo

Perfect Warrior Igbo Story 

During a time of intense fighting between clans living in Oma Mbala and Ikwuabo villages of Nigeria, the warring Igbo communities held the bravest fighter from Eze Okpo, Ezekwuabo, in high esteem.

The Eze Okpo of the proverb was the fearless Ezekwuabo, a fighter who combined an ability to fight successful wars with a skillful use of charms. According to folklore, he killed one of his daughters whose parts he used in preparing a magical charm that was said to produce thick smoke in which he could move without being noticed and attack his enemies.

Ezekwuabo was said to have an akpu, his personal shrine that he called akpu Ekwensu or devil's shrine, where he used to make offerings and sacrifices at the end of every successful battle. He was so feared that the nearby village of Oma Mbala regularly sent him giant roosters as a way of discouraging him from invading their village.

However, dispite the bribes, Ezekwuabo’s pride and prowess caused him to lead a raid against Oma Mbala. Ezekwuabo was so feared by Oma Mbala it was said they hired mercenary fighters from other neighboring villages. It is rumored in the nearby village of Nnewi where the most intense fighting took place; the bones of the dead at that battle can still be seen wandering around haunting villagers. 

“The rooster crowing in Oma Mbala crows for Eze Okpo” - Igbo proverb

Links to more African Folklore

In everyday life African folklore teaches lessons with ancient words of wisdom.

Baboon Shepherd African Folklore

The Bird That Made Milk African Folklore

Why Some Souls Are White and Others Black

Legend of Deepest Darkest Africa

Rabbit Angered Moon African Folktale

Nkasa Tree Test for Witches

Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

The Singing Skeleton is an African folktale story about sibling rivalry and the jealousy, competition, and fighting between two brothers.


The Singing Skeleton is an African folktale story about sibling rivalry and the jealousy, competition and fighting between two brothers.
Sibling rivalry 

The Singing Skeleton African Folktale Story

Bamaza had two sons; the older one of the two boys caused his father much trouble. He not only was disobedient and unruly, but he also hated his younger brother, who was the direct opposite of him.

One day their mother sent them to the woods to pick some wild flowers, which grew near a deep ravine. On their way to the woods, they passed through a town where a dance was happening.

When the elder brother saw this dance, he went and joined the young beautiful dancers. The younger brother called him and said "Come on, my brother, let us do our mother's bidding and go to the woods to pick flowers!" But, he would not.

Thus, the younger brother went alone to the woods. He found many flowers and picked a big bunch. On his way home, he met his elder brother who asked him for the flowers.

The younger brother asked, "Why did you not come along with me and pick some for yourself, instead of idling away your time at the dance big brother? I picked these flowers for mother and intend to take them to her," the younger brother said.

At these words, the elder brother got very angry, and he threw his younger brother down a deep ravine, so that he died.

The flowers his younger brother picked, he took along for his mother.

When he came home, his father asked him. "Where is your younger brother?"

"I do not know. He and I were not at the same place," he of course lied.

The parents at first did not feel alarmed about the absence of their younger son. "Something had detained him, or he has met one of his friends on the way," they thought. They were sure that he would be home before night. But he did not come home that night, nor the next morning, nor the day after.

The parents went in search of their youngest son. When they failed to find him, their sorrow was great.

About six months later the mother went to the woods in search of firewood, and it happened that she came near the place where her youngest son had come to his death. There she found a well-preserved human skeleton.

She picked up the skeletons head thinking that it would be something very interesting to sing about. As she began to sing it seemed to her that the skeleton, too, sang, and she listened.

This is what the skeleton sang: "My dear mother! When I went to pick flowers my brother threw me down this ravine! He also took my flowers!"

When his mother heard this, she took the skeleton home. On reaching her house she at once called her oldest son and his father and told them how she had found the skeleton and what it had revealed to her.

She said to the skeleton, "Sing, that all may hear! “And the skeleton sang and said, "When I went to pick flowers, my brother threw me into a deep ravine. He also took away my flowers."

When the father heard this, he got into a rage, rushed at his older son and killed him. Thus, the sin of this wicked son was found out and punished by his grieving father and mother.


More short folklore stories from Africa to make you fall in love with myths and legends again from the motherland.

  1. Baboon Shepherd African Folklore

  2. The Bird That Made Milk African Folklore

  3. Why Some Souls Are White and Others Black

  4. Legend of Deepest Darkest Africa

  5. Rabbit Angered Moon African Folktale

  6. Nkasa Tree Test for Witches


Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

10 Time Immemorial South African Tribes

Brief History and Culture of 10 Immemorial South African Tribes

Four major ethnic groups among Black South Africans: Nguni, Sotho-Tswana, Shangaan-Tsonga, Venda

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, living for at least 20,000 years

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.

Did you know? The San created some of the oldest known African rock art, dating back thousands of years.

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

Zulu people call themselves the people of the heavens and are South Africa’s largest ethnic group

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.

Did you know? Zulu regiments once used cowhide shields and short stabbing spears to change warfare in Southern Africa.

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 Northern Sotho or Pedi people of South Africa with strong ancestral traditions

The Pedi arose from a confederation of small chiefdoms. Ancestors are central to their spirituality, and initiation schools mark the transition to adulthood.


Xhosa

Nelson Mandela, Xhosa-speaking Thembu, symbol of South African freedom

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

Ndebele woman painting geometric designs on house walls symbolizing identity

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.

Did you know? Ndebele wall art communicates family events — newly married women repaint their homes to mark life transitions.

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.

Where can a man be better than in the bosom of his family.

Why Family Matters African Proverbs


As a people, we constantly worry about belonging and we do this because we all know how much family, whatever forms they take do matter. The most powerful reason of why families matter come from orphans and children who know what it’s like to have lost or temporarily separated from their families.

First lay the foundation and then build the wall. - Egyptian Proverb

Families play an important role in teaching children about tribal roots so they will grow up with identity, ideals and pride. Family Lives Matter African Proverbs teach the importance of family roots. As it is said in the African Yoruba language, Ase, it is so.

Family Lives Matter African Proverbs

Family Lives Matter African Proverbs teach the importance of family roots. As it is said in the African Yoruba language, Ase, it is so.

Family Lives Matter African Proverbs


A gold key opens every door.

One makes not a people or a town. – West African Proverb

Seize your roots and seize it firmly. – Wolof Proverb

Family, payday comes every day. – Nigerian Proverb

You may grow good corn in a little field. – West African Proverb

Remove an old tree and the tribe weakens. - Lesotho Proverb

From a pure spring pure water flows. – East African Proverb

Never speak of a rope in the family of one who has been hanged. – West African Proverb

Woman is the salvation or the destruction of the family. – West African Proverb

A good beginning makes a good ending. – Nigerian Proverb

A hundred years cannot repair a moment's loss of a parent– Wolof Proverb

We must strive to make of humanity one single family.


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DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17329200

African Recipes Organized by Meal Time

African Drinks & Beverages

Snacks & Appetizers

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Desserts

Ivy, founder and author of The African Gourmet

About the Author

Ivy is the founder and lead writer of The African Gourmet. For over 19 years, she has been dedicated to researching, preserving, and sharing the rich culinary heritage and food stories from across the African continent.

A Legacy Resource, Recognized Worldwide

The African Gourmet is preserved as a cultural resource and is currently selected for expert consideration by the Library of Congress Web Archives.

Cited and trusted by leading institutions:
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Explore our archived collections → DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17329200

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Recipes as Revolution

Recipes as Revolution

When food becomes protest and meals carry political meaning

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African woman farmer

She Feeds Africa

Before sunrise, after sunset, seven days a week — she grows the food that keeps the continent alive.

60–80 % of Africa’s calories come from her hands.
Yet the land, the credit, and the recognition still belong to someone else.

Read her story →

To every mother of millet and miracles —
thank you.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

Can researchers access the full archive?

Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

How does this archive ensure cultural preservation?

Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.