Tag: xhosa
Umtata
The Eastern Cape town of Umtata (now officially known as Mthatha) was originally founded along the banks of the Mthatha River as a military post for colonial forces in 1882 and soon developed into a town, becoming the administrative center of the region. Areas close to Umtata were the birthplace of a number of notable black South Africans, including Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu, who went ...
Lesedi
North from Johannesburg, is the Lesedi Cultural Village, also known as the Lesedi African Lodge. It is located amongst the rocky hills and picturesque bushveld, brimming with culture and the Xhosa, Pedi, Zulu, Basotho and Ndebele traditions. Lesedi Cultural Village is close enough to Johannesburg to make it a day trip, or you are welcome to stay overnight. There are two unique experiences ...
Fort Mitchell
The picturesque village of Hogsback in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is the picture of tranquility as it lies surrounded by mountains and forests. But this was not always the case, and the nearby remains of Fort Mitchell bear testimony to the fact that for a period of time in the past the area was plagued by conflict.
Xhosa
Xhosa is listed amongst South Africa's 11 official languages and is spoken by approximately 18% of the country's population (plus-minus 7.9 million individuals). The language is marked by the large number of click consonant sounds used. Those who speak this language typically form part of the ethnic group called the amaXhosa and refer to their language as isiXhosa. Interestingly, the word ...
Swati
Swati is known as siSwati, Swazi and Sewati. It is one of the Bantu languages of the Nguni Group, and it is spoken in Swaziland and South Africa. Swati is closely related to Xhosa, Zulu and Ndebele, but is a seperate language and one of South Africa's eleven official languages.
Languages
Due to the variety of cultures and ethnic groups living in South Africa, the country has eleven official languages. Not everyone in South Africa can speak all eleven, so visitors need not worry. The majority of South Africans can speak and understand English, so tourists will be able to communicate with locals relatively easily. The eleven official languages are Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, ...
