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20 Unique South African Customs and Traditions

*Originally  published by Diana C in  July 2023 and Updated by Diana K in May 2024

South Africa is a nation renowned for its extensive cultural legacy. It boasts intricate, distinctive traditions and customs. Due to the country’s lengthy history, including apartheid, this is to be expected. South Africa provides an intriguing variety of traditions that identify its people, ranging from long-standing behaviours with deep roots in indigenous cultures to more modern customs that reflect the nation’s dynamic history. We shall examine ten unique South African traditions and rituals that highlight the nation’s culture in this post.

1. Ubuntu: The Spirit of Humanity

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Ubuntu, a Bantu word that means “humanity,” is a core idea that permeates South African culture deeply. It emphasizes the value of community and how interconnected all individuals are. Ubuntu instills moral principles like charity, respect, and compassion. It inspires people to value their common humanity and to help one another.

2. The Zulu Wedding

Zulu culture and tradition are joyfully and colorfully celebrated at a wedding. The bridegroom’s family house is traditionally where the ceremony takes place. Families and friends of the bride and groom attend the wedding.

The bride is dressed in a vibrantly colored traditional Zulu bridal gown. She also has a necklace on and a beaded headband. The groom dons the customary Zulu wedding outfit, which consists of a long, flowing shirt and pants made of vibrantly colored fabric. Extensive dancing and copious amounts of food and drink are common at Zulu weddings.

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3. Braai: The South African Barbecue

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The South African equivalent of a barbecue, the braai, is a beloved custom. It involves more than just grilling meat; it is a gathering of friends and family. Over an open fire, South Africans enjoy grilled meats, meals, and vibrant conversations. More than just a gastronomic event, braaing is a sign of community and shared pleasure. Boerewors (sausages) and steak are the meats that are cooked on a braai the most frequently, although there are many other possibilities.

4. Sangoma: Traditional Healers

Traditional healers, or sangomas, are crucial to South African culture. They are sought for advice, healing, and connecting with ancestors since it is thought that they have a strong spiritual connection. To treat illnesses, Sangomas employ a variety of techniques, including divination and herbal medicine. A sangoma determines the best course of treatment for a patient’s physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual ills. A Sangoma must be called by their ancestors for them to practice traditional healing.

5. Heritage Day

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On September 24, South Africa celebrates Heritage Day. It is a day devoted to celebrating and embracing the country’s rich cultural history. People to show off their cultural practices by participating in cultural acts, dining locally, and donning traditional costume. Heritage Day inspires appreciation for the nation’s multicultural fabric while promoting inclusivity. South Africans are urged to honor their heritage, including the variety of their religious and cultural practices on this day.

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6. Afrikaans Language and Culture

South Africa’s widely used and culturally significant language, Afrikaans, has its roots in the Dutch language. It is a symbol of the community’s distinct history. Afrikaans literature, music, and art serve as a platform for cultural expression, while structures like the Voortrekker Monument serve as markers of the language’s past. Afrikaans is very distinct.

7. Gumboot dancing

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Gumboot dancing is a lively and rhythmic kind of dance that has its roots in the gold mines that were present during racial segregation. Wellington boots are worn by the dancers, who use their body and the boots to make rhythmic rhythms. This engaging type of art chronicles the adversity, tenacity, and challenges of mine employees. The movements are either performed alone or in unison with one or more musical instruments, such as the violin, piano, accordion, guitar, and the concertina.

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8. Freedom day

The end of more than three hundred years of colonial authority and racial segregation is why South Africans view April 27 as the most important day in the history of their nation. The National Party supported the apartheid system up until April 27, 1994. Freedom Day honors the first democratic elections that took place in South Africa.

9. The Ndebele beadwork

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The Ndebele ethnic group is well recognized for its excellent bead work, which is used to adorn people’s bodies, homes, and clothing. The beadwork is frequently very ornate and vibrant. It is a beautiful illustration of Ndebele culture. In various cultures, the beading is used to signify the various stages of a woman’s life. For instance, the girl’s apron (lighabi) was designed to be worn by small children, usually girls.

10. The Zulu umhlanga ceremony

For Zulu girls, the umhlanga ceremony marks their coming of age. The Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma hosts it each September. The ritual celebrates Zulu tradition and culture. The girls, who range in age from 15 to 20, are all single, and they spend several weeks in isolation studying Zulu history, culture, and customs. The girls congregate at the palace the day of the ritual and dance in a parade in front of the Zulu king. Each of them carries a reed, which they offer to the monarch as a sign of respect for him and the Zulu way of life.

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The traditions and customs of South Africa are a reflection of the multiculturalism and extensive history of the nation. Each custom and tradition offers a window into the collective identity of the South African people, from the spirit of ubuntu to the colorful celebrations of Heritage Day. It strengthens the ties that bind the country’s diverse population.

11. Lobola: The Bride Price

The lobola tradition has  been around for ages in many of of South African cultures. Basically, the groom’s family pays something to the bride’s family – it can be cows, cash, or a mix of things. But it’s way more meaningful than just money changing hands. Lobola shows the groom’s respect and gratitude to the bride’s family for raising the lady. It brings the two families together in a really special way. 

After the families negotiate and agree on what the lobola will be, there’s often a big celebration. The herds of cattle are paraded through the village, or if it is money it is counted in the safety of the homestead i guess.  Lobola forms a beautiful bridge between families.

12. The Rieldans

The Rieldans is a famous folk dance from South Africa. It gets its name from the Afrikaans word “riel” which means to spin or twirl. The dance is very energetic and lively! Couples hold hands and skip in a circular pattern, regularly twirling under their raised arms. The music has a quick beat from instruments like concertinas and banjos.

Colourful traditional clothes swirl as the dancers move. Ladies wear bright printed dresses with white aprons. Men dress in knickerbockers with stockings. The Rieldans is popular at festivals and weddings. Watching the fast footwork and cheerful spinning makes you want to join in the joyful dance.

13. Venda Domba Dance

You haven’t really experienced Venda culture until you’ve witnessed the mesmerizing Domba Dance. This sacred ritual is the final initiation for Venda girls before they become “women”. Imagine a warm evening under the stars, the beat of drums pulsing through the air. Young maidens adorned in traditional beads and cloth moving like pythons across the stage.

Their synchronized swaying evokes the primal rhythms of fertility and new life. As an observer, you feel transported to an ancient time, connected to the circle of life that has turned for centuries in this sacred place. The Domba isn’t just a dance – it’s a celebration of Venda womanhood.

14. Xhosa Initiation Rituals

 Xhosa boys go through a big ritual when becoming men. They leave their homes and live in remote huts for weeks. A special traditional surgeon uses hand-made tools to circumcise them. No pain medication, No anaesthesia! The “new men”must stay calm and brave. After healing, they return wearing special blankets and headbands.

Their families then throw a huge feast and celebration! Elders give the initiates lessons about respect, courage, and responsibility. Despite the pain, this very old custom bonds communities and is hugely respected. Many Xhosa feel becoming a man starts with this powerful ritual.

15. Iziduko Naming Traditions

In many South African cultures, giving a baby their name comes with a big celebration. The name is very special – it connects the child to their ancestors and clan through iziduko naming traditions. Families take great care in choosing just the right name. For they believe a name captures hopes for the baby’s character and future.

The iziduko clan name is like a treasure passed down through generations.  During the naming ceremony, families joyfully welcome the newest member and honour their heritage through songs, stories, and dancing. What a beautiful way to start a new life.

16. The Basotho Blanket

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Basotho people of Lesotho in southern Africa are the origin of this iconic blanket. By their very nature the blankets are bright and colourful. People in Lesotho make them by hand.  Red, yellow, green, and blue patterns cover the thick wool blankets. Basotho people have been weaving these blankets for hundreds of years. They wear the blankets for warmth when it is cold.

But the blankets are also for celebrations and ceremonies. The patterns are like visual stories! People gift the Basotho Blanket  at weddings and other ceremonies. These special blankets aren’t just for warmth – they are a vibrant symbol of Basotho cultural identity and heritage.

17. Ukuthwala Custom

Ukuthwala is an old South African tradition where a man takes a wife by abducting her. While it sounds crazy to us today, for some communities it was a way of life long ago. Imagine a young woman getting snatched up by a suitor! She would put up a fight at first, but if she stayed, it meant she approved of the marriage. 

The families would then negotiate the bride price and wedding arrangements. Though banned now for being so old-fashioned, Ukuthwala still happens in some villages. Elders insist it preserves their culture, but many disagree with marrying someone against their will these days. Whether right or wrong, it’s certainly a tradition steeped in history!

19. Xibelani Dance

The dancers wear bright skirts covered in shiny beads and jingling coins, any movement . When they move, the skirts sway and shake with amazing rhythm. The dance steps look quite lively and energetic. You can’t help but smile watching the performers leap and twirl. Xibelani celebrates happy times like weddings or festivals. If you’re lucky enough to see it, you may even get pulled into the joyful dancing! The whole community joins together in the lively movements and festive spirit. ​

19. Nguni Cattle Rituals

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For the Zulu and Xhosa people, Nguni breed  of cattle are more than just animals. They are part of the family! Special ceremonies happen throughout a cow’s life. When a new calf is born, the family performs a naming ritual. They pick a name with meaning, like Nomvula (the rain) or Thandeka (the loved one). The calf’s ears get notched with small cuts in a special pattern.

The marking shows which herd and family the cattle belong to. As the cow gets older, the rituals continue. Her coloured hide patterns and horns curl in beautiful, unique ways. The Nguni cattle remind the Zulu and Xhosa of their deep connection to the land and their ancestors.

20. Toyi-Toyi

Once the stomping starts, it’s hard not to join in! that is Toyi-Toyi. A lively dance that gets everyone’s feet moving and voices chanting. It starts with people gathering together, stamping their feet and singing freedom songs. The rhythm builds as they march with high kicks and shuffle steps. Arms pump back and forth to the rhythmic chants. You can feel the energy pulsing through the crowd!

During apartheid protests, Toyi-Toyi became an act of resistance. Seeing all those people defiantly dancing together sent a powerful message of unity. Even today, it is common to see groups break into the Toyi-Toyi at rallies and marches.