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Articles: Cultures
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Nguni Cattle
The Nguni cattle breed, indigenous to Southern Africa, has evolved through thousands of years of environmental interaction and natural selection into a hardy breed adapted to the harse southern Africa conditions. |
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Gerard Sekoto (1913 - 1993)
Gerard Sekoto is acknowledged as one of the most important artistic figures in the development of South African contemporary art. His achievements are widely known both in South Africa and internationally. |
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South Africa - Remarkable Facts
Did you know that South Africa is the only country to house an entire floral kingdom (fynbos), one of only 6 on the planet; that it will become the first African country to host the Soccer World Cup in 2010 - and only the 2nd country in the world to have hosted the Cricket, Rugby and Soccer World Cups? |
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South African Languages
With 11 different official languages, South Africa is a country of remarkable cultural diversity. The most common language spoken at home is Zulu (24%), followed by Xhosa (18%) and Afrikaans (13%). |
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Minibus Taxis
Like many African cities, cities in South Africa have a chaotic informal public transport systems in the form of minibus taxis. But don't expect them to stop for you unless you have an in-depth knowledge of taxi sign language. |
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The Khweta Circumcision Ceremony
During the winter months in the north-eastern Cape (the old Transkei), boys can only become men by undergoing some tough tests of endurance and strength. This ritual is called the Khweta circumcision ceremony. |
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South African Cultural Villages
During the last few years, many cultural villages have been established to reflect the different cultures and traditions of South Africans. The traditional lifestyle of the people is shown to the visitor in an environment that encourages him / her to be a part of it. |
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The Basotho
The Basotho nation lived in the region of the Eastern Free State and Lesotho for many generations. Making their homes at the foot of majestic sandstone cliffs and surrounded by protea and with abundant wildlife, the Basotho has developed a culture unprecedented in Africa. |
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The Shangaan Cultural Village
Shangana Cultural Village has been created and built by the Shangaan people as a place of great pride and a way of preserving their rich heritage - an example of South Africa's great cultural diversity. |
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The Xhosa
During the seventeenth century, the Xhosa migrated from central Africa to settle in the most southern part of Africa. The Xhosa played an important part in the development of South Africa, especially when the most famous member of the Xhosa, Nelson Mandela, became South Africa's first president elected in a democratic election in 1994. |
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Nongqawuse - Prophetess of Doom
The story of Nongqawuse, the young girl whose fantastic promise of the resurrection of the dead lured almost an entire people to death by starvation, has many versions, but caused the Xhosa people to almost commit suicide in the 1800's. |
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The Owl House of Nieu-Bethesda
Within the small town of Nieu-Bethesda, which lies in the area called the Great Karoo, is a fascinating display of works from concrete and glass, found in an eccentrically decorated house called the "Owl House". |
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The Tswana
The Tswanas are a tribe who migrated from East Africa to southern Africa during the 14th century. The origin of the name is a mystery, but is applied to a number of groups who all speak the same language, have similar customs, but separate names. |
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The Bushmen
Southern Africa is home to these mysterious little men also called the San, who have dominated the vast hinterlands of southern Africa. But in the last few hundreds of years the advance of the black and white races has driven the Bushmen out of one area after another until only the hostile, inaccessible wilderness remains. |
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The Soul Of Johannesburg
The Market Theatre art complex in Johannesburg is a melting pot of cultures, a showcase of talent and the place where everything seems to be happening. Here one can enjoy some of the best theatre, dance and music that South Africa has to offer. |
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A Truly African Guest House Experience
Join the family of elders, their wives and their children for an unforgettable African experience. Lesedi is a multicultural village which presents a rare insight into Africa and gives the visitor the opportunity to attain a better understanding of how some of rural tribes live |
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Arts, Music & Literature
Apartheid has somehow given fresh impetus to the country's culture, in all its modes of expression.The art scene is active and Black Township artwork is currently very popular. And a number of bands won international recognition. |
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The Vibrant, Colourful, Coloured People
The Coloured people (as they are commonly called) live primarily in the Western Cape of South Africa and their folklore and music have become an integral part of the cultural scene. |
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The Thundering Zulu
Travel from Durban northwards to Richards Bay and you enter the land of the AmaZulu. The land here is deity and worshipped by those who call it home. This is KwaZulu - the place of the Zulu. |
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An Unique Art
The dresses and beautiful decorated homes of the Ndebele people in South Africa are unique in Africa. Many a fashion model would envy the elegance, colour and presentation of a well-dressed Ndebele women. |
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Mysteries of Africa
The uncanny healing power of the witch-doctors of Africa are widely treated with respect by the medical profession. |
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