Discover Xhosa
Xhosa, also known as isiXhosa, is a Bantu language from the Nguni subgroup within the larger Niger-Congo language family. It is spoken by roughly 8 million people primarily in South Africa, with smaller communities in Zimbabwe and Lesotho.
Main Communities
Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth (South Africa) and Qacha's Nek (Lesotho)
Xhosa Names and Their Meanings:
- Isipho - The gift
- Lulibo - First ripe fruits of a tree
- Ahluma - The clan has grown
- Nomalizo - Generous
- Thozoma - Calmness
Staple Food
Umngqusho is a traditional Xhosa dish consisting of maize and sugar beans, slowly cooked to create a porridge. It provides a well-balanced meal, combining the essential amino acids from maize and beans to create a protein-rich dish. Umngqusho gained national attention during the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as the first black president of South Africa in 1994. It was reported to be one of Mandela's favorite dishes, bringing the traditional Xhosa meal into the spotlight as a symbol of unity and reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa.
Culture and Traditions
Clicks - Xhosa clicks are special sounds used in the Xhosa language. They are made by clicking your tongue in different ways.
Ibhayi - This traditional Xhosa beadwork is designed with different colors and pattern. Each color and pattern combination has a unique meaning. Historically, Xhosa women used beadwork to express identity and marital status.
Notable figures:
Nelson Mandela - President. He was the first black president of South Africa and known for his fight against apartheid - a system of racial segregation. Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his beliefs and gained international attention. He was released in 1990 and soon after was elected as president. Nelson Mandela received numerous accolades including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize for momentous contribution to peaceful elimination of apartheid in South Africa.
Miriam Makeba - Musician. Also referred to as "Mama Africa", Makeba was one of Africa’s most celebrated musicians. She received numerous awards for her musical contributions and activism, including the Grammy Award for Best Folk Recording in 1966. Makeba used her global platform to raise awareness about social justice issues including an end to apartheid. She received several awards for her efforts including the 1986 Dag Hammarskjöld Peace Prize and the 2001 Otto Hahn Peace Medal.
Siya Kolisi - Athlete. He is a rugby player who captained the South African national rugby team. Kolisi led the team to victory in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. His is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in South African sport.