Ulwazi Fieldworkers: September

They say that Eskimos have dozens of words for describing snow, because so much of their lives revolve around the weather, and so it is in the case of Zulus and cattle. Historically, cows were used for everything from currency to matrimonial gifts, and form an integral part of many Zulu ceremonies, so it’s not surprising that there exist a great number of descriptions for the different types of cattle. This month Siboniso Langa focused on the role of livestock in traditional Zulu life, looking specifically at the various names for cattle, the descriptions for which often reference other animals. 

With it being Heritage Month in South Africa, Nkosikhona Duma chose to concentrate on Zulu culture looking at traditional attire and music.

Click on the links below to read more about the stories our fieldworkers researched during the month of September, and if you’d like to have your say about the topics that we cover (and stand the chance to win R250 in airtime!) then take a few minutes to complete our survey.

• Imfuyo Yomuzi Wesintu
• Amabanga okukhula kwenkomo
• Imibala yezinkomo – Ingxenye I
• Imibala yezinkomo – Ingxenye II
• Imibala yezinkomo – Ingxenye III
• Qhakaza Mbokodo!
• Expressions – Vumelani Abantwana Beze Kimi
• Intombi ishelwa ngamanga
• Omama bomgido, kuguga othandayo

Image courtesy of www.namibgrens.com