15 Feb Lessons from the Zulu Tribe of South Africa

Wherever there are Africans in the diaspora, there is some solidarity with home and its ideals. One such people with much pride and dignity in their heritage are the AmaZulu (Zulu people), gathered into KwaZulu (Zulu nation) by the renowned military tactician and warrior-leader, Shaka the Zulu. In their own words, Akunyoka yakhohlwa ngumgodi waya, no snake forgets its home.

The Zulu are rightly called a country – being the largest ethnic group in South Africa with about 11,000,000 (eleven million) people and another 500,000 (five hundred thousand) people dispersed around the Southern African sub-continent.

KwaZulu is among the nations in the world that have high regard for human dignity. For them, humans are the most advanced species of life and should be treated with respect. This belief is captured in the word Ubuntu. Ubuntu is an expression that is unique to KwaZulu. The word transmits inclusiveness, respect, kindness, belonging, acceptance, and welcome. They are warm and amicable. Hence, humaneness is a part of their daily routine.

The Zulu language, isiZulu, properly characterizes a people that respect others. This is evident in the way they refer to older men and women. There is a clear difference between the way contemporaries are addressed compared to the older folks. Moreover, this virtue is acknowledged, encouraging the younger generation to keep at it. Imagine a people that flourish in such an atmosphere of respect. They also promote solidarity, love for community, hospitality and fellowship, and many others.

KwaZulu has an array of sacred observances that bear testimony to their heritage and creativity. Some of these are rites of passage like Memelo (celebrating maturity) and Mshado (wedding). The big one is the Zulu Heritage Day observed on 24th September every year. This day allows the AmaZulu to commemorate the honourable works of Shaka Zulu in the establishment and unification of KwaZulu.

For the Zulu, Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu is true. A person is only a person because of other people.