Celebrating Pedi pride through food and fashion
Exploring the beautiful side of Northern Sotho culture with residents Nape Masoba and Aletta Mlambo as they share insights on traditional Pedi clothing and cuisine.
To celebrate their Pedi heritage, Nape Masoba and Aletta Mlambo explained the intricate details of their traditional clothing and homemade food.
• Also read: Traditions that shape a proud Xhosa woman
Northern Sotho attire
As Nape mentioned, the Northern Sotho tradition is recognised for its detailed and symbolic attire. Virgins, especially those without children, wear garments that reveal their navel, knees and lower legs, referred to as Mabejani. This is done to signify youth and chastity.
An unmarried Northern Sotho woman who has children, Nape explained, typically wears a mid-length dress called Myebelese. However, married Northern Sotho women don long dresses made from various materials and fabrics.
Nape explained that when a woman gets married, she can undergo initiation. If she chooses not to undertake the initiation, Nape stated, she may feel excluded from the group of women who have gone through it. This initiation ceremony is very unique to their heritage, and the details remain a closely guarded secret within the community of women who have experienced it.
Nevertheless, the initiation is open to women of any age and race. Nape expressed that even a white woman marrying into the culture can participate.
I love the married clothing because I usually identify myself with it. It is my biggest pride and I enjoy explaining my culture to others,” Nape said.
Northern Sotho cuisine
Aletta explained that the first step in preparing a beautiful Pedi dish is to light a fire. In their culture, it is customary to start a fire by rubbing sticks and grass together, known as Tsekga. To keep the fire burning, she uses Segogothi (maize meal) and dried cow dung. Kgopha (dried aloe plant) can also be used to maintain the fire.
This fire then fuels the preparation of special dishes for ceremonies and celebrations. One such dish, called Boswa (a soft pap without salt), can be enjoyed with chicken. Mopani worms are sometimes added to make the dish more special.
For a snack, Aletta mentioned that peanuts can be cooked, shelled and roasted. The roasted peanuts can then be ground and mixed with spinach to create a sweet snack. Cooked sweet potatoes are also served as a snack; however, Aletta stressed that they should be eaten in moderation.
For a lighter snack, the Northern Sotho also prepare roasted corn removed from the cob.
