Some insight into the Xhosa culture
Xhosa is one of the 11 official languages recognised by the South African Constitution, and in 2006 it was determined that just over seven million South Africans speak Xhosa as a home language.
The Northsider sat down with 26-year-old Roodepoort resident Anelisa Sikuni for some insight into the Xhosa Heritage as the country recognises and celebrates the cultural wealth of the nation during the September month.
Anelisa, whose home language is isiXhosa, hails from the windy city of Port Elizabeth where she grew up and learned about her heritage.
She arrived in Gauteng earlier this year and took up a career as a Sales Executive at Definite Edge Auto, while being a Chebe Natural Hair Products distributor on the side.
According to Anelisa, the Xhosa are the second largest cultural group in South Africa, after the Zulu-speaking nation.
Xhosa is one of the 11 official languages recognised by the South African Constitution, and in 2006 it was determined that just over seven million South Africans speak Xhosa as a home language.
Despite the growing influence of Western culture, many Xhosa people still practice their traditions and cultural customs.
“The Xhosa were originally cattle herders who are traditionally very hardworking and resilient people,” said Anelisa.
While demonstrating an impressive understanding of her culture, Anelisa revealed to the Northsider that missionaries introduced the Xhosa to Western choral singing.
“Among the most successful of the Xhosa hymns is the South African national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika (God Bless Africa),” explained Anelisa.
The hymn was written by a school teacher named Enoch Sontonga in 1897, while Xhosa written literature was established in the nineteenth century with the publication of the first Xhosa newspapers, novels, and plays.
“Every single person in the country should be proud of who they are and where they come from; young people should acquire knowledge about their heritage,” said Anelisa.
