Historical Review of Zulu Tribe

According to history, the Black South Africans are divided into different ethnic groups. These groups are:

• Sotho
• Shangaan- Tsonga
• Venda
• Nguni.
  

The most dominant of these 4 groups are the Ngunis. The Zulu, a Nguni people were a small chieftaincy people who stayed near a White Mfolozi, but they brought about the amalgamation of regional chieftaincy into the Zulu kingdom.  In the 18th century, a number of chieftaincy sprung up and it resulted into a transformation of organized state where the people in authority demonstrated leadership skills over their own people as well as conquered neighbouring people. As a result, there were political, economical and social changes.


The word Zulu means "Sky" and comes from history. The ancestors who founded the Zulu royal line are called Zulu.

The most spoken official language in South Africa is the IsiZulu language. The Zimbabwes and Cape people understand this language also. The IsiZulu language has some respectable terms for adults. The use of Initials for adults is not condoned and that is why they use Baba- father, and Mama- mother even if the adults are not their direct parent.


The difference between the Zulu and Xhosa culture is as a result of the colonial distinction between Cape and Natal colonies. They both speak similar languages and share similar customs, the only difference is their historical experience. More northerners consist of the Zulu tribe and this made them eradicate the rule of circumcision.

During the colonial era, many Zulu converted to Christianity. However, they are known not to joke with their tradition, they can be  otherwise called traditional practicer and Christians. They are ardent ancestral worshippers who so much believe in an ancestral spirit called "Amadlozi" or "Abaphansi." They are called "spirits of the dead"... While they also believe in a higher being called "Umvelinqangi" meaning "the one who comes first." They dwell on the notion that there's a link between Umveliqans and those on Earth. They also believe that sickness, drought, problem etc are from the ancestors serving as a punishment to the land. On any account of these, they offer peace offerings to the ancestors to restore peace, wealth and prosperity to the land.


The Zulu people are accommodating, and loving. They believe in Oneness and in family (Umndeni). They also regard people who are not their blood, but through adoption, marriage etc as family too. The children all gather to eat in a place - they so much believe in winning and dining together. They are a huge demonstration of the Ubuntu (humane) philosophy. The Zulu culture and history are transmitted through poems, storytelling and proverbs.

Talking about people of strong fighting spirit, they top the list: which makes Shaka Zulu, an unforgettable fighter in the whole of Zulus history. The Zulu tribe celebrates Shaka's day in honour of the great  famous Shaka. Their outfit on that day of his remembrance include a full attire with weapons strapped to their waist and they gather at  KwaDukuza where Shaka's tombstone is to celebrate him.


The Zulus are also into weaving, craft-making and pottery. The men generally are responsible for shelter, defending their families, making weapons and rearing of cattles. While the women tend to the home and crop raising.


The first Zulu writing started by missionaries in the then Natal. The prominent of them are: S.B Stone, H Callaway, Lewis Grant, etc.  The people they had first contact with are the likes of Magema Fuze and Ndiyane. They were taught communication, English and Basic writing skills from about 1830-1841.

The first Christian booklet produced in Zulu was by Newton Adams, George Newton and Aldin Grout(1837-8) titled "Incwadi Yokuqala Yabafundayi." It was spelt in Zulu and it was all about the history of the Old Testament. Between 1845-1883, the first translated version of the Bible was produced in old Zulu orthography. In the year 1859, the first Zulu grammar book was also produced by L. Grout.