What you don't know about the Tswana people of Africa

Welcome to SeeAfricaBlog.A platform where we explore the uniqueness of diverse African Cultures,history,Folklores,Cuisines and it's beautiful people.
Today our Focus is on an Amazing tribe found in the heart of South Africa;The Tswana tribe.

                          Tswana


There are several ethnic groups in Botswana, the largest of which by far is the Tswana people, making up almost 80% of the total population. Other groups are the Basarwa, Basubiya, Bayei and Hambukushu. Collectively all these ethnic groups are called ‘Batswana’ – people of Botswana.
Tribes of Tswana music is mostly vocal and performed, sometimes without drums depending on the occasion; it also makes heavy use of string instruments. Tswana folk music has instruments such as Setinkane (a Botswana version of miniature piano), Segankure/Segaba (a Botswana version of the Chinese instrument Erhu), Moropa (Meropa -plural) (a Botswana version of the many varieties of drums),and phala (a Botswana version of a whistle used mostly during celebrations, which comes in a variety of forms).Botswana
Tswana are a Bantu speaking Ethnic group who are Native to South Africa.They are found in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
Botswana is named after the Tswana people and means simply ‘land of the Tswana people’. The Tswana typically live in large villages built around the chief’s hut and those of his extended family. Issues that concern the tribe are brought before a kgotla, or traditional court, where individuals are encouraged to speak openly. The equality inherent in the kgotla is certainly a contributing factor in Botswana’s democratic traditions and general stability compared to many other countries in the region. Cattle are of great importance in the Tswana culture, with the size of the herd defining wealth, and a man giving cattle to the parents of his future wife as part of a dowry.

Religious beliefs of the Tswana

 pre-colonial era, most of the Batswana believed in a supreme being by the name Modimo. Modimo was thought to be a creator and director who was distant and remote. Despite believing in a supreme being, this ethnic group also believed in the ancestors, also known as the Badimo. The Badimo had a significant influence on the daily activities of the members of the tribe, and therefore, appeals to them were made with sacrifices, prayers, and appropriate behavior.
However, in the early nineteen century, the missionaries arrived in the region with the Batswana. They brought about education, Christianity, schools, and the western values in the tribe. Today, most of the Batswana belong to the African Independent Churches, which embrace the Christian and non-Christian beliefs, myths, and practices.

Setswana food


Besides the attractive African traditional attire of the tribe, which is commonly known as the Tswana traditional wear, this ethnic community also captures the attention of others with their food. One of the most popular types of food in this culture is Bogobe. Bogobe is a type of porridge, which is made from sorghum or millet. Another favorite food that is sorghum porridge is Ting. Bogobe jwa Logala/Sengana is another famous dish which is a traditional Setswana dish that is prepared from sorghum porridge and then mixed or cooked with milk.

Music
Tswana music is mostly vocal and performed, sometimes without drums depending on the occasion; it also makes heavy use of string instruments. Tswana folk music has instruments such as Setinkane (a Botswana version of miniature piano), Segankure/Segaba (a Botswana version of the Chinese instrument Erhu), Moropa (Meropa -plural) (a Botswana version of the many varieties of drums),and phala (a Botswana version of a whistle used mostly during celebrations, which comes in a variety of forms).


Notable personalities of Tswana Origin.

 Tswana has produced illustrious Sons and daughters in most every field of Human endeavors. Some of which include:
  Khuli Chana:South African Hip-Hop Artist
Patrice Motsepe:A south African mning Tycoon
Kgalema Motlanthe,former South Africa President
Seretse Khama,Ian Khama,Mokgweetsi Masisi,Quett Masire (All one time President of Botswana).
Mpule Kwelagobe,Former miss Universe.

Tswana has a rich culture and historical background. They are Hospitable people with alluring personalities.
Africa is blessed to be a home to many Rich cultures as Tswana.


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