Summary

This work aims to capture what is left of traditional tribal life in South Africa and to record it for posterity. In doing so, it seeks to present an account of tribal life before it vanishes. The book records the disappearance of a way of life that was bound to the traditional tribal cultures of the people who inhabited the southern lands of Africa before a major process of social, political and economic transformation was set in motion; this was through the advent of the settlers, missionaries and soldiers who came to these lands from Europe in pursuit of colonial expansion and economic power. It is divided into the major tribal groups, including the San, Nguni, Shangana-Thonga, Sotho, Venda and Lemba peoples. In addition, their individual development (education, initiation and ceremonies) is laid out and the laws and cultures of each group as well as the structures of their language are explored.