When a Xhosa boy goes to initiation school, one of the skills he works on is that of stick-fighting. It is an ancient African art of deep cultural significance. A young Xhosa man who carries himself well with ‘the sticks’ wins a lot of respect wherever he goes in life. more

Wild Coast cattle can look fierce when you come across them on the beach. But do not fear - they mostly come to relax and chew the cud in peace. They're wonderful photographic subjects, with their long horns and faraway looks in their eyes. more

The Zulu people of KwaZulu-Natal were once a disparate group of clans and chieftanships. But when King Shaka melded them into one of the greatest fighting forces in history they entered the realm of myth and legend. Today Zulu culture is one of the most admired aspects of our Rainbow Nation. more

The Xhosa people of the Eastern Cape have for centuries defended their traditions against incursion. Even today Xhosa culture remains as strong and revered as ever. It is because of this resolve that they were often at the forefront of the freedom struggle. more

The Venda people are descended from the creators of the ancient civilisations of Mapungubwe and Thulamela. Amongst the last groups to arrive in South Africa, Venda culture is renowned for its intense spirituality and reverence of artists. more

The Shangaan people of the Lowveld are an amalgam of various other ethnic groups. Shangaan culture, while predominantly Nguni, incorporates many aspects of these other groups, such as the face scarring and music of the Tsonga. And their diet includes delicacies that will tempt only the most adventurous of palates. more

The Sotho are a widespread and diverse people in South Africa, with large numbers living in neighbouring Lesotho as well as across the central sections of South Africa. Loosely related to the Nguni tribes of the region, the Sotho nation was largely agricultural, tending crops and livestock for their traditional livelihood. more

The Ndebele people migrated to the Highveld some 4 centuries ago. Small in number, they are nonetheless one of the most recognisable groups in the country. This is thanks to the Ndebele culture of painting their homesteads with vibrant geometric patterns and the striking beauty in the dress of the women. more

The final stage of a young Nama’s girl’s entry into womanhood is celebrated by the staging of the 'Nama Stap', a wonderfully gentle, slow dance of the Richtersveld. This is the chance for her beau to make an impression and 'dance her from under the sheltering arms of her chaperones'. more

The Khoisan people of the Northern Cape are descended from 2 different tribes. An amalgam of the original San hunter-gatherers and the later-arriving KhoiKhoi, they were virtually annihilated by subsequent settlers. But the Khoisan culture lives on through some of the most compelling rock art on Earth. more

South African Indian culture began to take root when the first indentured labourers arrived to work on sugar-cane farms. Since then South African Indian culture has established itself as a moral beacon and upholder of human rights. And then there is their delectable food, enjoyed by most South Africans. more

South African Coloured heritage is akin to a tapestry, complexly interwoven with different cultures and races, beginning with South Africa’s first modern inhabitants, the San hunter-gatherers, and the indigenous nomadic Khoi-Khoi, or Khoen, livestock herders. more

South African kramats and mosques tell of the strength of faith in even the most awful circumstances. The first Muslims brought to the Cape arrived as either slaves or prisoners, among which were holy men who kept Islam alive and were buried in shrines known as kramats. more

Ndebele traditions are notable for the colour their women bring to both mural art and their dress, which is accessorised by brass rings around the neck, arms and legs. Ndebele beliefs are based on ancestral worship, which involves a continual dialogue between the living and their ancestors. more