By Thokozani Mazibuko
Eswatini, a country steeped in history and rich cultural heritage, has a fascinating past that dates back to the early Stone Age.
According to artefacts discovered in the region, human activity can be traced back to ancient times, with the earliest inhabitants being Khoisan hunter-gatherers.
As time passed, the population of Eswatini became predominantly Nguni, due to the great Bantu migrations that took place. People speaking languages ancestral to today’s Sotho and Nguni languages began settling in the region as early as the 11th century, shaping the cultural tapestry of the country.
The name ‘Eswatini’ itself derives from King Mswati II, who was a renowned and powerful ruler in the history of the country. Mswati II, known as one of the greatest fighting kings of Eswatini, significantly expanded the territory, doubling its size to what it is today.
The people of Eswatini are organized into clans, with distinct identities and histories. These clans, including Emakhandzambili, Bemdzabu, and Emafikamuva, signify the different waves of settlement and migration that have shaped the cultural landscape of the country over the years.
Through the centuries, Eswatini has preserved its traditions and customs, celebrating its unique heritage through vibrant festivals, dances, and ceremonies. The country’s cultural diversity is a testament to the rich history of its people and their enduring spirit.
As Eswatini continues to evolve and grow, it is essential to embrace and honour its past, recognizing the contributions of those who have shaped the nation into what it is today. By celebrating its history and cultural heritage, Eswatini can pave the way for a brighter future built upon a strong foundation of tradition and legacy.
Khoisan Tribe families celebrate cultural heritage at a philanthropic event in Eswatini.
Embiveni Biggest Braai plays a great role in the history books of the country
Last Thursday, three families from the Khoisan Tribe gathered at the Embiveni Biggest in Eswatini, a fundraising event organized by the Philani Maswati Charity Organisation.
The event provided a platform for the Khoisan families to reconnect with their cultural heritage and share their traditions with pupils from various schools in the region.
Amidst music, dance, and laughter, the Khoisan families immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the event, showcasing their unique customs and practices. The families took the opportunity to engage with the young pupils, sharing stories of their ancestors and the deep connections they have with the land of Eswatini.
As they mingled with the attendees, the Khoisan families were able to underscore the importance of preserving their cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations. The event served as a reminder of the rich history and traditions that have shaped the identity of the Khoisan people and their enduring bond with Eswatini.
The Philani Maswati Charity Organisation, known for its philanthropic efforts in the region, provided a platform for cultural exchange and celebration at the Embiveni Biggest. The event not only raised funds for a worthy cause but also fostered a sense of unity and appreciation for the diverse cultures that make up the tapestry of Eswatini.
As the sun set on the day’s festivities, the Khoisan families left the event with hearts full of pride and gratitude for the opportunity to share their heritage with the community. Their presence at the Embiveni Biggest served as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Khoisan Tribe and the importance of cultural preservation in a rapidly changing world.
In celebrating their traditions and connecting with the younger generation, the Khoisan families left an indelible mark on the event, highlighting the beauty and significance of cultural diversity in Eswatini.
The Khoisan Tribe has a history with the Ngwenya Iron Ore Mine
In the Eswatini National Archives, Eswatini Sunday has established that the Khoisan Tribes have a history with the oldest mines in the land of Eswatini.
The old mines of Ngwenya, inactive since 2017, claim to be the oldest mine in the world. This is because the San people used to come here to scrape iron off the rocks for those rock paintings you may have seen in other areas (including Drakensberg), as well as sunscreen would you believe it? The guide used it for his hand and says he uses is every time he comes here on a tour.
Arriving at 08:00 when they opened the gate (actually I opened it but the guy came down the road a few minutes later anyway), I paid the entrance fee of 30 Rand (equals to 30 emalangeni but I didn’t have any) and we drove up to the visitor centre with my car. The ticket price includes a great tour guide. The park also has game so you could technically pay just the park entrance fee and see everything by yourself, but it wouldn’t be very insightful.
As usually there are two staff on hand it isn’t a problem if he leaves but at the moment he is alone and he unmanned the booth and any tourists arriving after me would have to wait for 90 minutes. I thus strongly suggest to be there at 08:00 as well. The tour is quite long because it involves some light hiking to the Lion Cavern. The visitor centre, unfortunately, burnt down in September last year.
The first stop is in front of it nevertheless to view the old Ngwenya mining pit. I had a very foggy day and the pictures online are a thousand times better than what I shot. Anyway, this isn’t special because this was used for modern iron mining. The main point of interest is the Lion Cavern which is one of four caverns still in existence. The other 3 were destroyed by recent mining, shocking as it is. The entire area is full of rusty iron and I can understand how it is easy and valuable to take the entire rock outcrop.
There was supposed to be mining activity until 2019 by an Indian company but it stopped a couple of years earlier due to lack of returns. This is one of the reasons though, that I find the site can’t be considered as a WHS. A mine would have to be completely shut down and not have mining equipment lying about. It wouldn’t be hard to clean up and eliminate future contracts, but the site isn’t ready for that yet. Perhaps only the Lion Cavern is, but I find the evidence is lacking that this iron is exactly the one used for rock art.
