Xhosa is a South African tribe in known for its unique cultural and traditional heritage. They speak Bantu languages and pride themselves in preserving their culture. Famous people like Mariam Makeba, Thabo Mbeki and Nelson Mandela are members of the Xhosa tribe.

Fact 1: In 1857, a young child who was related to a prophet misled her Xhosa people into committing national suicide through burning all their crops and killing over 20,000 cows in order to become cleansed of witchcraft.  

Fact 2: The first encounter that Europeans had with African people was with the Xhosa tribe, which explains why many historians think that all Africans residing in South Africa are called ‘œXhosa’.

Fact 3: The Xhosa were pastoralists but their gradual movement was essentially more of expanding their territory instead of migration.

Fact 4: In Xhosa clans individual members support each other during times of predicament and also during important ceremonies such as offering sacrifices.

Fact 5: Immediately after a Xhosa child is born, he or she is expected to go through several graduation stages that recognize his development and thus allocate him a place within the community.

Fact 6: The bond formed by Xhosa people amongst themselves is so strong that it extends to helping and reprimanding the neighbor’s child.

Fact 7: When a Xhosa girl reaches puberty she has to be danced and sang for to prevent the wicked spirits from affecting her in future.

Fact 8: initiation rites in the Xhosa community are very expensive usually involving the killing of cows, plus provision of beer and various other foodstuffs for feeding attendants over a couple of weeks.

Fact 9: Many Xhosa people still practice traditional medicine today since they have strong beliefs in retaining their culture.

Fact 10: Male circumcision is an essential event amongst the Xhosa with the complete ritual being spread over 3 months.