The Sotho tribe is made up of 3 three distinct groups – the Basotho (Southern Sotho) , the Pedi (Northern Sotho) and the Tswana (many of whom live in Botswana). The Sotho people originate from remnants of other tribes that had migrated into Southern Africa around the 5th century and were scattered by the wars and raids of the Zulus under King Shaka.
An estimated 7 million Sesotho speaking people as well as those speaking related languages live in South Africa and a further 3 million live in Lesotho, a mountainous independent state since October 1966 situated between the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape Province.
The main group in South Africa are the Southern Sotho (Basotho), who were gathered together, from many groups of Sotho speaking people, under Basutu chief Moshesh and built a stronghold on the summit of Thaba Bosigo. In 1822 Moshesh, had a following of 21,000. This number grew rapidly as more and more tribes joined and inhabited the area of Basotholand (now Lesotho) and the Free State. For some time Moshesh paid nominal allegiance to Shaka, but in the end he grew strong enough to beat off his assaults.
The Sotho tribe are sometimes known as the cowboys of the plains of South Africa due to their exceptional horse riding skills used for cattle herding. They are also outstanding at basket weaving of all kinds, mats and all items that can be woven from grasses. Their abilities as artisans are well known for the wood, metal and leather items they produce.
The Basotho are distinguished by their thick colourful blankets and conical hats and in traditional villages you will see the men wearing trousers and shirts, but wrapped around by the blankets which indicate a linkage to the important moments of their family life.
You’ll be able to pick up some of the traditional goods associated with this tribe if you take a trip to South Africa. There are some great sites online that will price up very cheap holidays to South Africa. In the mean time, continue to read about the different cultures in each region of the country on my blog.
Me and my boyfriend want to live in a tribe in Africa for few months at the begining of next year. How would we go about contacting a tribe, or getting any information on doing so? Please help us, as this would be a dream come through!
I’d like to go live with an indigenous tribe in South Africa or Namibia next year. I do have a basic understanding of Setswana and have a few survival skills. I want to do this to broaden my horizons and get to know other cultures. I want to physically work with them everyday to collect food and drink without technology. Any help with making this come true would be appreciated. My passport is ready and I’ll be able to visit any place in Southern Africa. Thanks
Rohan Roodt
Unfortunately most of Southern Africa has been urbanized and the are a handful of tribal villages left. The only one i know of the Basotho Cultural Village in Clarens South Africa but its just tourist attraction. They do have old Rondavels that tourist can sleep in.