As 2023 began, I started to reflect on the year that had passed. Each day at Londolozi had followed a natural rhythm. Waking up to the dawn chorus of francolins and scrub-robins, and going to sleep to the haunting call of a hyena or distant lion roar. Few understand these rhythms better than Londolozi’s elders Freddy Ngobene, Jerry Hambana, Rose Ubisi and Judas Ngomane. They are members of the Shangaan tribe, who have lived in harmony with this land since the late 1800s, and developed a great affinity towards it. So much so that their entire calendar year was based around its natural rhythms.

Ancient Shangaan Wisdom

January – Sunguti

“The beginning”

Jerry Hambana describes this as his favourite month. A time when grazing for cattle was plentiful and the marula trees began to bear fruits. These fruits can be used to make jams and beer and, needless to say, for Jerry and most Shangaan people, this is a month of laughter and festivity.

Sunguti is a month when the bush is green and lush, and marula fruits ripen.

February – N’yenyana

“When the birds begin to breed”

During the month of N’yenyana, most of the migrant birds have returned, and begin to breed. One particular bird species which marks this phenomenon for the elders is the Red-billed Quelea. These highly gregarious birds fly over in their thousands, creating a rolling wave of birds across the landscape. Once they reach their nesting site, the male sings while fluttering his wings in proud demonstration while completing the nest. “The noise wakes us sometimes”, says Rosy.

N’yenyana refers to the breeding season of the birds. Here, a flock of red-billed queleas flock together in their thousands to breed.

March – N’yenankulu

“When the chicks grow bigger”

The Quealeas lay their first egg as soon as the nest is able to hold it, and the male continues to build it thereafter. Once hatched after about 10 days, the tiny Quelea chicks start to open their eyes and grow their first feathers. At 20 days old, they begin to fly and are independent. The independence of these chicks marks the month of Nyenankulu.

Like the Red-billed Quelea, many other birds also lay their eggs and raise their chicks during this month.

April and May – Dzivamusoko and Mudyaxihi

“A time of plenty”

Shangaan people have survived for years by practising sustainable horticulture. Freddy describes this as a time for harvest, when the plants grow and when families are able to eat peanuts, pumpkins, green beans, wild raisins and mielie meal (ground corn) all together at this time.

Mudyaxihi is the time of plenty, where Shangaan families enjoy the fruits of their harvest.

June – Khotavuxika

“The beginning of winter”

Temperatures in the Lowveld typically drop to about 4°C (approximately 40° F) during our winter and the days become shorter. This marks the start of Khotavuxika. Fortunate, one of our staff chefs, describes this as, “a time when we all wear warm clothes, and sit around the fire when we are telling stories.” Storytelling around a fire is an imperative part of the Shangaan culture. Everyone must attend, and it is how elders pass on life lessons to the younger children.

Storytelling is a key part of the Shangaan culture. Here, Andrea Sithole, a master storyteller, imparts his wisdom to a captivated audience.

July and August – Mawuwani and Mhawuri

“The windy time”

During these two months, the leaves on most deciduous trees, which have turned yellow and brown, are blown off due to the stronger winds experienced. This is necessary for the trees to begin producing new leaves when spring arrives, a time of new life. For the Shangaan people, when Mawuwana begins, it signifies the time to begin planting new seeds and getting the crops ready for the next season.

When the windy months of Mawuwana and Mhawuri arrive, it is time to plant crops for the next season.

September – Ndhzati

“Starting to prepare”

Ndhzati marks a month of preparation for the upcoming farming season. To prevent animals from eating the crops, fences made from thorn branches are constructed around them.

During Ndzhati, it is time to prepare for the crops to grow.

October – Nhlangula

“The time of the Guarri fruit”

‘Nhlanguleni’ is the Shangaan name for the Magic Guarri bush. This tree has several significant cultural uses. The fruits, which ripen during this month, are sweet and relished by people and animals alike. The twigs, once cleaned and chewed, can be used as a toothbrush substitute together with toothpaste made from the ash of a leadwood tree. The Latin name Euclea divinorum is derived from the supposed ability of this tree to help people divine for water. Judas Ngomane is said to be one of the few people able to find underground water using this bush.

Judas Ngomane and ranger Rob Jeffrey. Judas is one of the elders believed to be able to divine for water using a branch from the magic guarri bush.

November and December – Hukuri and New’ndza mhala

“The month of the impala”

One of the best things about the summertime at Londolozi is the birth of the impala lambs. Starting from mid-November, impala ewes begin to drop their lambs. Within about three weeks, the majority of the lambs have been born. Towards mid-December, most of the wildebeest also drop their calves and the open crests are filled with young impalas, wildebeest and zebras. To the Shangaan people, this marks the end of the year.

The birth of the impala lambs signifies the end of the year for the Shangaan people, during the month of New’ndza mhala.

I was fascinated by just how closely the Shangaan people lived to nature and how truly dependent on it they were, and still are. Judas summed it up, while Jerry translated;

“We survived together with the natural world, and we knew that if we did not take care of it, there would be nothing for us and our children the next year”.

Therein lies a powerful message for modern society, from the words of an ancient culture.