South Africa

We Will Explore

• Superfoods & Taboos
• Holidays, Customs and Special Occasions
• Religion Variations

Superfoods

Teff is grown in Ethiopia. It is a fine grain that packs a serious nutritional punch with a cup of cooked teff containing 123mg of calcium which is about the same as half a cup of spinach. It’s also high in protein, iron, and unusual for a grain in vitamin C.

Baobab Fruit is a common tree in eastern and southern Africa’s savannahs, and its fruit provides nutrition to both humans and many animals like birds and bees. Baobab fruit is very dry and it is used to make juice from its powder of by soaking the fruit and straining out the pulp and seeds. Baobab fruit is particularly high in antioxidants as well as fiber (10 times the fiber of apples)

Native to tropical Africa and prized for its sweet and sour flavor, tamarind is used to make juice, and is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Tamarind is particularly useful for restoring electrolyte imbalance when you’re experiencing dehydration, It is served as a glass of ukwaju to a guest coming in from a hot day or as a hangover remedy.

The coconut has some serious health benefits. Its unique fatty-acid combination promotes healthy brain function; protein-containing coconut milk aids the digestive system, it is a natural antiviral, and boosts skin health. Like tamarind, coconut water is a great electrolytic drink, re-hydrating the body .

The leaves from Kenkiliba shrub are used to make an infusion tea that is touted as a digestive detoxifier and cure-all. Some West African Muslims will break their all-day Ramadhan fast with bread and a sweet and milky kenkiliba tea, as kenkiliba is a digestive stimulant.

Taboos

• It’s impolite to point with your index finger so use an open hand
• Don’t initiate or participate in racist or sexist conversations should the topic arise
• The “V” or peace sign is the same as giving “someone the finger”, and it’s usually punctuated by an upward thrust of the hand

Holidays

• 1 January: New Year's Day 21 March: Human Rights Day 25 March: Good Friday 28 March: Family Day 27 April: Freedom Day 1 May: Workers Day 2 May: Public holiday 16 June: Youth Day 9 August: National Women's Day 24 September: Heritage Day 16 December: Day of Reconciliation 25 December: Christmas Day 26 December: Day of Goodwill

Customs:
Reed Dancing Virgins
The festival takes its name from the riverbed reeds which are carried by the maidens. The Reed Dance is a solemn occasion for the teenagers but it is also an opportunity to show off their singing, dancing and bead work

Special Occasion
Summertime is Braai-time
The South African braai. It's like our cookout, and although they do sausages of a sort they never do hamburgers.

Relgious Variations

Islam dominates the North and East of the continent, while Christianity dominates the South and West. It’s important to note that the reality on the ground is much more complicated

These are some traditional clothing pieces from South Africa that may be worn during religious ceremonies. The garments are covering and respectable. They are also made with vibrant colors to symbolize their different religions.

Ko is the Patron Goddess of Hunting of the Bushmen of South Africa. She may appear at the pre-hunt dance to share the secrets of where to find game. Her touch gives the hunter perfect coordination and sharp eyes.