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24/01/2025

There are maps of ancient trade routes in Southern Africa, most modern maps today are based primarily on archaeological findings, oral histories and historical records, as detailed cartographic records from the precolonial period are rear. These maps highlight ancient trade routes such as;
- The Indian Ocean trade network
-Inland trade routes
-Trans Saharan trade connections
-Copper and iron trade

Modern scholars have created reconstructed maps of these trade networks which are available through various sources including academic publications, museums and online resources. Here's a guide to where you can find them:

Academic Journals and Books
- The journal of African History
-Azania: Archaeological research in Africa
(Research articles often include maps of trade routes)

Books
-The archaeology of Southern Africa by Peter Mitchell
-Great Zimbabwe: Reclaiming a forgotten past by Peter S. Garland
-Africa's ancient trade routes by Chapurukha Kusimba

University and research institutions
-University of Pretoria archaeology department

Museums
Iziko Museums of South Africa (Cape Town)
Mapungubwe Museum (University of Pretoria)
National Museum of Zimbabwe (Harare)

On line resources
-Global heritage fund
-Ancient history encyclopedia

Digital archives
- South African History Online (SAHO)

Libraries
-National library of South Africa
-Library of Congress (digital collections)

22/01/2025

The Bantu Migration Theory (not fact) was posited by German and American linguists. The linguists identified similarities among various African languages and concluded they had common origin. The theory suggests that Southern Africans originated in the Cameroon - Nigeria border region around 3000 - 2000 BCE, they migrated southward in waves, spreading their language, agricultural practices, and ironworking technology.

The theory in itself has a number of contradictions and errors that clearly reveals the bogus nature of the theory.

1. Lack of archaeological evidence: There is no direct archaeological records definitely linking specific migrations to the so called "Bantu" groups (for now let's refer to these people as such)

2. Sparse Fossil Evidence: lack of extensive human remains associated with the migration.

3. Inconsistent timelines: Different regions show evidence of "Bantu" groups and cultures at varying times, challenging this bogus theory

4. Advancements in genetics: Genetic studies reveal complex patterns of ancestry that do not align with the migration model, indicating a more nuanced history of African interactions.

5. Linguistic challenges: The spread of "Bantu" languages does not align perfectly with the proposed migration routes, as language adoption could occur without significant population movement.

The "Bantu Migration Theory " assumes a relatively uniform movement of people, it oversimplifies the cultural and linguistic diversity of African people, failing to account for local adaptations and syncretism in similar languages.

The theory heavily relies on linguistic evidence, which does not always reflect historical realities, especial when languages often spread through trade or cultural influence. The theory often focuses and tries to portray the so called "bantu" groups as colonizers, the theory underplays the complexities of interactions and coexistence, trade and intermarriages between different African groups.

21/01/2025

South Africa's pre-colonial history is deeply enriched by it's archaeological discoveries. These excavations and artifacts provide a window into the lives, cultures, and innovations of the indigenous inhabitants.

The cradle of human kind site: Is home to numerous hominid fossils, which highlights Africa's crucial region in the study of indigenous African people.

Blombos Caves: discoveries include engraved ochre and she'll beads dating back 75,000 years. Early evidence is symbolic thought and artistic expression.

San Rock Art: Depiction of animals, humans and spiritual rituals. Demonstrates sophisticated artistic techniques and story telling

Mapungubwe: A major site dating back to the 9th century CE. Artifacts found include gold figurines, pottery, and evidence of social hierarchy. Represents one of Southern Africa's earliest urban centers. Shows links to long distance trade with East Africa, India and China

K2 Settlement: Associated with Mapungubwe kingdom. Evidence of livestock management and ivory working.

Trade Networks: Demonstrates the extensive trade networks that were connected to the Indian Ocean economy. Artifacts found are glass beads, Chinese porcelain and Indian textiles.

Metallurgy and Tool Making: tools and weapons made from iron and copper with iron smelting furnaces in Limpopo and Kwazulu natal. Acheulean hand axes and other tools discovered at sites like Sterkfontein. Illustrates technological innovation and adaptation to different environments.

The archaeological record in South Africa reveals a rich tapestry of African innovation, cultural expression, and societal development long before colonial encounters. These discoveries not only highlight the sophistication of pre-colonial societies but also emphasize South Africa's global significance.

20/01/2025

The apartheid government in South Africa intentionally neglected, suppressed and went as far as to destroy indigenous monuments and heritage sites. Though the extent of outright physical destruction varies. This was part of a broader strategy to diminish the cultural identity, history, and contributions of indigenous people, aligning with apartheid's ideology of racial superiority and segregation.

Indigenous settlements and heritage sites were often bulldozed to make way for infrastructure projects or urban expansion, especially in regions designated for white occupation under apartheid laws.

In areas like the Drakensberg Mountains rock art was sometimes destroyed by settlers expanding farms or using the sites for livestock pens

Indigenous sacred sites were desecrated or repurposed for agriculture, mining, or development projects without consultation or consideration of they cultural significance.

Some indigenous sites and monuments were renamed to erase cultural significance. For instance, names derived from indigenous languages were replaced with Afrikaners or English ones.

The achievements of ancient Africa civilization were sometimes credited to non-african people like the Arabs. For example, early European settlers speculated that sites like Mapungubwe were built by "foreign civilization rather than indigenous people.

The apartheid government engaged in systemic neglect, suppression and distraction of indigenous monuments and heritage sites as part of its broader policies of racial and cultural dominance.

20/01/2025

The narrative and tendency of some Afrikaners to avoid discussing the poverty many of their ancestors experienced when they first came to South Africa can be attributed to several historical, cultural and psychological factors. Poverty has historically been stigmatized, and many cultures associate it with failure, some Afrikaners may feel uncomfortable acknowledging that their ancestors lived in impoverished conditions.

Initially in 1652 many settlers who came to the Cape as employees of the VOC (Dutch East India Company were poor Europeans seeking better opportunities.

In the 18th century many Afrikaners bacame trekboers, semi-normadic pastoralists who moved inland in search of grazing land. These individuals were typically of modest means, relying on small herds of livestock and subsistence farming. They lived simple, often rugged lives and were far from wealthy. Trekboers often lacked access to large scale trade networks and significant financial resources.

A significant portion of the Afrikaner population struggled financially, the "poor white problem" became a significant issue in the 20th century, with many Afrikaners requiring government intervention.

Many worked as labourers and lived in poverty , especially between the 19th and early 20th centuries, when industrialisation and land dispossession of indigenous people created the economic shift.

The land dispossession created a significant economic shift favouring the Boers by fundamentally altering land ownership, labour systems and resources control. Indigenous people were systematically removed from fertile land and resource rich areas which were then redistributed to Boers settlers, indigenous people were often relegated to less fertile land reducing their ability to thrive. Ultimately, this disrupted indigenous economies.

Laws like the "Natives Land Actof 1913" formalized land dispossession by restricting black people from owning or renting land outside designated "native reserves"

16/01/2025

It is critically important for African indigenous people to write their own History, the over reliant on "African History" written with western narratives will only marginalize the indigenous people of the land.

Writing our own History allows us (indigenous Africans) to document and preserve our traditions, languages, practices and achievements, which are at risk of being lost due to colonial and post colonial influences. Indigenous history includes oral traditions, myths, and perspectives that are uniquely ours and may not be captured in western historical records.

When Africans write their own History they can correct misrepresentations and provide a more accurate and balanced account of their past. Documenting their own stories fosters a sense of pride and belonging among indigenous communities. It helps counteract the historical marginalization and erasure of their contributions to African societies.

16/01/2025

Written history is not always true. While written history aims to record events and provide and account of the past, it is shaped by various factors that can influence it's accuracy, objectivity, and completeness. Historians and writers often have personal, cultural, or political biases. For example, colonial histories frequently justified imperial domination and misrepresented or minimized the perspective of the colonized.

History is often selective, focusing on certain events, people, or perspectives while omitting others. Victors in conflict, ruling elites, or dominant cultures often decide what is recorded, leading to the exclusion of marginalized or defeated groups. For example, German colonial forces in Namibia committed one of the first genocides of the 20th century, which was intentionally omitted from mainstream narratives for decades.

Written history can be deliberately manipulated to serve propaganda and ideological purposes. For instance, regimes may rewrite history to glorify their achievements or suppress inconvenient truths.

14/01/2025

Pre-colonial Southern Africa was home to extensive trade networks that facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, inventions and culture. These trade routes were connected by paths traversed by traders, herders and communities, linking various regions within Southern Africa and beyond.

Indian Ocean Coastal Trade Routes
Regions connected: Mozambique, South Africa(KZN), Swahili coast
Key ports: Sofala, Inhambane and Delagoa bay
Trade goods: Exports - Gold, Ivory, Iron, Animal skins, and copper Imports - Glass beads, textile, spices and ceramics (Arabia, India, China)

Mapungubwe - Great Zimbabwe Route
Regions connected: Limpopo River Valley (South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe)
Key centers: Mapungubwe and Great Zimbabwe
Trade goods: Gold, Copper, Ivory, and cattle were exchanged for beads, cloth and other luxury items.

Limpopo and Zambezi Rover Valley Routes
Regions connected: Zimbabwe Plateau, Mozambique, Zambia
Key centers: Great Zimbabwe and Mutapa Kingdom
Trade goods: Gold, Copper, salt, and agricultural products

Botswana-South Africa-Namibia Trade routes
Regions connected: Kalahari Basin, Namib Desert, Northern South Africa
Key groups: Tswana, Herero, Nama and San
Trade goods: Salt, Ostrich feathers, Ivory and copper

Nothern Mozambique Inland Routes
Regions connected: Northern Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania
Key trade items: Iron, Gold and ivory

Copperbelt Trade Route
Regions connected: Zambia, Katanga regions (DRC), Zimbabwe
Key goods: Copper, Iron, and salt

Nguni Trade Routes
Regions connected: Eastern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal
Key groups: Xhosa, Zulu and Swazi
Trade goods: Cattle, grain, Iron, and beads

Tswana Trade Networks
Regions connected: Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Key groups: Tswana clans
Trade goods: Salt, Iron, and cattle

Namib Desert and Atlantic Coast Routes
Regions: Namibia, Angola
Key groups: Nama, Herero
Trade goods: Salt, Copper, and ostrich feathers

These routes were vital for the economic prosperity and cultural exchange in Southern Africa. They contributed to the rise of powerful kingdoms like Mapungubwe, Great Zimbabwe, and Mutapa and facilitated the spread of ideas across regions.

14/01/2025

Ubuntu - Botho is a profound African philosophy that emphasizes community, interconnectedness, and shared humanity. Ubuntu - Botho as a principle is deeply ingrained in the cultural and social fabric of many Southern African societies. It has been been practiced for generations, shaping interpersonal relationships, community governance and conflict resolution.

Lesotho
Among the basotho people, Botho expresses and values collectivism, mutual aid, and respect for others, particularly in family and community settings.

Botswana
Among the Batswana, the concept of Botho emphasizes kindness, mutual respect, and the interconnectedness of individuals within a community.

Eswatini
Ubuntu is a fundamental principle in Swati culture, reflected in their traditions of community work, shared resources and respect for elders.

Zimbabwe
The principle is practiced among Shona and Ndebele people, reflecting their emphasis on communal support systems, and the well being of the group.

Namibia
Ubuntu - Botho is evident in the traditions of several ethnic groups including the Ovambo, Herero and Damara, emphasizing harmony, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Mozambique
Among the Tsonga and Mania people, communal values and collective problem solving align with Ubuntu - Botho principles

Malawi
Among the Chewa and Yao people, the principles are reflected in the focus on community and shared responsibilities.

Zambia
Practiced among the Bemba, Lozi and other ethnic groups, is seen in community collaboration and the prioritization of collective wellbeing

Leaders like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu popularised the term "Ubuntu" in the post apartheid era but the principle has been practiced in Africa for thousands of years.

13/01/2025

Let's digress a bit, Why is a significant number of homes constructed using wood-frame method's in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is in a highly active seismic zone due to the San Andreas Fault. Wood frame houses are more flexible than brick structures, making them better able to withstand earthquakes. Bricks building tend to crack and collapse under seismic stress, while wood absorbs and distributes the energy more effectively. Over time, California's building codes have increasingly emphasized earthquake safety, favoring materials like wood for residential construction.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a plentiful supply of timber from nearby forests, making wood a convenient and cost effective material, wood was easier to transport to the rapidly growing city of Los Angeles during it's early development particularly before the advent of extensive railway network. Wood frame construction allows for quicker assembly compared to brickwork which was advantageous during periods of rapid urban expansion.

Unfortunately, Los Angeles is highly prone to wildfires due to a combination of environmental, climatic, and human factors. Wood is highly flammable, early Los Angeles urban development lacked large scale fire prevention infrastructure. As of today, over 12 000 structures, at least 16 people dead, insurance industry anticipated losses reaching up to $20billion, with economic losses estimated between $135billion and $150billion.

11/01/2025

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10/01/2025

Gold holds significant historical, cultural, and symbolic importance in many indigenous South African societies. Gold in ancient times was used in metaphors for describing beauty or purity in traditional songs and poetry. Gold was also associated with leadership, divine right and the spiritual connection of chiefs and kings to their people. Though cattle were often the main measure of wealth, gold had a unique status in trade and as a luxury item.

Setswana (Khauta/Gauta/Botlepethepe)
The Setswana words for gold has roots in older trade networks and reflects pre-colonial interactions with gold as a traded community.

Sepedi (Gauta/Khauta)
The communities, particularly those near Mapungubwe(one of the southern Africa's sophisticated kingdoms) had indirect access to gold through regional trade networks

Sesotho (Khauta)
In Sesotho cultures, gold is often a metaphor in storytelling, songs, and proverbs representing something priceless

Xitsonga (Nsuku)
Nsuku is closely linked to the natural world, symbolizing purity, brilliance and high value. Tsonga communities in the eastern regions had access to gold through regional trade with Great Zimbabwe

Tshivenda (Lutshețhe)
Lutshețhe is tied to traditional beliefs and spiritual practices, it was closely linked to royalty and blessing rituals. The Venda people share cultural ties with the Mapungubwe kingdom, known forcjts gold artifacts.

Nguni - Zulu, Xhosa, Swati, Ndebele (Igolide)
The term igolide is derived from the word Gold, introduced through interactions with European colonizers and traders. In Nguni settlements gold was not traditionally mined extensively but it's value became prominent through trade.

09/01/2025

The indigenous people of South Africa have inhibited and settled in the area around Pretoria for thousands of years before European contact. Archaeological evidence proves that this region was part of a well established settlements and cultures that predate the arrival of Europeans in southern African. Particularly, Setswana speaking people have been in the area for a period 100 - 1700CE, with oral histories going back even further to the BCE era.

Pretoria, initially part of the territory of various Setswana speaking groups, was forcefully taken during Boer territorial expansion. The Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) in the mid 19th century under Boer leadership formalized land grabs, with indigenous peoplebeing pushed out and reduced to tenant laborers.

Some of the methods used of land dispossession
-Military force
-Treaties filled with deception
-Taxation and forced labour

The deep rooted history of Batswana in the Pretoria area highlight their resilience and cultural richness. Today, the heritage of these communities is reflected in South Africa's archaeological sites/ ancient stone ruins, oral histories and ongoing cultural practices

09/01/2025

Witsie's cave (Lehaeng la Wetsi) is a sacred site in the Free State, is named after Matebi (Wetsi)(also spelled Oetsi)the grandson of Chief Seeka of Makholokoe. The cave is largely associated with Makholokoe - a tribe of the Basotho and has a rich history relating this tribe, as well as the interactions between indigenous South Africans and boers in the 1800s.

The cave served as a sanctuary and it is associated with a leader who provided refuge for his people in the face of external threats and pressures from Boer settlements and Zulu expansion. It's isolation and access to water and food sources enabled it to serve as a safe haven during times of conflict. The cave's natural geography made it an ideal defensive stronghold.

In 1856 King Wetsi was dispossessed of the land by the Free State Dutch government and a big war ensued between Makholokoe and the Dutch, Wetsie used the cave as a fortress and the boers bombed the cave. Wetsi managed to escape and joined Poka II son of Molupi in Lesotho. It is then after that the cave was named after him and the area Witsieshoek.

08/01/2025

Several countries have seen exponential economic growth, political stability, infrastructure development, education, healthcare and human rights post-colonialism. It is essential to note that colonization often caused systemic challenges that many African countries continue to grapple with today. That said, some countries are often cited for significant post-colonial advancements due to their relative stability, governance and economic progress.

1. Botswana
A former British protectorate until independence in 1966, minimal infrastructure develounder colonial rule. Botswana has maintained a multiparty democracy since independence with the discovery of diamonds in the 1960s transforming the economy. Prudent management of diamond revenues has driven development. Ranked high in African governance indices due to low corruption and effective leadership.

2. Rwanda
Colonized by Germany and later Belgium, gaining independence in 1962. The post colonial period was marked by ethnic tensions exacerbated by colonial policies, culminating in the 1994 genocide.
Rwanda has rebuilt rapidly since the genocide, achieving one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. Massive investments in infrastructure and urbanization, particularly in Kigali, the capital. Rwanda is a global leader in eco-tourism and conservation, particularly for mountain gorillas.

3. Ghana
First sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from Britain in 1957. Ghana has established itself as one of Africa's most stable democracies since the 1990s. Beyond gold and cocoa, Ghana has developed it's oil and gas sectors. Ghana has played a central role in the African union and pan-Africanism since independence.

While these countries have made significant strides post independence, their success and achievement stem from
-Wise leadership and governance
-Strategic use of natural resources
-Resilience and innovation in the face of challenges.

08/01/2025

Tlokwe stone walled settlements, also known as the stone circles of Tlokwe was an ancient settlements located near the modern day city of Potchefstroom, North West, South Africa.

The remnants of this ancient ancient settlements, like many others across southern Africa, offer valuable insight into South African societies and their sophisticated ways of life thousands of years before European contact.

Tlokwe settlements consisted of circular stone walls which were characteristic of pre-colonial African settlements in the region. These walls served as enclosures for living quarters, community spaces and livestock enclosures. The circular design is a hallmark of Southern African architecture, symbolizing unity and continuity.

Archaeological evidence indicates a hierarchical society, with the positioning and the size of the structures indicating the status of their inhabitants. Leaders often resided in central locations, signifying their importance. The area around Tlokwe was strategically important for trade and agriculture, benefiting from fertile lands and proximity to rivers. The settlements are believed, by archaeologists to have thrived between the 14th to the 18th centuries CE.

07/01/2025

Dear African child,

What you're referring to as "white wedding" is simply a Western Traditional Wedding highlighting western values and customs.

What you're referring to as a traditional wedding is an African Traditional Wedding highlighting African values and customs.

You can do both if you afford but don't, for even a second assume the white wedding is superior to the African wedding.

07/01/2025

In South Africa, a hybrid wedding combining Western and African traditions is a popular way most couples choose to get married.

Traditional African Wedding
1. Magadi-Lobola negotiations: finalizing and acknowledging the bride price
2. Traditional dress: the bride and groom wear their specific ethnic group attire.
3. Rituals: blessings from elders, ancestral acknowledgement, and symbolic acts like the slaughtering of an animal and sharing traditional beer.

Western-style traditions wedding (White wedding)
Thus part resembles a classic western wedding ceremony, typically held in a church, garden or even hall. Features include:
1. A white bridal gown and a suit or tuxedo for the groom
2. Exchange of vows and rings
3. A pastor or officiant leading the ceremony
4. Bridesmaids, groomsmen and a formal procession.
5. Guests dress in western formal wear for this segment.

Some couples choose to combine both traditions into one ceremony, where the bride might change outfits during the event - from a white gown to traditional attire, the officiating may include religious prayers and traditional blessings. In some cases, western rituals like the ring exchange are complemented by African practices like the handing over of gifts to elders or the symbolic unification of families.

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Land was forcefully taken from indigenous South African people.

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Few of the reasons why Africa had smaller kingdoms and never really took off as large unified empires. Comment if you agree or disagree to this theory

The truth is often lost in translation (2)

The truth is always lost in translation.

A man from Limpopo, Giyani has built himself his dream sports car and his car was previewed on @rediculous rides Flying the South African flag very high