One of the magnificent things about South Africa is our diverse array of cultures, hence the nickname 'Rainbow-Nation'

Another great attribute of this lovely country is the care that we take in preserving the various cultures, while educating as we go. These pics were taken at a Cultural Village that does exactly just that.

Above you can see the chief tribal leader of the village, he rules the village with an iron fist and ensures resolution of matters within the village, much like an olden day King would, only difference is that the people do have a lot more freedom in the modern day and age.

Here we can see the tribal 'Sangoma' of the village, she is the traditional healer of the village, she only makes use of traditional 'muti' (meaning medicine). The medicine that they use is completely natural and made from mostly indigenous plants. She also deals with spiritual issues of the tribe, and is believed to be able to communicate with the spirit world.

The Shangana Cultural Village does not only boast with the display of traditional cultures of the Shangaan people of southern Africa, the entire village is built as they used to do it before modern day technology and production. above you can see one of the traditional clay huts, these huts are made with river clay combined with cow dung around a structure of tree branch cuttings. The roof is also structured around cut branches and then thatched with hand cut grass.

In this photograph, a local village boy demonstrated 'horn blowing'. This was the traditional 'alarm' of the village. Made from a hollowed out and treated Kudu horn, this instrument makes a bellowing trumpet sound, that was commonly used by the lookout to warn the villagers of dangers approaching, it was also used to announce important guests as well as for other ceremonial occasions.

If you look closely, you will see that the board on the gate behind the boy reads "Tours: Don't go past or you might get eaten by wild animals" one of the reasons for this is that the Shangana cultural village is situated between southern Kruger Park and the Blyde River Canyon, where the bushveld is for the most part uncultivated.

The wonderful thing about this project, set to preserve a part of local culture of the Shangaan people of this part in South Africa, is that it not only allows you to learn more about- and experience firsthand the culture of the people, but it also invites you to meet the local people and interact with them.

Also, this is just another resourceful creative way of these enduring people to support their community by creating not only awareness but also jobs. This village is owned and run by the local people of the community who are directly involved with the visitors and tourists whom visit their village as they eagerly share their rich heritage while teaching tourists about their beliefs and way of life. Another way that this institution aids the community with job creation is by means of the market that is situated in the center of the village, here you will find a variety of hand crafted ornaments and gifts that is all made by local villagers.

Let's also add that normal office hours do not apply; these villagers are eager to entertain their guests in the Chief’s Kraal way after the African sun rests its head. In South Africa your journey might have started because of a love for the country, but, before you know it you will start developing a love for the culture; you might start off as a tourist, but you will leave as a friend