Introduction / History

The Tsongas first came from southern and eastern Africa between AD 200-500. For over 1,000 years they have been migrating to and from South Africa.

Today, they are settled not only in South Africa but also in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Eswatini.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Tsongas have staple foods: Casava, millet, sorghum and peanuts. Their dishes include xigugu, which combines roasted corn and peanuts. Another dish is tshopi, which is mashed pumpkin or butternut missed with corn meal and sugar. A third one is fried termites.

Though some continue farming, the Tsongas are more likely to be blue or white collar workers, especially in South Africa and Mozambique.

They love music and have their own kinds of tambourines, stringed and percussion instruments. They also have a lively dance called xibelani, which involves hand clapping, whistling and body movement.

A Tsonga father can recommend a young woman to his son. If the youth wants to marry her, he sends her a grass ring. If she accepts, she sends him one as well. Weddings are preceded by the groom s family giving a cow to the bride s family.

Their death rituals are very important to them. They believe this is a time to beseech ancestral spirits to welcome the newly deceased. If they don t do the rituals correctly, these spirits will torment the family.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tsongas have a traditional religion that features ancestral spirits and divination. Although they are officially Christian, they blend Christianity with their old practices.

What Are Their Needs?

Being highly Christianized with a strong Evangelical presence, the Tsongas are well-suited to take Christ to the lost in Africa.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in Tsonga churches, leading many to be evangelists and disciplers.
Pray for their churches to be marked by loving prayer to the King of kings.
Pray for every Tsonga family to have someone willing to teach and disciple the children.
Pray for a special work of the Lord among the men that will transform Tsonga families into Christ s likeness.

Scripture Prayers for the Tsonga, Shangaan in South Africa.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsonga_people
https://briefly.co.za/30548-tsonga-culture-people-language-music-food-traditional-attire.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsonga_people