Culture & Customs (A Focus in Angola)
In 1913, the Union of South Africa’s passage of a law prohibited Asian and other non-white immigrants, and eliminated the indenture system (a form of debt bondage) in 1917.
In Angola and other South African countries, the Chokwe people formed an ethnic group. Bantu is the common language in Angola. The Chokwe are skilled hunters in the north. Their livelihood, in the south, consists of cultivation of staple crops such as cassava, yams, millet, beans, peanuts and maize. Cattle grazing is also a part of the southern Chokwe people's life. There is a Culture Ministry is present in Angola, which is managed by Rosa Maria Martins da Cruz e Silva (http://www.mincultura.gv.ao/nota_legal.htm). Traditionally, the woman lives with her husband's family after marriage. Art is a big part of the culture, and it integrates Chokwe mythologies, oral history and spiritual beliefs. The craft works consist of baskets, pottery, mask carving, statues, and stools. The figurines have traditionally been a part of divining spirits who tell causes of illness, misfortune, not having babies and other problems faced by a family or a village community. Relying on cattle, goats, wild meat, fish, chicken and cassava for their food, men carry weapons such as bow and arrows, spears or machetes when traveling and women make baskets from roots. (http://research.omicsgroup.org/index.php/Mbunda_people) |
Take a step inside a refurbished home in South Africa, and take note of the different cultural artifacts which are used as decor in the house.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S33v1qIOLLQ) Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana, and Swaziland were the primary sources of miners, and Malawi and Zimbabwe were periodic suppliers. (Central Intelligence Agency)
Research on social and economic determinants of health was performed in South Africa. Starting in the 1940’s, societies that were affected by apartheid and inequality in South Africa were undergoing health disparities, and this research significantly contributed to the understanding of these disparities (Davis, Caroline). In 1948, the National Party imposed apartheid, institutionalising previous racial segregation. |
Afrikaner Calvinism
In South Africa there are 11 official languages, making communication difficult to be achieved between different communities, but younger generations are learning more and more about the 11 different languages in hopes of promoting cross-communication between the communities. In 1911, the Baha'i faith was introduced (Key Figures and Institutions). In 1930, Calvinism was a dominant religion amongst most African people. Afrikaner Calvinism is a cultural and religious development in which elements of Calvinism and an ideology of “chosen people” were combined to form this belief (Calvin's Legacy). In South Africa, there were few ministers who emphasized the belief of predestination in their theology (Loubser, pp. 63, 72-74). Assured salvation was the common belief in the forms of Calvinism in South Africa. Assured salvation was believed to be capable based on efficient work in a person’s societal position (Fullerton, Kemper). |
Header Image: Flag of South Africa by Frederick Brownell is in the public domain.
Works Cited:
-Davis, Caroline. "Publishing under Apartheid: OUP in South Africa." Creating Postcolonial Literature (2013): 65-86. Web. 4 Apr. 2017.
-"John Calvin." N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2017.
-"Sport in South Africa." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 02 Apr. 2017. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.
-"The World Factbook: SOUTH AFRICA." Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, 12 Jan. 2017. Web. 6 Apr. 2017.
-Housetohome. YouTube. YouTube, 29 July 2014. Web. 9 Apr. 2017.
-"Key Figures and Institutions." The Early Years in South Africa. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Apr. 2017.
-"Apartheid in South Africa: Calvin's Legacy?" Apartheid in South Africa: Calvin's Legacy? N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Apr. 2017.
-Loubser, “Calvinism,” pp. 63, 72-74; Stokes, “Afrikaner Calvinism,” pp. 78-80
-Fullerton, Kemper. "Calvinism and Capitalism." Harvard Theological Review 21.03 (1928): 163-95. Web.
-"Direitos Autorais." Ministério Da Cultura - República De Angola. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.
-"Mbunda People." Mbunda People | Open Access Articles | Open Access Journals. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2017.
-Davis, Caroline. "Publishing under Apartheid: OUP in South Africa." Creating Postcolonial Literature (2013): 65-86. Web. 4 Apr. 2017.
-"John Calvin." N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2017.
-"Sport in South Africa." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 02 Apr. 2017. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.
-"The World Factbook: SOUTH AFRICA." Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, 12 Jan. 2017. Web. 6 Apr. 2017.
-Housetohome. YouTube. YouTube, 29 July 2014. Web. 9 Apr. 2017.
-"Key Figures and Institutions." The Early Years in South Africa. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Apr. 2017.
-"Apartheid in South Africa: Calvin's Legacy?" Apartheid in South Africa: Calvin's Legacy? N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Apr. 2017.
-Loubser, “Calvinism,” pp. 63, 72-74; Stokes, “Afrikaner Calvinism,” pp. 78-80
-Fullerton, Kemper. "Calvinism and Capitalism." Harvard Theological Review 21.03 (1928): 163-95. Web.
-"Direitos Autorais." Ministério Da Cultura - República De Angola. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.
-"Mbunda People." Mbunda People | Open Access Articles | Open Access Journals. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2017.