diversity United in

During this year’s Global Leadership Gathering, various aspects of South Africa’s rich cultural heritage are proudly on display. From the thunderous welcome of a seasoned isiXhosa praise singer to the brightly coloured, intricate patterns adorning the dresses of cultural ambassadors, we offer a taste of all things South African – including the cuisine, thanks to our celebrity chefs.

Visitors are often amazed by our country’s diversity of cultures – maybe expecting us to be simply Black or White – but the reality is much more nuanced and colourful than that. And while ethnicity, culture and language are intimately linked, South Africans have been mixing cultures and traditions for generations. That said, we highlight a few distinctive groups in South Africa’s cultural landscape below.

From their namesake province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa’s largest ethnic group is the Zulu nation, known for their brightly coloured beadwork and traditional headdresses – the wide-crowned isicholo worn by married women and the umqhele for men, which is made from animal fur. While not exclusive to the Zulu people, annual Nguni stick-fighting contests are held to commemorate the great King Shaka.

The Xhosa people of the Eastern Cape are known for their brightly coloured, elaborate dresses and matching headscarves among women, while the men wear wraparound skirts that run from the waist to their feet. A long scarf over one shoulder also serves as a cloak when it gets cold. The ancient rite of ilwaluko, symbolising a boy’s transition into adulthood, was famously and controversially explored in the 2017 film Inxeba (The Wound)