Animals and automobiles …. You see a variety of these when driving past traditional Zulu homesteads. The state of the automobiles vary, some become an outer space chicken coop while others still run … barely. And some are sparkly clean, fresh from the city. Animals are everywhere, from chickens and goats through to the bigger donkeys and horses. Pigs of all sizes roam the country side all watched by the herdsman from a far. The herdsman is usually a little child just about to start his school career and spend his days at a desk. What an adaption that must be ….. from total freedom to a full school day !
Don’t forget the dogs that always roam around these Zulu homestead. They are part of rural life. They are security for the homestead, warning the family if danger is lurking and they are companions for the little boys of the family when they go hunting birds and other small game. The Africanis is now a recognized dog breed known for their hardiness and intelligence. Often scrawny, they are lovable and very loyal to their family.
The goats who scramble up and down the hills in rural Kwa Zulu natal are very agile and also very hardy. Goats are used in traditional ceremonies as offerings to the ancestors, during weddings and funerals and everything in between. Goats are taking over the role of sheep in the communities as goats are more hardy and disease resistant.
Donkeys and horses have been used for centuries in the rural areas. They are used to carry goods or to transport people. They are tough working animals and can be used in the fields while working the crops.
The colorful Zulu fowls, who cluck and scratch around the Zulu homesteads, are an important protein source for the families. They are easy to rear and, when needed, are easy to catch and slaughter. They also make a delicious meal, and their eggs are used on a daily basis. Chickens are also used in spiritual rituals and practices.
Zulu people are known for their shrewdness and everything is kept and used. Hence they never pass up the opportunity to store a car wreck in their yards. So the wreck of the house owners granny’s nephews aunties uncle is stored on their plot. Some of the wrecks are kept in the beginning as a project to try and fix up but as time pass due to various reasons, usually lack of funds and knowledge, this never happens. As time goes on it will cost money and take effort to remove the scrap, and so it gets repurposed.
Next time you go through rural Kwa Zulu Natal… have a look …and send photos …
Pink Farm Chick 