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Xhosa Heritage - African Traditional Religion

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Introduction

African Traditional Religion comprises the religious beliefs and practises of the indigenous black people of Africa which have been in existence from time immemorial, and are still adhered to today by many Africans.

Religion among Africans is not treated as an isolated entity. It is dealt with in a broader context as it permeates all sections of life of both an individual and society. There is no line of demarcation between "believers" and "non-believers", and in fact such a distinction is incoceivable since everyone in that society is born into his/her religion.

The names Ukholo Lomdabu/Lwemveli (Nguni), Tumelo ya Bantsho(Sotho-Tswana), are the ethnic names used to refer to the Indigenous Religion of Africa, South of Sahara. Though Africa is a large continent with multitudes of nations, complex cultures, many languages and dialects, there are fundamental beliefs that are common to all Africans who belong to this reigion. Because the commonality of these beliefs that are to be discussed later, religion is always spoken in the singular. The academic name used so far for the religion is "African Traditional Religion". African Traditional Religion, therefore comprises the religious beliefs and practices which have been in existence from the beginning, and are still adhered to today by many Afrcans. The religous beliefs and practices are believed to have originated from the spiritual world and handed down both by word of mouth and also practically by the forebears. Africans, whether in West, East, Centra of South Africa believe in the spiritual and physical worlds. They believe in the creator of the universe who is also named according to his attributes, like greatness, holiness, benevolence, etc.

Communication between the creator and the living is believed to be through those who have already died(abaswelekileyo), the ancestors. Africans believing in this religion also practice religious activities called amasiko(religious rituals). The Creator, ancestors and rituals are common to all believers of this indigenous religion of the African. Hence it is called a "Religion" and not "Religions". Despite the onslaught of colonialism, African Traditional Religion has survived.

CAMAGU.

Adapted from "African Traditional Religion: An introduction for beginners" - by Nokuzola Mndende, Icamagu Institute.