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Southern & Eastern Africa
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- Swazi(s) / siSwati -
Swazi man and woman in traditional attire at the Mantenga Cultural VillageA person who has siSwati as mother tongue, is referred to as a Swazi. The Swazi people in Southern Africa fall within the larger Nguni-languages group. Other languages in this group include isiZulu and isiXhosa. Although the Swazis have their own independent Kingdom, and all recognise the King, many are citizens of South Africa. Many of those with Swazi citizenship work in South Africa. SiSwati is in fact one of South Africa's nine official languages. Most Swazis in South Africa live in the Mpumalanga province, which borders Swaziland on its western and northern flanks.

The Swazi people has a rich cultural heritage and those living in remote rural areas tend to still follow very traditional ways of life (also see Mantenga Cultural Village). Off-course many others have converted to mostly western lifestyles. As with other language groups in Southern Africa, the dynamism of western and African cultures converging creates unique new sub- or cross-cultures.

Some siSwati phrases:
A traditional Swazi beehive shaped hut at the Mantenga Cultural Village.Sawubona - Hello
Unjani - How are you
Ngiyaphila - I am fine
Ngiyabonga - Thank you
Wota lapha - Come here
Sikhulekile ekhaya - Good day to you and your household, may I enter your house?
Sala kahle - Stay well
Hamba kahle - Go well

Africa Deluxe Tours include cultural experiences in most of our tours. We also operate specialist cultural interaction tours. To find out more contact us or visit the tours section on our website*.
Internet resources: Swaziland Ministry of Tourism* | Swaziland National Trust Commission*.
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