South Africans balance tradition with modern life
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In South Africa, people are negotiating how to maintain cultural practices while adapting to modern lifestyles.
Johanna Mokwena, 82, of Modimolle in Limpopo province, observes that young people are less familiar with customs she experienced growing up, worrying they may forget their heritage. However, Zandile Cobongela of Johannesburg continues to practice traditions like ancestral communication, believing culture can evolve alongside modern life and even be reinforced through platforms like TikTok.
Musician Mbuso Khoza expresses concern that South African culture is becoming a “meta-culture,” a blend of Western influences and perceived identity. He argues people should understand the historical reasons behind customs, citing umkhehlo and umemulo, traditional Zulu ceremonies, as examples of practices that have lost their original meaning when focused on expense and display. Khoza believes communities need to consider if customs still serve their original purposes. Other young South Africans are selectively adopting traditions.
Faith Nchabeleng incorporates respect for in-laws and her husband into her marriage, but refuses to endure abuse, prioritizing her wellbeing. Aubrey Mavuso finds tradition in family events and his father’s communication with ancestors, seeing it as a combination of old and new ways expressed through language, clothing and ceremonies.
