Tsonga in Zimbabwe

Introduction / History

Tsonga oral history indicates they were traditionally hunters, fishermen and cattle breeders. They crafted pottery and goods out of bronze. There was no archeological evident of long distance trading.

In the 1890s, the British South Africa Company conquered them. From that time on, Europeans began to take Tsonga land for farming. Protestant missionaries arrived in the early 20th century to set up schools, teach better agricultural practices, and spread the gospel. The Tsongas who lived on the plateau developed a cash economy. Africans gained much more freedom after independence in the mid-20th century.

Today, most Tsongas live in South Africa and Mozambique, but thousands also live in Zimbabwe and Eswatini.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, the Tsongas in Zimbabwe are often farmers. Men clear fields and plow; ownership comes from clearing the land. They hunt and fish for some of their food. Men also work as blacksmiths and woodworkers for their own needs and to produce marketable goods.

In addition to taking care of farmland and chickens, women cook and raise children. They brew beer and repair their homes with plaster. Women also produce pottery and baskets.

Both men and women produce goods that the women sell in the marketplace. If they have a shop, it’s usually the men who tend it, though their wives assist them. In townships, these shops are usually owned by South Asians.

A Tsonga household in Zimbabwe includes a husband, wife and children. Polygamy is common for men with wealth, so they have different households for each wife. She sends food to her husband and eats with the children. Grandparents care for children if there is a divorce.

As the Tsongas become more urbanized, their socialization of children is changing. Instead of teaching them farming skills, they make sure the children do well in school.

Instead of having disputes settled by a council, Tsongas are expected to settle things on their own. Fear of gossip and sorcery keep most of them honest.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Tsongas are Christian, and they associate their creator god, Leza, with the God of the Bible. Leza was unapproachable, but they knew they could pray to their Heavenly Father.

Mizimos are the spirits of dead ancestors. Everyone becomes a mizimo a

What Are Their Needs?

Unless they have medical clinics, the Tsongas rely on traditional medicine. There are not enough medical clinics for their needs.

Prayer Points

Pray for Tsonga Christians to put all their faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to show himself faithful to them for their daily needs.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to do a powerful work in Tsonga churches and families.
Pray that soon Tsonga Christians will be discipling others and taking Christ to those who lack the gospel.

Text Source:   Joshua Project