Zimbabwean Culture, Customs, and Traditions
Zimbabwe is located in southern Africa, with a population of approximately 15 million people. It is a landlocked country bordered by four neighboring countries: South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest and west, Zambia to the north, and Mozambique to the northeast and east.
Zimbabwe has a rich cultural heritage, with 16 official languages recognized in the 2013 constitution. These languages include Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangaan, Shona, Sign language, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda, and Xhosa. The country’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape reflects its varied history and people.
Zimbabwe gained independence from British colonial rule on November 11, 1965. However, it was only internationally recognized as an independent country on April 18, 1980.
Zimbabwe is home to one of the largest waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls, which attracts tourists from all over the world. The country’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, mining, and tourism, with a significant portion of the population, engaged in these industries.
Despite numerous challenges, Zimbabwe remains a resilient country with a rich history and culture that attracts visitors worldwide.
The Zimbabwean flag is the country’s national symbol and reflects its history, values, and aspirations. The flag has seven horizontal stripes of four colors, green, gold, red, and black. The green stripes represent the lush green vegetation and fertile agricultural land. The gold stripes represent Zimbabwe’s gold and other natural mineral resources. Red represents liberation through bloodshed, and black represents Zimbabwe’s black ancestry and population. The white triangle on the left side of the flag represents peace, and the red star inside the triangle represents the country’s aspirations for a bright future. At the center of the flag is a bird, regarded as the national emblem. The bird stands for freedom, sovereignty, and strength.
The Zimbabwean flag has gone through several changes over the years. The current design was adopted on April 18, 1980, when the country gained independence from British colonial rule. The flag’s design is credited to a group of women who worked with the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party during the liberation struggle. Today, the flag is a symbol of national pride and unity, and it is often displayed at official events, national holidays, and sporting events.
Zimbabwe has a diverse linguistic landscape with 16 official languages, as recognized in the 2013 constitution. The most widely spoken language in the country is Shona, which is used by almost 70 percent of the population. Shona is a Bantu language primarily spoken in Zimbabwe and neighboring countries such as Mozambique and Zambia.
The second most spoken language in Zimbabwe is Ndebele, which is spoken by roughly 20 percent of the population. Ndebele is also a Bantu language and is closely related to Zulu. It is primarily spoken in the country’s southwestern region, known as Matabeleland, and in neighboring countries such as Botswana and South Africa.
English, the country’s lingua franca, is used in government, business, and as the primary means of instruction in schools. English is the first language for most white Zimbabweans, while for the vast majority of black Zimbabweans, it is their second language.
Other official languages recognized in Zimbabwe include Chewa, Chibarwe, Kalanga, Khoisan, Nambya, Ndau, Shangaan, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda, and Xhosa. While these languages are less widely spoken than Shona, Ndebele, and English, they still have significant speakers, because many of the languages are taught in schools alongside English.
Zimbabwe’s culture varies from tribe to tribe. Still, with Shona being the prominent tribe, the difference between them and other smaller groups is not much. The major similarity among the Zimbabwe tribes is marriage practices and the belief in the supernatural ancestor. It is very noticeable that black Zimbabweans have embodied more white Zimbabwean culture than vice versa.
Traditionally Zimbabwean tribes are collectivistic in practice as they tend to put the needs of others ahead of theirs.
Communal gatherings are also highly esteemed within the tribes, where stories are shared with music, songs, and dance. Folklore is a common practice in Zimbabwean culture as it helps them to know their origin and connection with their ancestry.
Special Occasions
Zimbabwe, like every country, has religious and national occasions that are celebrated from time to time, some together with the world and other nations. Some of the notable ones include:
- Independence Day – celebrated on April 18th
- Heroes’ Day – celebrated on the second Monday of August
- Christmas Day – celebrated on December 25th
- Easter – is observed on a different date every year.
- Workers’ Day – celebrated on May 1st
- Unity Day – celebrated on December 22nd
- Youth Day – celebrated on February 21st
- Africa Day – celebrated on May 25th.
Zimbabwe is a Christian nation; about 85% of the population identify as Christians, and about 4% practice traditional religion. Approximately 0.79% of the population practice Islam. According to a survey by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, there are traces of other religious beliefs, but about 10% don’t belong to any religion.
Zimbabwean art is a diverse and vibrant cultural expression deeply rooted in the country’s history and traditions. Zimbabwean art encompasses many forms, including sculpture, painting, textiles, beadwork, and ceramics. It is notable for its decorative aesthetics, which are applied to many aspects of life, including art objects, utilitarian objects, and religious and ceremonial items.
One of the most prominent forms of Zimbabwean art is sculpture, which has a long and rich history. Zimbabwean stone sculpture is highly regarded internationally and is known for its intricate detail and fluid lines. Using locally sourced materials, such as soapstone and serpentine, is a hallmark of Zimbabwean sculpture.
Textile decoration is another important aspect of Zimbabwean art, with traditional designs and techniques passed down through generations. Zimbabwean textiles often feature bold and colorful patterns for clothing, household items, and ceremonial wear.
Zimbabwean architecture is notable for its unique blend of traditional and modern styles. Traditional Zimbabwean architecture is characterized by circular or rectangular mud-brick huts with thatched roofs, while modern architecture features contemporary designs and materials.
Zimbabwean Food
Like most African countries, Zimbabwe depends on cornmeal as a primary ingredient of traditional meals. Some of the most popular are:
- Sadza/Isitshwal (maize meals): this is a carbohydrate staple food eaten in many homes nationwide. It can’t be made from maize or other grains like sorghum and millet.
- Bota/Iyambazi (porridge): a diluted form of sadza called Bota is prepared by adding hot water to the maize meal and allowing it to parboil for 30 minutes. It can be flavored with salt, sugar, and peanut butter.
- Umxhanxa (yellow watermelon with sun-dried maize): this is traditionally a Ndebele dish; it doesn’t have a Shona name. It is mainly enjoyed by the Kalanga and Ndebele people as lunch during winter.
Zimbabwean Fashion
Zimbabwe’s traditional clothing is still prevalent in the country, especially during ceremonial and state events like Independence Day and Hero’s Day. These occasions allow Zimbabweans to display their cultural heritage and traditions. Traditional clothing is usually adorned with components like wrappers, headdresses, and ornaments such as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. The designs and styles vary depending on the ethnic group and region.
With the influence of Western culture, Zimbabweans have adopted Western clothing styles and fashion trends. Jeans, t-shirts, dresses, and suits are some of the popular Western-style clothing items in the country. The clothing choices also depend on the profession and lifestyle of the individual.
While traditional clothing still holds significant importance in Zimbabwe’s culture, modern fashion has also gained widespread acceptance.
Common Zimbabwean Expressions and Translations
Learning a new language might seem like an impossible task at first. Still, the more you use the words, the easier it gets, and language is a powerful tool for connecting with people and understanding them better. Here are some Shona words or phrases commonly used in Zimbabwe.
- Zvinoyemurwa – it is appreciated.
- Ndinotenda/Maita basa – thank you
- Tozvowonana zvakare – we will see each other again
- Mhoroi/Mhoro – hello
- Zita rako ndiani? – what is your name?
Family
Family is the most fundamental aspect of Zimbabwe society. Marriage is carried with high esteem as it is considered a sacred practice; through marriage, Zimbabweans believe the living are connected with their ancestors.
Most tribes have the father as the head of the family, and the wife or mother plays the supporting role. The wives are expected to serve their husbands and bear children though their rights are still upheld.
A Zimbabwean family is usually small, but traditional families are usually larger with grandparents and relatives. Also, some men have multiple wives, as the practice of polygamy is legal in the country.
Translating for the Zimbabwean Market
The major languages of Zimbabwe are Shona and Ndebele. In contrast, other languages, excluding English, are a small fraction, with over 10 million native speakers of Shona and many more as a second language.
Although many Ndebele speakers can speak Shona as a second language, the northern Ndebele language consists of just over 2 million native speakers, most of whom are residents in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second biggest city. Therefore, it is advised to consider using Shona and Ndebele to reach the most Zimbabwean audiences.
Products for the Zimbabwean markets can be packaged and advertised using Shona, as this language has a broader audience. It is also essential to pay attention to context when translating for Zimbabweans. However, translation costs may vary based on word counts or the complexity of what needs to be translated. This quick quote translation calculator will help you get started in localizing for the Zimbabweans.
How to Start Up a Business in Zimbabwe
Starting a business in Zimbabwe is a long but straightforward process to legally enter into the system. Here are the procedures:
- With the Chief Registrar of Companies, register the business name. The registration is valid for 30 days. However, it can be extended for an extra cost for another 30 days.
- Send the articles of incorporation and memorandum to the Registrar of Companies.
- Make an account with the tax authorities for PAYE, VAT, and income tax
- Sign up for a pension and the Accident Prevention and Compensation Program with the National Social Security Authority.
- Pick up the license application form from the City Health Department.
- Publicize the trade and business license application in your local press.
- Send a fresh license application to the licensing office in the Harare Municipality.
- License officials go to the business’ location.
Conclusion
Zimbabwe has a rich and diverse culture influenced by its people, traditions, and history. From its colorful art and architecture to its vibrant music and dance; Zimbabwean culture reflects its heritage and way of life. When introducing a brand to the Zimbabwean market communicating in Shona, Ndebele, or English is the best way to penetrate the market.
For content localization or introducing business ideas to a new market such as Zimbabwe, it is essential to employ Zimbabwean translation services to improve the acceptance rate of the business venture.