The role of birds in the culture of the Ndebele people of Zimbabwe

Msimanga, A. 2000. The role of birds in the culture of the Ndebele people of Zimbabwe. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 22–24.

The Ndebele people of western Zimbabwe uphold some beliefs and practices relating to birds and these are either shared with other ethnic groups or unique to them. Some areas of interaction include the naming of birds, taboos, folk stories and songs as well as food and medicine. The changes in the lifestyle of the Ndebele resulting from industrialisation and urbanisation have had corresponding effects on attitudes towards cultural beliefs and this is affecting birdlife and indeed all biodiversity. It is suggested that where possible those beliefs and practices that impact positively on birdlife be identified and promoted for purposes of conservation and sustainable utilisation.