Mapulana, also known as “Batau,” is a name derived from their lion totem, ba bina tau. The tribe reveres the lion, and all members deeply respect this totem. Their heritage is intricately tied to the land of the Kruger region, deeply connected to the area’s wildlife and natural surroundings.
The Mapulana people are an indigenous ethnic group primarily located in the northeastern part of South Africa, particularly in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga province. The Mapulana people speak SePulane, a dialect of Northern Sotho. Although SePulane is a rich and expressive language, it is neither written nor taught in schools. The tribe’s name originates from their reputed ability to bring rain. They are known for their rich cultural heritage and distinct identity, which they proudly preserve through traditions, language, and practices such as Dikoma, a rite of passage marking the transition to adulthood.
Mapulana deeply connect to their land, customs, and ancestral lineage. They maintain a close-knit community structure, strongly emphasising family, respect for elders, and passing down cultural knowledge.
The tribal praise poem goes as follows:
Re batau a phaga a Malala a moenyane
Batho ba ba boyang Phageng, ba ba boyang Shakwaneng
Shakwana la kgomo le motho go phalang?
Go phala motho gobane kgomo re lla re djia
Translated:
We are the people of the lion, of the wild cat of Malala of moenyane
We are people from Phageng, we are people from Shakwaneng
Which is more important, the reeds of a cow and a human?
A human is better since with a cow we cry while we eat the meat.
Despite modern influences, the Mapulana continue to celebrate and uphold their unique cultural identity, contributing to the rich diversity of South Africa’s cultural landscape.
The Mapulana people are renowned for preserving their traditions and celebrating their culture. One known practice is called “Dikoma”. It is a cultural rite of passage practised by the people of Bushbuckridge, honouring both males and females by guiding them through their respective initiation processes and imparting lessons on adulthood. Similar to others in many African cultures, the tradition marks a significant moment in a young person’s journey into maturity. For males, this often includes the act of circumcision, while both genders undergo teachings on responsibilities, societal roles, and the ethical conduct expected within the community. Dikoma plays a crucial role in preserving the customs and traditions of the Mapulana people, fostering a strong sense of belonging and continuity across generations.
In South Africa, these traditional rites are deeply rooted in cultural identity and crucial to manhood and womanhood. They are performed with strict protocols in secluded locations, and the lessons shared during this time emphasise core values such as respect, strength, and responsibility.
In Bushbuckridge, initiates usually enter seclusion in June and return in August, when family, friends, and the community warmly celebrate and welcome them back home. This homecoming is a grand celebration, often referred to locally as Murupelo/ “Christmas ya Bush,” reflecting the profound significance of the event. The celebration features traditional home-cooked meals, music, alcohol, and non-stop dancing. The entire region comes alive with culture, with people dressed in vibrant traditional attire, waving flags, blowing whistles, and sharing in the cheerful, Dikoma festive spirit.
Interviewee – Male Initiate: Anonymous
What was the most important lesson you learned during your initiation?
There is a huge difference between a boy and a man, and it all shows in one’s maturity not age.
How did the experience of circumcision and the teachings shape your understanding of manhood?
A man is a leader, a provider and a hard worker. I left the initiation school with that engraved in my mind.
Can you describe the role of the elders or mentors during your time at the initiation school?
Their role as the elders is to guide and pass down their knowledge through teaching the young ones and to perform the traditional rituals in initiation schools.
How did the experience change your relationship with your family and community?
It made me feel like I was now recognised as a man, no longer a boy, which was and still is a good feeling.
Were there any challenges or difficulties you faced during the initiation, and how did you overcome them?
Not really. It was a fair experience.
Disclaimer: Sharing information about the experience in initiation schools/Dikoma by initiates is confidential and forbidden. Our interviewee’s identity has been concealed for his privacy and protection.
1. The Sepulana language is not recognised as one of South Africa’s official languages.
2. The Mapulane people are the only tribe with an annual initiation school festival known as Murupelo, held on August 15th.
3. Their rich cultural heritage is closely linked to the natural environment of the Mpumalanga, Kruger National Park region.
4. The Mapulane people originate from the Sotho tribe.
5. The largest portion of the Mapulane community resides in Bushbuckridge.
The Great Battle of Moholoholo fought in 1864, was a significant conflict in South African history. It involved the Mapulana tribe led by Chief Maripe Mashile and the Swazi forces under King Mswati II. This battle, set in the Blyde River Canyon, is notable for its display of indigenous resistance during the Mfecane, a period of intense upheaval in Southern Africa.
The Mapulana, strategically positioned in the fertile and defensible Blyde River Canyon, faced increasing tension with the Swazi, who sought to expand their kingdom. The conflict escalated when the Swazi launched raids on Mapulana settlements, prompting Chief Maripe to prepare for a major confrontation.
The battle unfolded with initial skirmishes, followed by a strategic retreat by the Mapulana to the top of Mariepskop Mountain. The Swazi forces launched a nighttime attack under misty conditions, hoping to surprise their opponents. However, the Mapulana, using their advantageous position, rolled large boulders down the mountainside, inflicting heavy casualties and securing a decisive victory. This battle left a lasting legacy, highlighting the resilience and strategic acumen of the Mapulana people.
Sources:
The Great Battle of Moholoholo: A Historical Account – Visithoedspruit
Mr Quinton Akani
Interviewee: Anonymous
Research by: Sharon Ntimane, Intern Thornybush Community, Resident of Bushbuckridge
Kgopotso Marule, Blog: https://ubuntu2life.wordpress.com/2018/01/24/history-of-mapulana/
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