The Pondo people have given their name of Pondoland, the region of South Africa that includes the South Eastern seaboard of Cape Province.
Divided into tribal groups, the Pondo speak Xhosa, a language spoken by some 18% of the population of South Africa. Although Xhosa is now their language, the Pondo are actually ‘refugees’ from the north – albeit refugees that arrived several hundred years ago.
Although Pondoland became part of the Cape Colony in 1894, it has always been an African territory, and the Pondos were never defeated in battle or greatly affected by the wars between the indigenous peoples and white settlers. Renowned for their tribal ties and their pride in their customs and traditions, in 1960 the Pongo people revolted against the Bantu Authorities Act (a piece of apartheid legislation).
The Pondo have incorporated modern innovations with their traditional methods, and much of their life is unchanged from that of four or five hundred years ago, with their round, thatched houses still built facing east towards the rising sun. They produce wonderful craftwork, including ‘Pondo baskets’ and vibrant beadwork.
Traditional colours are very important to the Pondo, with pale blue the predominant colour for celebratory clothes, and red/orange worn by children. Married women wear intricate, beaded head rings.