The Zulu nation mark the beginning of their new year this September

by Nomonde Simelane

For the rest of South Africa, the start of September marks the beginnning of Spring. However, for the Zulu Kingdom, it marks a more significant time as they celebrate the start of their new year, which is called ‘Mandulo’.

The month of September is one that comes with a lot of excitement, not only in South Africa but some of the neighbouring SADC countries. Each year on 01 September, schools, workplaces and individuals at large commemorate this exciting day with a range of different events and themes that align with the season. Think florals, warm weather, picnics and unmatched fun in the sun.

However, for the Zulu kingdom, this day signifies more than just the beginning of a new season, but rather signifies the end of a year cycle, and the beginning of a new one. In the Zulu language, September translates to ‘Mandulo’ which is a word that marks the beginning of a new journey, but can also mean to cultivate.

It is no secret that native South Africans were once extremely in touch with the environment around them, and often named or identified things through nature. As the month of September did away with the cold, welcoming the warm weather to allow new plants and crops to grow, it was given the name ‘Mandulo’, symbolising rebirth, growth and new beginnngs, both literally and figuratively.

Each year, while the rest of the country excitedly celebrate the commencement of spring, the Zulu dynansty often takes a moment to recoup, reflect, celebrate and re-energise for the new year.

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