The Xhosa people are one of the largest and most famous ethnic groups in South Africa. Known for their rich culture, history, and contributions to society, many Xhosa individuals have achieved fame and success in various fields. Here are 10 famous people from the Xhosa ethnic group:
- Nelson Mandela: A global icon and the first President of democratic South Africa, Mandela fought against apartheid and dedicated his life to the pursuit of equality and justice.
- Walter Sisulu: A prominent anti-apartheid activist and close friend of Nelson Mandela, Sisulu played a crucial role in the struggle against racial oppression in South Africa.
- Thabo Mbeki: The second President of South Africa and a key figure in the African National Congress (ANC), Mbeki played a significant role in advancing the country’s economic and social development.
- Steve Biko: A leading anti-apartheid activist, Biko founded the Black Consciousness Movement and advocated for the empowerment and self-reliance of black South Africans.
- Trevor Noah: A well-known comedian, television host, and author, Trevor Noah rose to international fame as the host of “The Daily Show.” Born in Johannesburg, he is of Xhosa and Swiss German descent.
- Chris Hani: A prominent political leader and chief of staff of the ANC’s military wing, the Umkhonto we Sizwe, Hani played a crucial role in the fight against apartheid before his assassination in 1993.
- Makaziwe Mandela: The eldest daughter of Nelson Mandela, Makaziwe Mandela has worked extensively in the fields of education and business, promoting social and economic development in South Africa.
- Thandiswa Mazwai: A celebrated South African musician and songwriter, Mazwai is known for her fusion of traditional Xhosa sounds with contemporary music, creating a unique and captivating style.
- Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka: The first woman to serve as the Deputy President of South Africa, Mlambo-Ngcuka is a prominent advocate for women’s rights and gender equality.
- Solomon Mahlangu: A young liberation fighter and member of the ANC, Mahlangu was sentenced to death and executed by the apartheid government. He remains a symbol of the sacrifice made by countless individuals in the struggle for freedom.
Most Famous Xhosa Celebrities
Here is a list of famous celebrities from Xhosa roots:
- Trevor Noah – Trevor Noah is a South African comedian, television host, and political commentator. Born in Johannesburg to a Swiss father and a Xhosa mother, he has become one of the most recognizable comedians in the world. He gained international fame as the host of “The Daily Show,” a satirical news program on Comedy Central.
- Dr. Mamphela Ramphele – Dr. Mamphela Ramphele is a South African activist, doctor, academic, and politician. She is known for her leadership roles in various anti-apartheid movements and as a prominent figure in South African politics. Ramphele has championed the rights of women, education, and social justice throughout her career.
- Thandie Newton – Thandie Newton is a British actress of Xhosa and Zimbabwean descent. She has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including “Mission: Impossible 2,” “Crash,” and HBO’s “Westworld,” for which she won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
- Dr. John Kani – Dr. John Kani is a South African actor, playwright, and director. He gained international recognition for his role in the play “Sizwe Banzi is Dead,” which he co-wrote with Athol Fugard and Winston Ntshona. Kani has appeared in several films, including Marvel’s “Black Panther” and “Captain America: Civil War.”
- Sarah Baartman – Sarah Baartman, also known as Saartjie Baartman, was a Khoikhoi woman who became a human exhibit in Europe during the 19th century. While not necessarily a celebrity in the traditional sense, her story and exploitation have been instrumental in sparking conversations about racism, objectification, and the importance of consent.
Discover an impressive lineup of celebrities with Xhosa heritage in the aforementioned list. Embark on a journey to learn about their captivating cultural roots and extraordinary accomplishments. To stay well-informed about the latest celebrity happenings and stay up-to-date with renowned personalities from various spheres, don’t hesitate to explore the wealth of content available at Ancestry.com.
Ethnic Factsheet: The Xhosa People
| Country | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 8,154,258 | 16.07% |
| Lesotho | 3,303,199 | 99.70% |
| Botswana | 1,445,203 | 30.00% |
| Namibia | 355,338 | 11.00% |
| Zimbabwe | 152,642 | 1.00% |
References to the Xhosa Ethnic Group
1. Xhosa people – Wikipedia: Provides an overview of the Xhosa people, including their history, culture, language, and traditional practices. It also includes information about their distribution, subgroups, and notable Xhosa individuals. (source)
2. Xhosa language – Omniglot: A comprehensive guide to the Xhosa language, including its phonetics, grammar, vocabulary, and writing system. It also includes useful phrases and audio recordings for pronunciation. (source)
3. Xhosa traditional dress – South African History Online: Explores the traditional clothing and attire of the Xhosa people. It discusses the significance of different garments, colors, and patterns, as well as the evolution of Xhosa fashion over time. (source)
4. Xhosa initiation ceremonies – South African History Online: Provides an in-depth look at the initiation ceremonies practiced by the Xhosa people, such as the Xhosa male initiation (ulwaluko) and the female initiation (intonjane). It discusses the rituals, symbolism, and cultural importance of these ceremonies. (source)
5. Xhosa oral traditions – African Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania: Explores the rich oral traditions and folklore of the Xhosa people. It discusses storytelling, proverbs, poetry, and music as integral parts of Xhosa culture. It also touches upon the influence of Christian missionaries on traditional oral practices. (source)
We have reached the end of our exploration into the extraordinary lives of prominent Xhosa. We hope this journey has been enlightening and inspiring.
