Traditional Fishing at a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa

Richard Ngubane is a Tsonga fisherman in the Isimangaliso Wetlands, South Africa.  Photograph by Steven Wade Adams 2024.

South Africa is home to an impressive collection of a dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In September of 2024, I had the opportunity to visit the iSimangaliso Wetland Park located in the northeastern portion of South Africa, near the border with Mozambique. This park is a natural wonder that, includes coral reefs, long sandy beaches, coastal dunes, lakes, and extensive wetlands.

This area serves as a vital habitat for the Tsonga people, who have meticulously maintained much of their traditional way of life. Of particular note and wonder is their traditional fishing methods which they have been passing down through many generations over hundreds of years.

To protect and preserve this unique way of life and the ecological integrity of the region, access to fishing through this method is heavily restricted to the native populations.

Capturing Unique Cultural Photography

The Park’s transitional location has resulted in an exceptional and remarkable diversity of species. Its vivid and breathtaking natural spectacles include nesting turtles, as well as large aggregations of flamingos and various other species of waterfowl.

What made this place fascinating to me though was not only its unique natural wonder but also the opportunity for unique humanity photography.

Documenting Traditions of The Tsonga People

The Tsonga are a group of Bantu people whose traditional culture and customs lasted until the nineteenth century when the Tsonga came under the influence of the Zulu nation. Their name Tsonga was believed to have been given to them by Zulu invaders who enslaved many clans in the early 19th century.

Their unique language, Tsonga (aka Xitsonga) is spoken by less than five per cent of the South African population and is part of the Bantu language family and has no “click” sounds. They apparently had no contact with the San people, who are renowned for their “click language”.

Some Tsongas think they came from the north until they reached the sea, while other clans believe they came from elsewhere. It is hard to say as there is very little early history available on their origins. What we do know is that the Tsonga people engage in traditional fishing, agriculture, and gathering, relying on the natural resources available in their environment.

As is often seen in this part of Africa, many Tsonga people have converted to Christianity. Still, traditional ancestral worship remains common. Traditional healers also play a key role in Tsonga society.

The Tsonga maintain a vibrant tradition of oral storytelling as an important means of preserving their customs and community identity. Through both modern challenges and the influence of globalization, the Tsonga strive to maintain their cultural practices while navigating the complexities of encroaching contemporary life. Traditional fishing, through the kraals, is one such means to preserve their cultural identity and traditions.

Reeds collected for use in construction of the fish traps.  These traps can be seen in the distance within the lagoon.  Isimangaliso Wetlands, South Africa.  Photograph by Steven Wade Adams 2024.  Photograph by Steven Wade Adams 2024.

Traditional Fishing in South Africa

The fish traps of the Tsonga are ingeniously crafted from local materials (reeds, oak and palm), and are constructed to leverage the natural tidal movements. This sustainable practice not only supports the local economy but also reflects the Tsonga people's respect for their marine environment and their ability to adapt to its rhythms. By utilizing these traditional fishing traps, the Tsonga continue to pass down their cultural heritage while maintaining a balance with nature.

The fish traps consist of a series of wooden structures that form a maze of channels and dams that allow fish to enter but not leave. They are positioned in the channels to capitalize on the tides in a manner that allows for the natural water flow to lead the fish into the traps. The traps are built so as to allow smaller fish to pass through, ensuring that the breeding stock is left intact and the fish population is not depleted.

The men of the village are responsible for the construction and maintenance of the traps and begin teaching the methods to children at a very young age.  We had the opportunity to meet several of these Tsonga fishermen as they checked their traps which they reliably maintain on a daily basis. 

The Tsonga fish traps are constructed from natural products and allow for small fish to pass through while capturing the larger fish.  Isimangaliso Wetlands, South Africa.  Photograph by Steven Wade Adams 2024.

Tsonga Fisherman and a Timeless Tradition

We had the privilege to be accompanied on Makhawulani Lake to meet Richard Ngubane, whose Zulu name is Hlalempini, which means “Protector of Village during a Battle”. Richard is 56 years od and has been a Tsonga fisherman all his life.

We accompanied him while he checked his traditional fishing traps (“ushtwajela”). He explained to us that he is responsible for 11 traps in which he catches 5-7 varieties of mature ocean fish. Sadly on the day we accompanied Richard, no fish found his traps. Sometimes the tides and the fish are fickle. The traps next to him caught a whole truckload of White Spotted Grouper.

A very successful catch from the traditional kraal trap.  Isimangaliso Wetlands, South Africa.  Photograph by Steven Wade Adams 2024.

We considered walking in the lake to the other side and really wanted to go to visit the village itself, but the lake bottom was not at all stable, so we decided it was too windy to risk our camera equipment to the seawater.

As a consolation, the lodge where we were staying purchased us one of these Stumpnose fish to grill on the fire. It was undeniably delicious.

Tsonga fisherman prepares to take home a very successful catch.  Isimangaliso Wetlands, South Africa. Photograph by Steven Wade Adams 2024.