Page 93 - Heritage Streets of KwaMashu 2025

izinyosi befuna uju lwazo”). In traditional medicine, inhlaba (Aloe ferox) is also used for the treatment of stomach complaints, arthritis, eczema, skin irritations and bruises, conjunctivitis, hypertension, stress, and even sexually transmitted diseases. This species contains anthraquinones – a group of substances that have beneficial nutritional and medicinal properties if used in a controlled manner but can be harmful if used in excess (National Museum Publications, July 2021). Harvested leaves can be dried and crushed for a herbal tea in some instances and it is also commonly used as a key ingredient for snuff making.
uMganu:
uMganu (Amarula) tree produces very nice yellowish sweet fruits. Some people utilize umganu to make a very nice but strong beer. There is even an idiomatic expression that says “udakwe obamaganu” when referring to a heavily drunkard person. Umganu leaf (ihlahla) is also used when bringing home the spirit/soul of the departed female person (osuke eganiswa emathongweni). The bark of umganu is also utilised for steaming to wash away bad luck or for bathing. The umganu tree is also a connector with ancestors – especially when seated under its shadow uma uyophahla.
There are a lot of hidden messages in the Zulu names, which is why today’s generations need to know their isiZulu language so they do not lose such deep important knowledge, meanings, and information embedded in them.
uMkhiwane:
UMkhiwane (fig tree) is also known as “intombi kayibhinci” in traditional healing. There is also a saying: “ikhiwane elihle ligcwala izibungu” (you don’t judge something by its appearance). Uvusa imizwa kwabesifazane, ulungisa izinto ezivalekile, ixolo lomkhiwane laliphuziswa inkomo engenalo ubusi oluningi. Uvula ukucinana nokwehlisa amandla edliso uma kubiliswe impande yawo. Ungumuthi wenhlanhla kumasoka enza ubulawu.
Umvongothi (Sausage Tree)
The hanging fruits of umvongothi are the reasons it is named “sausage tree” – similar to the actual sausage meat. The tree is planted at the homestead as a deterrent to lightning. Umvongothi is also very good for healing wound and sores using its grinded roots and fruits which are dried before being turned into a powder to smear the affected areas. Some use umvongothi as a drinking herb for libido booster for men. Umunga (Acacia tree): A very hardy, semi-deciduous, fast- growing, and drought-resistant tree. Abundant, fragrant, yellow puffball flowers light up the landscape. The inner bark can be used to make a strong rope. This plant also has many uses in traditional medicine. Amongst others, it has been used to treat colds and flu, diarrhea, colic, and wounds. Studies have shown that it has pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. This tree also easily attracts lightning – which is also why some of King Cetshwayo’s praises associated him with umunga and umtholo (both thunder trees) (“izulu eladuma obala lapho kungemunga kungemtholo” – the King could attack when no one was expecting – like lightning that hit suddenly). In traditional healing umunga roots, bark, leaves and fruits are utilised for various purposes – including connection with ancestors (especially uma ubangwa izidalwa).
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