Page 97 - Heritage Streets of KwaMashu 2025

noticed that when birds from far away rest on the branches of certain great trees, sooner or later you would see strange trees growing at the feet of these big trees since the seeds were excreted in the past by migratory birds.
There is a strong cultural link between the African ancestors and birds. For millenniums and ages, African people have been using indigenous birds not just for food and decorative purposes but to treat illnesses and to help them deal with difficult and often unexplained psychological or spiritual affairs (kunanomuthi wenyoni wezingane ukuze zingethuki).
In African knowledge system, birds have been used to treat physical and mental illnesses, strengthen relationships, encourage good luck, help promote dignity, cast spells to strengthen individuals and give them protection against evil spirits.
For example, the African Fish-Eagle (inkwazi - ukhozi) and all eagles are regarded as a symbols of power. Some eagles are so powerful they could even carry a small child or a baby goat. Ground-hornbill (ingududu/insingizi) is known as “inyoni yezulu” (thunderbird) and is associated with protection against lightning and therefore is respected. If this bird enters one’s home it is regarded as bad happening – possible to even attract lightning attack in the homestead. Ground hornbills lay very few eggs and several adults are responsible for their maintenance. The inhlava bird (honeyguides) is very clever – understanding its calling and moves always leads to a rich beehive. To thank it, one must leave behind a honey-comb with a little honey – because if you leave too much it is thought it might lead you to a dangerous bee hive in the future due to too much excitement.
These are some of the street names at K Section associate with birds:
• Mpangele: Impangele/a is the crested guineafowl. This is a very sacred bird amongst all people throughout Africa. It is a bird of protection. It is believed that the
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