Originates from East Africa· By the 1200s the Tsonga ethnic group were in Southern Africa and there is archaeological proof. The Tsonga people are a coastal people, specifically easterners – the name Tsonga is the southern pronunciation of Ronga, which means “East”. Ancient Tsonga people were international traders, fishermen, farmers, artisans, miners and Royals.The Tsonga ethnic group is a diverse group of unified groups that share a common language, identity and culture yet have different origins. The Tsonga ethnic group has no Paramount King, the ethnic group is governed by a horizontal system. The Shangaan group was assimilated into the Tsonga group and there is proof – Shangaan speak Xitsonga and practice Tsonga culture.

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