Au Pair in America

Kids Culture Corner

Many different languages are spoken in South Africa because it is a country made up of many different cultures. Here is a familiar rhyme in both English and Afrikaans, one of the languages spoken in South Africa.

Tik-tik-tak, Tak-tak-tik, Tok! (Afrikaans)
Tik-tik-tak, tak-tak-tik, tok!
Die muis spring op die klok;
Die klok slaan een,
O waar nou heen,
Tik-tik-tak, tak-tak-tik, tok.

Hickory, Dickory, Dock (English)
Hickory, dickory, dock,
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck one,
The mouse ran down.
Hickory, dickory, dock.

Nelson Mandela was born in July 1918. He trained as a lawyer and worked for the freedom of his people. After 18 years in jail for traveling outside of the country illegally, he was released, and not long after became the first elected President of South Africa. See our seasonal calendar for more information.

Try these delicious South African recipes

1. Bobotie
2. Chakalaka
3. Chicken Breyani
4. Chicken Curry
5. Koeksisters
6. Melktert

Try playing this South African handball game!

The rainmaking holiday is on October 22. Rainmaking is one of the most important festivals in many parts of Africa. Unlike most rainmakers, who are men, the rainmaker of the Lovedu people is their queen, whom they call "The Transformer of the Clouds." They believe she can create rain and change the seasons.

When rain is needed, her advisors tell her that "the people are crying" and bring her gifts. Then she uses the secret medicines of her rain pot, invokes the help of her ancestors, and consults an expert in weather lore. The entire tribe may dance until rain begins.

Read the story of Marvin's Good Deed!

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