Selected clan praises as importers of heritage: a case of Ema Swati of eSwatini

Abstract

Clan praises are of paramount importance in Eswatini. This research examined selected EmaSwati clan praises to establish if clan praises are importers of heritage to the present generation. Underpinned by the diffusionist and functionalism theories, the study was qualitative, with research conducted among twenty (25) EmaSwati clan names belonging to the four groups of clans namely: Bemdzabuko, Emakhandzambili, Ematalankhosi, and Emafikamuva. A systematic sample of fifty (50) participants was drawn, and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data. After a descriptive content analysis of data, it was revealed that clan praises are importers of heritage to the present generation and confirmed that clan praises are esteemed among EmaSwati of Eswatini, but the youth have limited knowledge of them. In light of these findings, the study recommended that the government incorporates clan praises into the curriculum, initiate writing competitions, and campaigns on clan praises.