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The people residing in the various rural villages around Matsamo is
predominantly Swazi in custom, tradition and language with a strong Sotho
influence and has a well preserved and rich cultural heritage. They are part
of the Shongwe clan, once a strong independent group with its own paramount
King who in the time of King Mswati II swore allegiance to the Swazi King
and helped defend the territory against intruders from the North. As part of
the reward for his allegiance and loyalty, Chief Matsamo remained in control
of the region as an important Swazi Royalty and absorbed the Sotho clans who
lived in the area into his clan. “KA HHOHHO” a folk song, today still
frequently sung by the community during festivities, tells the story about
the Sotho Clansmen protesting against this Swazi absorption. The passion
with which this rural community practise their indigenous knowledge is
undoubtedly a major contributor to the economic success of the Centre
ensuring sustainability through tourism. Due to this, the village provides
financial support for over 100 people where from 48 are permanently employed
and most of them are women.
Matsamo Village offers 14 traditonal en-suite hives and can accommodate
an additional 60 guests in traditional hives using central ablutions.
Each ‘hive’ has it own seclusion where guests can have a private barbeque or
just relax in the rural village setting.
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