Korana in South Africa
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| People Name: | Korana |
| Country: | South Africa |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 12,000 |
| World Population: | 12,000 |
| Primary Language: | Language unknown |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 70.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 10.00 % |
| Scripture: | Unspecified |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | No |
| People Cluster: | Bantu, Nguni |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Korana (or Koranna) people of South Africa are a Khoikhoi-descended group with a complex history. We don’t know what language they speak, but they probably use English as a trade language.Traditionally, they were nomadic cattle herders and hunters. Some conducted raids on settled farms. In the 1800s, the discovery of diamonds led many Korana to work in the mines or engage in the diamond trade.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Storytelling and oral traditions preserve their history and customs in a time of change. They are losing their traditional forms of music and dance because of assimilation and intermarriage with other tribes. Those in rural areas enjoy horse racing games that reflect the nomadic and raiding lifestyles of their ancestors.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Though Korana Christianity is diverse, with numerous denominations represented, it blends biblical teachings with pre-Christian beliefs. They believe in diviners who they think have the power to communicate with ancestral spirits to benefit the living. Because they believe in ancestral spirits, funerals are important in their culture. Funerals are elaborate, and they can last a whole week. They often involve slaughtering cattle to feed guests. When one dies, they graduate from being an elder to being an ancestor. Those who die with regrets become ghosts who haunt the living during the night. This is one more reason they take great care of these spirits.
What Are Their Needs?
Unemployment is high, with limited access to housing, education, and job opportunities. They need economic development and skills training to enable them to do productive and meaningful work.
Prayer Points
Pray for hundreds to be raised up with a defiant faith in Christ, one that will not be shaken, no matter what comes their way.Pray for God to bring about his purpose for the Koranas.Pray for Korana Christians to have love, joy, peace, and patience as they tell others about the King of kings.Pray for a powerful Holy Spirit revival to flood through South Africa, blessing southern Africa in every way.