From Umlazi to Washington DC teaching isiZulu

At Howard University, Dr Sipho Sithole is reshaping global perspectives on Zulu culture — in classrooms, conversations and cultural exchanges

- Rolland Simpi Motaung

Academic and author Dr Sipho Sithole follows a long line of South African creative minds finding themselves in lecture halls in the United States. Zakes Mda, Joel Cabrita, Nadine Gordimer, Es’kia Mphahlele and Lindani Mbunyuza-Memani are among them.

Last year, passport and isiZulu heritage intact, Dr Sithole entered Howard University, in Washington DC as an isiZulu lecturer in the Department of World Languages and Cultures.

Growing up, Dr Sithole always questioned his identity and positioning in society not only as a black person, but as an African. A township boy from Umlazi, KwaZulu Natal, often teased as ibhari yasemakhaya or “farmboy”, Dr Sithole went on to craft an illustrious career as a scholar, civil activist and corporate leader including board directorship. His passion for music and culture also saw him establish Native Rhythms - an integrated entertainment company, hosting musicians like Zuluboy and acapella group The Soil.

Apart from holding a PhD in Anthropology, he is also the author of several publications, including the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Awards 2024 nominated seminal book Maye Maye: The history and heritage of the Kwa Mai Mai Market, published by Jacana Media in 2023.

To learn about the Zulu culture, one can always read books or even watch Mzansi Magic’s Shaka iLembe. However, nothing beats the lessons and cultural nuances from one born into the culture. Now teaching isiZulu and culture to non-language speakers in the USA, I caught up with this son of Africa to learn more about his journey.

You are a man of many abilities and wear a few hats, briefly take us back to what sparked your interest in learning more about African culture and heritage?