Introduction / History

Gitanga means Tonga in Mozambique. It is the name of a language and the people who speak it.

Tonga-speaking people live in most countries of Southern Africa, especially Malawi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most are subsistence farmers who grow maize, millet, sorghum, and cassava. Those with more wealth have cattle. Fishing is common for those who live near rivers. They eat the fish, beef, and produce they grow. They like fermented drinks made from sorghum and millet.

Their families are matrilineal, meaning inheritance is through the mother’s family line.

They make pipes from calabash bulbs. Their Malipenga dance, mimics military drills. It is their traditional dance, and it uses horn instruments.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most are involved with traditional ethnic religion, but nearly half are Roman Catholic or Protestant.

What Are Their Needs?

Infrastructure is lacking. They need developed roads to move their goods to market and medical care for emergencies. Due to their peaceful nature, the Tongas are losing their culture to more dominant ones.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in Tonga families and churches, drawing them closer to the King of kings.
Pray for many to be thrust out as workers to those who lack a gospel witness.
Pray for God’s people to work with them to develop new trade partners.

Scripture Prayers for the Tonga, Gitonga in Mozambique.

References

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