MUNGAMBWE

'The Mungambwe is a clan of the Nyaneka. A strong cultural identity binds them together. This identity is very important to them. Other more "civilized" groups, however, look down on them because of their traditional ways. Their cultural identity also makes them a sceptic of outsiders.

Being a barter society, the Mungambwe trade livestock and sell crops to mostly people coming from Lubango. They trade their livestock and crops for mostly things like cloth, blankets, sugar, cornmeal, salt, wine, and whisky. This people group are also herdsmen.

The king is the head of the tribe followed by a headman. Serving under the headman are the elders. Conflicts are resolved by the elders and the headman. A diviner is also often called upon.

The location of the Mungambwe is in the Southwestern part of Angola which includes the Cunene, Huila, and Namibe provinces. Only one percent of this group lives in rural areas.

The Mungambwe is an animistic group. They believe that the spirits of their ancestors can either work for their good or for their worst. In order to please the ancestors animal sacrifices have to be made. At birth a child is dedicated to a spirit by his parents. This is to "bless" and "protect" him.

Less than 1% of the Mungambwe are Christian.

• Country: Angola
• Population (year): 11.5 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christian
• Percent Christian: 84.6%
• Percent Evangelical: 8.4%
• Openness to missionaries: Open

Ratio of pastors/evangelists to population : 1 pastor/evangelist for every 11 429 persons

(total pastors/evangelists - 7)

Ratio of missionaries to population : 1 missionary for every 16 000 persons

(total missionaries - 5)

Who is Jesus Christ to them?

4 % Believe Jesus is the Son of God and are nominally Christians
>1% Believe in the Son of God and have accepted Him as their Saviour
?% Believe Jesus is a Prophet, Teacher, a Good Man, but not God's Son
?% Believe Jesus is a myth
90% Have never heard His Name

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Of the 10% that has heard the Gospel, less than 1% has responded. 1 believer to every 27 persons

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Ratio of churches to population : 1 church for every 1 455 persons (total churches - 55)

4. DO THEY HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

No Bible is published although it has been translated into the Nyaneka language. However, the translation is poor due to its ties to Portuguese grammar. A new translation is in progress.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

Literacy rate: 5% The exact percentage is unknown. It is exceptional to find someone with a higher than fourth grade education and a rare exception to find an education of sixth grade or higher

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Literature : in progress Radio: TWR 1 hour/week Radia 2000 1 hour/week

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND CHRISTIANITY?

They don't change their ways easily, but are open to the Gospel.

8. IS OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE REQUIRED FROM MISSIONARIES?

Yes

*All figures are estimates