People
Who they are
The Sangu live on the Usangu Plain in Mbarali District, Mbeya Region, in southwestern Tanzania, and are the original inhabitants of the plain and its wetlands. Their language belongs to the Bantu family and is called Kisangu in Swahili and Ishisangu by its own speakers. Traditionally, they are livestock herders.
In the 1870s and 1880s, Baluchi people from Pakistan arrived in the region, established farms and married local people. A study covering the years from 1920 to 1960 concludes that irrigated rice farming on the plain began largely through the initiative of the Sangu themselves. Their oral tales preserve knowledge and practices relating to the environment.
Where they live
1
Country
253K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Tanzania Partially reached
|
100%
|
246.000 |
How they live
Some Sangu make their living raising livestock and need large areas for their herds. Others farm and live in villages and towns near roads. In larger towns, some families run small businesses. These ways of making a living coexist on the Usangu Plain. Some Sangu communities are in isolated places, while others live along transport routes.
What they believe
The Baluchi brought Islam, but it is practiced mainly in the larger villages, where there are mosques. The Lutheran Church arrived in 1898, the first of several Christian denominations in the region. Churches are found mainly near the main road and bring together people from several ethnic groups; the Sangu make up a smaller share of their members. Traditional religion remains strong, both in rural areas and in larger towns, and many Muslims and Christians practice it alongside their chosen faith.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Sangu (Tanzania)
New Testament complete
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Current stage
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)25%
Evangelicals5%
Needs
In more remote communities, getting water during the dry season can mean long walks. During the rainy season, flooding cuts off land access to many places. Water close to home and passable roads and paths are practical needs for these families. In Christian life, teaching Scripture in Sangu can help those who already believe to understand their faith amid the strong presence of traditional religious practices.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for access to water in Sangu communities where people face long walks during the dry season.
Pray for protection for Sangu families isolated by flooding during the rainy season.
Pray for the study and understanding of Scripture in Ishisangu.
Pray for the Sangu who follow Jesus to remain grounded in the Bible while living among traditional religious practices.
Pray for churches near the roads as they care for more remote Sangu communities.
Pray for Sangu
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar