Today is Youth Day in South Africa.
Inspired by the class of ’76, Youth Day remembers the day when young African students in Soweto were punished for standing up and protesting against the iniquities of the Apartheid government, specifically a 1974 government decree that forced black schools to use Afrikaans and English in a 50-50 mix as the languages of instruction.
In memory of the lives that were lost on that day, our Londolozi elders – many of whom you will recognise below – have selected eight ancient Shangaan proverbs that they would like to share with young people all around the world.
As village elder, Lina Lamula, so eloquently puts it, “there is nothing as important as the ancient wisdom of a language” and today we celebrate not only our young people, but also the freedom to express ourselves in 11 official South African languages.
1. “Huma mhiri kunghena mamba.” (Elmon Sithole – Tracker)
English translation: “Don’t replace a puff adder with a black mamba.”
Behind Elmon’s proverb: Shangaans see the puff adder as a “friendlier” snake than the highly venomous black mamba. The puff adder is sluggish, predictable and less likely to act aggressively. The moral: Be careful about replacing someone you know and trust with someone you don’t.
2. “Matimba ya ngwenya imati.” (Gogo Mo)
English translation: “Crocodiles are at their strongest when they’re in the water.”
Behind Gogo Mo’s proverb: The crocodile’s family and protector is water. This proverb suggests that, as individuals, we are much stronger and able to perform at our best when we surround ourselves with family. Never underestimate the healing power of family.
3. “Loko uhleketa mhelembe khandziya murhi.” (Elmon Sithole – Chef)
English translation: “Remember – a rhino can’t jump on a tree.”
Behind Elmon’s proverb: Don’t be tardy – react to problems quickly. If you wait too long to face a challenge, you could find yourself all out of options. Elmon advises that the youth think beyond just “today”. Reflect on yesterday and look forward to tomorrow.
4. “Kusola hosi, sola usukile.” (Glory Manzini – Housekeeping)
English translation: “If you are complaining about the chief, then move to another land.”
Behind Glory’s proverb: This one explains itself. Don’t sit around complaining, if you don’t like something, get up off your behind and do something about it.
5. “Kuwa rale thyakeni udyisiwa hi n’wana.” (Lina Lamula – Village Manager)
English translation: “Be careful of your children feeding you dirty fruit.”
Behind Lina’s proverb: This is one for the parents. Bring your children up carefully and guide them on a path of goodness. Children can easily get into trouble and, by default, parents too. To the children of our great nation: honour your elders by leading a life of dignity.
6. “Hambi wo famba enkoveni, lundza rita vonaka.” (Colbert Mdluli – Varty Camp Butler)
English translation: “Even if you are doing something under the surface of the river’s water, your secret will eventually come out.”
Behind Colbert’s proverb: You can do bad things in the dark, but when the light comes, people will know. Trust a wise old man when he says: “Stay on the road of righteousness.” (By the way, Colbert’s second favourite saying is “Hakuna Matata” – and we know there’s no need for a translation on that one.)
7. “Ximita ntsengele xi tshemba nkolo.” (Sophie and Ilyna Khosa – Scullery)
English translation: “Only swallow the Ntsengele fruit if you are confident that you can swallow the pip as well.”
Behind the proverb: Don’t bite off more than you can chew. To the youth of South Africa, focus on education first. Cars, serious relationships, money and children will come later. First you have to build a foundation, and for that, you must focus on learning.
8. “N’wana wa nyoka inyoka.” (Norah Ubisi – Housekeeping)
English translation: “The baby of a snake is still a snake.”
Behind Nora’s proverb: Be wary the offspring of unsavoury people. As you walk through life, there will be people who try to trick you, cheat you or trip you up. Be clever. When you meet a person, look at their background, look at their family, look at how they have behaved in the past. The clues are there for you to make a better decision.
If you could share just one of these proverbs with your children or your grandchildren this Youth Day, which one would it be? Or is there an ancient proverb from another language that you would like to share? Leave your thoughts (and proverbs) in the comments section below.
They are all great advice but my particular favourite is Elmon’s “Loko uhleketa mhelembe khandziya murhi.” Reflect on your past, learn from both your triumphs and mistakes and plan today so that you can reach your goals tomorrow. Great blog Ryan, thank you for sharing all of these very wise Shangaan proverbs.
I agree Jill – “A rhino can’t jump on a tree” is my favourite too, followed closely by Glory Manzini’s words of wisdom.
They are all words of wisdom that every child should heed.
Follow the bee you will find the honey
Love it Raihaan. I heard another yesterday: “A single arrow is easily broken, but ten in a bundle aren’t.”
To track the leopard is to track uncertainty.
kudya ngopfu a hiku tlula ndlala means eating too much does not overcome hunger ,to be greedy on something does not help