South African Proverbs

 

1. Ukukhula kukubona izinto. literally (To grow is to see things.)

One grows through experience.

2. He who is bitten by the snake fears the earthworm

It is okay to be extra careful, especially after you have had a series of disappointments. 

3. Isiqhelo siyayoyisa ingqondo. literally (Habit defeats the mind)

As humans we are creatures of habit, once you get used to doing something it becomes hard to change, even if your mind wants to.

4. You cannot beat a drum with one finger

You have to give all your energy and attention to anything you do

5. Isityeba mva sinqol’ intaba. literally (The last to be rich, ascends the mountain)

The last to succeed is noticed more, so do not rush.

6. If that rat cannot flee enough, let it make way for the tortoise. 

If you cannot do something, pave way for other people. 

7. Ligundvwane liphila ngemajobo esihambi. literally (The house mouse lives through the traveller’s loinskin)

A traveller encounters difficulties that local people don't

8. Umzingisi akanashwa. literally (One who perseveres has no misfortune)

You must not let obstacles discourage you. If you persevere you will eventually win.

9. When you have a lot to do, start with a meal

Preparation is vital before doing anything

10. Ithemba alibulali,kubulala ubungxamo. literally (Hope never kills, but rushing things does)

It is good to be persevering because eventually things will become alright, dont rush them to be

11. He who wants honey must prepare for a bee sting.

Success comes through hard work

12. Only a fool tests the depth of a river with both feet. 

Before getting into situations, it is wise to think of the consequences 

13.  Moja pele o tshwana le moja morago. literally (The one who ate first is the same as the one who ate last)

success is success, whether you succed first or last.

14. A crocodile’s strength is in the water

Every person works best in their territory. 

15.  Ke utlwile ga e tshwane le ke bonye ka matlho. literally (I heard is not the same as I saw.)

One who is trusted is the one who saw than the one who also heard from someone.

16.  Ere o fitlhela pina e binwa, o e bina. literally (when you find a song being sung, sing it too.)

If you have gone to a place, do as people of that place do.

17.  Xandla famba, xandla buya. literally (Let the hand go, let the hand come back.)

A giving hand is a receiving hand

18.  Xihlovo a xi dungiwi loko u heta kunwa mati. literally (Don’t dirty the well after drinking water.)

Don’t treat bad a person who has helped you. You will need their help in the future.

19. If you start looking for a fly in your food, it means that you are full

You can only start looking for mistakes in a situation when you are satisfied.

20.  Kuyasa nangomso. literally (It shall dawn again tommorow.)

 Tommorow is still another day if you failed today.

21. Stille water, diepe grond, onder draai die duiwel rond. literally (Still water, deep ground, beneath the devil turns around).

A quite demeanor hides a persons passionate character.

22. Indoda imba kwenye eqolo. literally (A man takes from another mans back.)

No one can succeed without help from others.

23.  Umhambi uyahlinzekwa. literally (A traveller is provided for.)

 It is a good thing to look after those who have visited you

24. Werk met dit wat jy het, eerder om te hunker na dit wat jy nie het nie.

Work with what you have rather than to long for what you do not have.

25. Don't sail using someone else's star

Do not try to be like someone else because you do not know their journey.

26. Inyathi ibuzwa kwabaphambili. literally (You ask about the buffalo from those who are ahead (Know about it).

Ask for advice from those with more experience 

27. Ekhabojaha akulilwa. literally (There is no mourning at the home of a warrior)

The death of a warrior is praised than being lamented.

28. Ndlovu ayipfi rimbambo rinwe. literally (An elephant does not die from one broken rib)

One set back does not mean the end

29.  You can learn wisdom at your grandfather's feet, or at the end of a stick.

If you pay attention to what your elders are telling you and follow their advice, you won't have to learn things the hard way through experience.

30. Ukusuza komnumzane kuyazitshwa ngumfokazane. literally (The farting of the head of the homestead is ignored by the commoner.) They might even beat a dog and accuse it of farting

 The commoners tend to ignore the mistakes of people in authority just like ignoring the patriachs fart.

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