đ§âŻThese Zulu Proverbs Donât Play â Hereâs Why
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
If you grew up in a Zulu home, chances are youâve heard a proverb before you even knew what the word meant. Zulu proverbsâizagaâare compact lessons shaped by generations of lived experience. Theyâre not just clever lines; theyâre roadmaps for living well, reminders from elders, and tools for handling lifeâs messiness with grace.
This blog isnât about trying to make proverbs sound trendy or punchy. Itâs about showing how they still offer guidance in our everyday livesâat work, at home, or even when youâre just trying to not text your ex.
đȘ¶ 5 Zulu Proverbs That Still Guide Us Today
1. "Izandla ziyagezana."
(The hands wash each other.)
Meaning: Mutual support is necessary. Life flows better when people help one another. From family chores to business deals, nothing thrives in isolation.
2. "Inkunzi isematholeni."
(The bull is among the calves.)
Meaning: The potential of future leaders lies in the youth. If youâre mentoring someone young or working with interns, rememberâyouâre shaping tomorrow.
3. "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu."
(A person is a person through other people.)
Meaning: We are made by our relationships. Whether itâs community, friendship, or familyâthis proverb reminds us that nobody builds a meaningful life alone.
4. "Akukho qili lazikhotha emhlane."
(No trickster has ever licked their own back.)
Meaning: No one outsmarts life forever. Whether in business or personal decisions, the truth catches up eventually.
5. "Intaka yakha ngoboya benye."
(A bird builds its nest with another birdâs feathers.)
Meaning: We all rely on each otherâs contributions to build something worthwhile. This applies at work, in marriage, or even when your roommate keeps borrowing your sugar.
đ Where These Proverbs Still Make Sense Today
These arenât phrases to be locked in books. Theyâre useful in real-life situations:
In meetings: When team members support one another, "Izandla ziyagezana" says it all.
In family life: Teaching a child responsibility? Remind them of "Inkunzi isematholeni."
In conflict: When egos flare, "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu" gently grounds us.
In moments of temptation: When cutting corners seems easy, "Akukho qili lazikhotha emhlane" will have you thinking twice.
In collaboration: Whether itâs a group project or wedding planning, "Intaka yakha ngoboya benye" keeps expectations in check.
đ Why Reclaiming Proverbs Matters Now More Than Ever
Modern life moves fast. But Zulu proverbs offer a slow, reflective rhythm that helps us pause and think deeper. They remind us of:
Our roots and where we come from
The value of community and kindness
The power of lived wisdom over empty words
Bringing these proverbs back into our speech isnât about sounding wise for show. Itâs about reconnecting with a language that knows usâand helps us know ourselves.
Whether you're speaking isiZulu or just learning, using izaga in the right moment can change the tone of a conversation, resolve tension, or offer comfort.
So next time life gets complicated, try speaking the wisdom. The ancestors left instructions. All we have to do is listen.
đ± Learn the Language. Speak the Wisdom.
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