South Africa

Proverbs from Zululand

The Zulu people of South Africa have a tradition and custom that predates the Boer influence and colonialism. Their involvement in the struggle against the Apartheid system and for independence is well known, especially, from the 27 years in solitary confinement that one of the freedom fighters, Nelson Mandela, suffered in the hands of the occupying forces. Read more about them at this Web site.

Do not leave your host's house, throwing mud in his well.

A word uttered cannot be taken back.

When the man is away, the monkey eats up the maize and enters the hut.

Do not call to a dog with a whip in your hand.

The horse who arrives early gets good drinking water.

A fault confessed is half redressed.

One does not cross a river without getting wet. [Interpretation]

Darkness conceals the hippopotamus.

A horse has four legs, yet it often falls. [Interpretation]

The most beautiful fig may contain a worm.

Without life, there is nothing.

Follow the customs or flee the country.

The rich are always complaining.

Even an ant may harm an elephant.

Copying everybody else all the time, the monkey one day cut his throat. [Interpretation]

Links on South Africa

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/globaltrek/destinations/southafrica.htm
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/specials/goplaces/0,12405,384364,00.html
http://www.saembassy.org
http://www.southafrica.net