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Tau tša hloka seboka di šitwa ke nare e hlotša.
Sepedi proverb · Sepedi
Literally: “Lions that lack unity/teamwork are defeated by a limping buffalo.”
Meaning: Without unity and cooperation, even the strong and capable fail at what should be an easy task; when people pull together they succeed, but when divided they are overcome even by a weaker adversary.
Background
One of the most frequently cited Northern Sotho proverbs on unity, drawing on the cattle-herding and hunting imagery central to Sotho-Tswana culture. Lions are the archetype of strength and a buffalo (nare) the dangerous quarry; the image of mighty lions failing against even a lame buffalo because they will not cooperate makes the lesson vivid. It is widely quoted in modern Sepedi schooling, sermons, and political/community speeches about solidarity.
How it is used
Said to urge people to work together — in families, teams, organisations, or communities — and as a rebuke when infighting or selfishness is causing a group to fail at something they could easily manage if united. Common in motivational and civic contexts.