Home › Sepedi proverbs › Caution & Warning
These Sepedi (Sepedi) proverbs speak to warnings, prudence and the cost of ignoring good advice. Here are 5 of them, each with its literal translation and a clear explanation of its meaning, drawn from documented Sepedi usage.
Moja morago o a tlhotša.
Literally: “The one who eats last limps / is left behind.”
Meaning: The one who eats last/lags behind ends up worse off; but in genuine usage this proverb counsels patience and care rather than speed — the one who takes his time and comes last still gets to eat, OR conversely warns the slow lose out. The spelling 'tlhotša' is Setswana-influenced; Sepedi uses 'hlotša'. Treat as 'the latecomer is disadvantaged'.
Leswika ga le bole.
Literally: “A stone does not rot.”
Meaning: A stone does not rot/decay — used to say that some things (a wrong, a debt, a grudge, a truth) do not disappear with time and will resurface; permanence and the persistence of matters. Standard Sepedi for stone is 'leswika'. Meaning broadly right.
Go tšhela meetse moleteng o se nago noga.
Literally: “To pour water into a hole that has no snake.”
Meaning: To pour water into a hole that has no snake — to expend effort where there is nothing to gain / chase something that isn't there; wasted, misdirected effort. Often used of being deceived into useless labour or pursuing an empty prospect. Given meaning ('pointless effort') is acceptable but should stress misdirected/futile pursuit of an absent prize.
Naga ga e na mahlo.
Literally: “The veld/wilderness has no eyes.”
Meaning: The veld has no eyes — out in the wild/away from home there is no one to see or protect you; misfortune can strike unseen, so be careful. The usual fuller, attested form is 'Naga ga e na mahlo, e na le ditsebe' (the veld has no eyes but has ears). Given meaning is acceptable.
Go ja ga mmutla ke go lebelela.
Literally: “The hare eats while looking around.”
Meaning: The hare eats while looking about — stay watchful even while at ease/enjoying yourself; remain vigilant against danger. Given meaning is accurate. ('mmutla' = hare in Sepedi.)