siSwati Proverbs & Their Meanings
siSwati
siSwati proverbs share the Nguni heritage of wisdom, respect and community that runs through Eswatini and Mpumalanga.
Indlela ibutwa kwabaphambili.
Literally: “The path/way is asked from those who are ahead (who went before).”
Meaning: Ask the way from those who have gone before you; seek guidance from people with experience of the road ahead. In siSwati the more usual rendering is "Indlela ibutwa kulabasembili," but the meaning of consulting those ahead is sound.
Umuntfu ngumuntfu ngebantfu.
Literally: “A person is a person through (other) people.”
Meaning: A human being attains full humanity only through relationships with others; one's identity and dignity are bound up in community (the ubuntu philosophy).
Isandla sigeza lesinye.
Literally: “One hand washes the other.”
Meaning: One hand washes the other: mutual aid and reciprocity — help me and I will help you. Note the more idiomatic siSwati is "Sandla sigeza lesinye" (sandla without the initial i-). The cooperative meaning is correct.
Imbila yaswela umsila ngekulayetela.
Literally: “The rock-hyrax went without a tail by sending others (to fetch it for it).”
Meaning: If you want something done, do it yourself; over-relying on others to act on your behalf leaves you empty-handed.
Ligotjwa lisemanti.
Literally: “It (a branch/sapling) is bent while it is still wet/green.”
Meaning: Shape and discipline a child while they are young, just as a sapling is bent while still pliable.