Stories

These stories are based on the accounts of ordinary Zimbabweans - the experts from whom the content on ZimbOriginal is sourced.

5 aspects of Shona grammar that will confuse you, and how to make sense of them

By ZimbOriginal | December 18, 2025 | 0 Comments

There’s a silly goat song we used to sing as kids: ‘Zvembudzi, zvembudzi, zvandikanganisa.Murume ndebvu, mukadzi ndebvu!Me-e! Zvandikanganisa!’ Loosely translated: ‘Goats, goats, you’ve completely confused … Read more

How to make a clay pot, step-by-step

By ZimbOriginal | December 11, 2025 | 0 Comments

Hari chiumbwa chevhu chinobikirwa zvekudya pachoto, nekuchengeterwa zvinwiwa nezvimwewo zvekudya. Kuumba hari kunosanganisira kutsvaga rondo, kuumba kwacho chaiko, kudavadisa hari dzacho, kuomesa, nekuzopisa. Basa rekuumba … Read more

What you need to know to learn Shona quickly

By ZimbOriginal | December 4, 2025 | 0 Comments

Recently, a young man reached out, excited to begin his Shona learning journey. He also wanted something specific: a timeline. How long would it take … Read more

young woman greeting three elderly women with hands cupped

Why I write: I never realised it until now. A tribute to two women

By ZimbOriginal | November 20, 2025 | 0 Comments

Remembering Ambuya Taurwi Matipano I once wrote about my grandmother in a previous post. In her final years, she was over a hundred, living with … Read more

5 amazing weather prediction ways used by the Shona that you should know

By ZimbOriginal | November 13, 2025 | 0 Comments

While researching Shona indigenous knowledge on weather forecasting for this post, I was reminded of a story about Aboriginal communities in Australia. They have long … Read more

5 things that make Shona funerals special

By ZimbOriginal | November 6, 2025 | 0 Comments

Continuing the journey through shona burial customs I recently attended the burial of one of my grandmothers – may her soul find eternal rest. As … Read more

An interesting look at what future historians might think about us

By ZimbOriginal | October 30, 2025 | 0 Comments

O Level students took their History exams over the past few weeks. One of my readers reached out, feeling frustrated after her first paper. One … Read more

Here are 5 things that make Shona funerals unique

By ZimbOriginal | October 23, 2025 | 0 Comments

Mourning or mining? Not so long ago, I attended a rufu (funeral) in an area known for its rich gold deposits, which has made it … Read more

Things you’ll never hear about Shona – and they’ll surprise you!

By ZimbOriginal | October 16, 2025 | 0 Comments

Have you ever wondered what your senses would make of a language if they could?If a language could be felt, seen, tasted, or smelled — … Read more

The forgotten but interesting Shona housewarming ceremony

By ZimbOriginal | October 9, 2025 | 0 Comments

Some time ago, a reader reached out with a thoughtful question. Her family had lived in Zimbabwe years ago, and now that her children are … Read more

Worried Your Child Is Behind in Shona?

There's still time to catch up before the Grade 7 exam.

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    ZimbOriginal was born from a passion for discovery and writing, and a commitment to never losing sight of who we are.

    It is a place for stories on culture, customs, traditions, and anything else indigenous to Zimbabwe. ZimbOriginal not only promotes cultural awareness, but also supports learning and discovery.

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