Stories

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

Traditional medicine| 50 plants to take you back to the basics of medicine and healing

By ZimbOriginal | April 30, 2020 | 31 Comments

In many parts of Zimbabwe, reliance is still placed on traditional medicines due to their affordability and ease of access. In some cases, there are … Read more

Zvirahwe| Riddle me these 30 Shona riddles

By ZimbOriginal | April 15, 2020 | 36 Comments

Why a riddle? Riddles are sometimes considered a form of folklore. Their function ranges from education to entertainment, revealing the thoughts and expressions of a … Read more

Tsumo| Generational wisdom from 20 Shona proverbs

By ZimbOriginal | March 30, 2020 | 15 Comments

Proverbs are regarded as a source of knowledge and wisdom passed down through generations.Below are twenty Shona proverbs together with an explanation of what inspired … Read more

6 things worth knowing about traditional practices when faced with a disease outbreak

By ZimbOriginal | March 25, 2020 | 2 Comments

The traditional values of Zimbabwean people are centered on strong family ties and hospitality. Members of a family rely on each other for support and … Read more

fish swimming in aquarium

Tsumo| 20 Shona proverbs inspired by animals

By ZimbOriginal | February 29, 2020 | 8 Comments

Traditionally, hunting and agriculture have been the primary means of livelihood for the majority of Zimbabweans. It is therefore not surprising that a large number … Read more

Should children maintain their native language?

By ZimbOriginal | February 27, 2020 | 0 Comments

To speak, or not to speak? There is a widely held view or belief that children should learn to speak their native language. By native … Read more

Goats and the masungiro ritual

By ZimbOriginal | January 31, 2020 | 4 Comments

Livestock as a form of wealth Sheila buys a goat In 2002 Sheila completed her O’ levels and moved from her rural home to the … Read more

Beliefs| 13 strange beliefs; from trapping death, to generational curses

By ZimbOriginal | January 9, 2020 | 2 Comments

Most superstitious beliefs and practices are rooted in uroyi (witchcraft). Uroyi involves the infliction of harm upon others because of jealousy, greed, revenge, or simply … Read more

Ngano| The moon and how the world was made: Part Two

By ZimbOriginal | December 27, 2019 | 0 Comments

Continued from Ngano| The moon and how the world was made The offspring of Marinda Mwedzi was restless, tossing and turning throughout the night. Memories … Read more

Ngano| The moon and how the world was made

By ZimbOriginal | November 30, 2019 | 2 Comments

Mwedzi and Dziva Long ago, the earth was empty, covered only by a vast body of water called Dziva (which means “lake”). There were no … Read more

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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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