Archives: Tsumo

Definitions bakatwa: Big knife (used as weapon; carried in sheath) pakatira: Put under arm Translation A wrongdoing is like a knife; you carry it under … Read more

Definitions ronda: Follow a scent or spoor. Track. honye: Worm. Maggot Translation A crime is tracked; no wrongdoing ever ends up full of maggots. Application … Read more

Definitions mhaka: wrondgoing/ fault/ misdeed dongo: an abandoned homestead / deserted village Translation Wrongdoing is never forgotten. Application In Shona culture, a dongo symbolizes neglect, … Read more

Translation If you need something, then say so; you won’t get it if you stay quiet. Application One should ask for help when they need … Read more

Definitions chikweya: laggard / slowpoke Translation Only a dog can truly be called a laggard; a person will eventually catch up. Application Even if someone … Read more

Definitions baya: to stab or pierce; to cause pain; figuratively, to discipline vatorwa: those who are not kin Translation Discipline your own first so that … Read more

Definitions baya: to stab or pierce; to cause pain; figuratively, to discipline vatorwa: those who are not kin Translation Discipline your kin first so that … Read more

Definitions ushasha: expertise Translation It is true mastery – for a  baboon to walk with its waist raised, even without a tail. Application What one … Read more

Translation What made one wiser is that which gave them the wound. Application Bad experiences, blunders, and mistakes from the past, drive people to be … Read more

Definitions mashe: lining for nest Translation Too many mice have no lining for their nest. Application When too many people are involved in a task, … Read more