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Intaka yakha ngoboya benye.
Xhosa proverb · isiXhosa
Literally: “A/the bird builds (its nest) with the feathers of another (bird).”
Meaning: People succeed and accomplish things through cooperation and mutual help; we build our lives and achievements by relying on and drawing from one another.
Background
A well-known isiXhosa proverb taken from the observation of birds gathering feathers and material to construct their nests. It is commonly cited as an expression of communal interdependence, complementing the ubuntu ethic captured in 'Umntu ngumntu ngabantu.'
How it is used
Used to commend or call for cooperation, sharing of resources and collective effort, and to remind people that no one builds anything entirely alone.