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These Sepedi (Sepedi) proverbs speak to ubuntu, cooperation and the bonds that tie people to one another. Here are 4 of them, each with its literal translation and a clear explanation of its meaning, drawn from documented Sepedi usage.
Tau tša hloka seboka di šitwa ke nare e hlotša.
Literally: “Lions that lack teamwork are defeated by a limping buffalo.”
Meaning: Without unity and cooperation, even strong people fail at what should be easy; together they would succeed.
Monwana o tee ga o hlatswe sefahlego.
Literally: “One finger cannot wash the face.”
Meaning: One person alone cannot accomplish a big task; cooperation is needed.
Mphiri o tee ga o lle.
Literally: “A single bangle does not make a sound.”
Meaning: This mirrors the well-known unity proverbs. 'Mphiri' (a single string/strand of beads, or a single bangle) alone makes no sound — one person alone is ineffective; unity and numbers are needed. The standard, far better-attested form is 'Sekgwa se se sa hlokego...' style or rather the Tswana 'mphiri' variants; in Sepedi the recognised unity proverbs are 'Tau tša hloka seboka...' and 'Monwana o tee...'. Given meaning is essentially right.
Kgaka ya moeng ga e bolawe.
Literally: “A guest's guineafowl is not slaughtered.”
Meaning: The guest does not get to slaughter/choose the guineafowl — i.e. a visitor does not dictate in another's home; the host decides, and the guest accepts what is offered. It is about a guest's place and humility, NOT primarily about protecting the guest from exploitation.