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These Xhosa (isiXhosa) proverbs speak to ubuntu, cooperation and the bonds that tie people to one another. Here are 6 of them, each with its literal translation and a clear explanation of its meaning, drawn from documented Xhosa usage.
Intaka yakha ngoboya benye.
Literally: “A bird builds (its nest) with the feathers of another.”
Meaning: People succeed through cooperation and mutual help; we accomplish things by relying on one another.
Umntu ngumntu ngabantu.
Literally: “A person is a person through (other) people.”
Meaning: Our humanity is realised through our relationships with others; we become fully human in community (the principle of ubuntu).
Isandla sihlamba esinye.
Literally: “One hand washes the other.”
Meaning: People depend on one another; mutual help and reciprocity make tasks possible.
Injobo enhle ithungelwa ebandla.
Literally: “A fine loin-skin garment is sewn in/at the gathering of men.”
Meaning: A worthwhile undertaking or piece of work is best done with the counsel and participation of the community; important matters are decided and refined openly among the men of the council, not by one person alone.
Ubuntu ngumuntu ngabanye abantu.
Literally: “Humanity/being a person comes through other people.”
Meaning: A person is a person through other people; one's humanity is realised in and through community and relationships (the principle of ubuntu).
Ukwanda kwaliwa ngumthakathi.
Literally: “Increase/multiplication is opposed only by a witch.”
Meaning: Only an ill-wisher resents the prosperity, growth or good fortune of others; growth is to be welcomed.