Zimbabwe (Matabeleland) & Botswana
Ndebele culture stories
The food, names, greetings, sayings and everyday life behind Ndebele, the main language of south-western Zimbabwe. Each story links to words you can hear and practise in a free five-minute lesson.
Culture stories
Culture stories
Culture stories for Ndebele will appear here
We will email you when a new one is published, or you can read the culture guide now.
Words to know
- Sakubonasah-koo-BOH-nah · Hello (to one person): Zimbabwean; Zulu/SA form: Sawubona
- Salibonanisah-lee-boh-NAH-nee · Hello (to two or more people)
- Lotshaniloh-TSHAH-nee · Hi / greetings (informal, to people)
Culture guide
Ndebele sayings and traditions
Compiled from the public sources listed under each section. Pronunciations are simple sound-it-out guides. Not yet reviewed by a native speaker: if something looks wrong, tell us.
Ndebele proverbs (izaga)
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Inhlanhla kayiphindwa kabili
Say it: een-HLAHN-hlah kah-yee-PEEND-wah kah-BEE-lee
"Fortune does not come twice"
Take real opportunities when they arise.
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Umuntu abozinuka amakhwapha
Say it: oo-MOON-too ah-boh-zee-NOO-kah ah-mah-KWAH-pah
"A person should smell their own armpits"
Know your own faults before judging others.
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Udiwo lufuz' imbiza
Say it: oo-DEE-woh loo-FOOZ eem-BEE-zah
"The small pot resembles the big pot"
Children take after their parents.
Sources: Wikiquote: Ndebele proverbs
Wall art and beadwork
Ndebele homes are known for bold, geometric wall paintings, traditionally women's work taught from mother to daughter. The same shapes and colours run through Ndebele beadwork, where specific pieces can show a woman's age and marital status.
Learning Ndebele on Bantu Plaza
Where is Ndebele spoken?
Ndebele is spoken in Zimbabwe (Matabeleland) & Botswana. It is the main language of south-western Zimbabwe.
Can I try Ndebele for free?
Yes. The free five-minute Ndebele lesson runs in your browser with no account needed. You learn a few real greetings and phrases from the Bantu Plaza Ndebele course.
Are there live Ndebele tutors on Bantu Plaza?
Not yet. Live Ndebele tutors are not listed at the moment, so the best place to start is the free lesson and the self-study lessons.
What does the Ndebele Complete Language Pack cost?
The Ndebele Complete Language Pack costs $99 and covers levels A1 to C2 of Ndebele, with interactive lessons you use inside your Bantu Plaza account.
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