South African Proverbs

South African Proverbs weave ubuntu, cattle-country pragmatism, and township wit, shaped by centuries of migration and the long road from apartheid to democracy. They prize community, courage, and sharp humor in daily struggle.

No hill without gravestones, no valley without shadows. (South African Proverb)
Once you have found your first diamond, you will never give up looking. View proverb
South African Proverb
The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the next best time is now. View proverb
South African Proverb
The fool who owns an ox is seldom recognized as a fool. View proverb
South African Proverb
The girl with stars in her eyes will shine like the moonlight. View proverb
South African Proverb
The greatest death is laughter. View proverb
South African Proverb
The hand that rocks the cradle rules the nation and its destiny. View proverb
South African Proverb
The impatient person eats goat; the one who hesitates eats beef. View proverb
South African Proverb
You are not great just because you say you are. View proverb
South African Proverb
A fool is a wise man's ladder. View proverb
South African Proverb
If you are looking for a fly in your food it means that you are full. (South African Proverb)
It is hunger that killed the man with many wives. View proverb
South African Proverb
It is the snake that smells the rat. View proverb
South African Proverb
The last partridge to rise gets the most sticks thrown at it. View proverb
South African Proverb
The poor man's proverb is never quoted. View proverb
South African Proverb
The quail waits for the stick; the idle loiterer about a place waits for a kick from an old boot. View proverb
South African Proverb
The seed waits for its garden or ground where it will be sown. View proverb
South African Proverb
The strength of the crocodile is in the water. View proverb
South African Proverb
The wrong-headed fool who refuses counsel, will come to grief. View proverb
South African Proverb
When a bird builds its nest it uses the feathers of other birds. View proverb
South African Proverb
When the elephant is slain all the tribes gather together to eat of it. (South African Proverb)
When you climb the mountain and reach the top, do not forget the branches shrubs that helped your footing. View proverb
South African Proverb
When you have a lot to do, start with a meal. View proverb
South African Proverb
When you have touched a woman, you have struck a rock. View proverb
South African Proverb
Until the lions have their historians, tales of hunting will always glorify the hunter. View proverb
South African Proverb
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