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Ubangwa netibi.

“She disputes a claim with a piece of straw.”

Said of someone who is gravely ill or in critical condition — as weak and unable to argue their case as someone holding nothing but a piece of straw.

— Traditional Eswatini Wisdom, Eswatini

Source: Traditional Eswatini proverb, public-domain oral tradition

More Proverbs from Eswatini

Ematsanga ahlantela labangenamabhodo.

“Pumpkins ripen for those who have no pots to cook them in.”

Good fortune often comes to people who are not expecting it or are not yet ready to receive it.

Source: Traditional Eswatini proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Tandla tiyagezana.

“Hands wash each other.”

Help those who help you; kindness given is kindness returned.

Source: Traditional Eswatini proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Sihlahla asinyelwa.

“A tree that gives you shade should not be fouled.”

Do not turn against those who have helped you, or make needless enemies — you may need their shelter again.

Source: Traditional Eswatini proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Umntfwana longakhali ufela embelekweni.

“The child who does not cry dies on its mother's back.”

Those who stay silent about their troubles may suffer and never receive the help they need.

Source: Traditional Eswatini proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Litsemba alibulali.

“Hope does not kill.”

Holding on to hope has never harmed anyone; stay optimistic even when things look lost.

Source: Traditional Eswatini proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Sala kutjelwa sibona ngemopho.

“Refuse to be told, and you will learn by the scar.”

Those who ignore the advice of people who know better will learn the same lesson the hard way.

Source: Traditional Eswatini proverb, public-domain oral tradition