Ngwana o tshwara thipa ka bohaleng.
“The child holds the knife by its blade.”
Sometimes circumstance forces even the young or inexperienced to bear a hardship with no easy way to hold it.
— Traditional South Africa Wisdom, South Africa
Source: Traditional Sotho proverb (South Africa), public-domain oral tradition
More Proverbs from South Africa
A person is a person through other people.
Humanity and identity are shaped through relationships and community — the Ubuntu philosophy.
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One fly does not provide for another.
Each person must work for their own living; nobody can be idle and expect others to provide.
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The nice fig is often full of worms.
Attractive appearances can conceal hidden flaws or trouble.
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The bull is among the calves.
Today's great leaders were once ordinary, inexperienced beginners.
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The way forward is asked from those who went ahead.
Seek guidance and advice from those with more experience.
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There is no hillside without a grave.
Death touches every place and everyone; it is universal and inevitable.
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