Brother Bernard

(noun)
The situation of slipping, tripping or falling down due to external pressures. These might include tertiary academics, relationships, and being broke.


Brother Bernard, this will kill me a real death.



Nyoba

Nyoba is a Xhosa term for bribing. To bribe someone is to ukunyoba.


If I get caught by traffic cops, ndiyanyoba and it all goes well.



Pitori

Also known as Pretoria. This is the capital city of South Africa. The people of this city speak what they call SePitori.


I know I'm a dick, akere I'm from Pitori.



Saint-Louis

Former colonial capital with distinctive French-Creole architecture.


Saint-Louis' Jazz Festival is West Africa's oldest music festival.



Cape Flats

The term Cape Flats refers to a flat, sandy stretch of land which is located on the outskirts of the city of Cape Town. It has been accurately described as the "dumping ground of apartheid" and it is here that people of colour (non-whites in "old South Africa" language) were relocated to in terms of the infamous Group Areas Act.


I am from the Cape Flats where we hear gunshots every night.



Inxila

Inxila is a Xhosa term for a drunkard.


Ubhuti wakho linxila lokwenyani.
Translation: Your brother is a real drunkard.



Shandapha

A term that is used to refer to a beautiful woman.
Can also be spelt as chandapha.


yoh this girl ke shandapha.



Bherhi

Hero is a Xhosa term for a homeless person.


Did you see Thabo left home, ngu bherhi ngoku.



Yah neh

Its a word that is mostly used out of disappointment or maybe when seeking attention from someone who's ignoring you


Outta disappointment : "yah neh,that boy really turned out to be a skrr skrr"

When seeking attention :
you : yah neh😒
Her : what
You : so you just gonna ignore me like that



Apartheid

Literally means “apartness” in Afrikaans, apartheid was the policy of racial segregation implemented by the South African National Party from 1948 to 1994, resulting in the oppression and labour exploitation of South Africa’s black majority, and their systematic exclusion from the country’s mainstream economic, educational and social life.


The struggles of black people we see today is the legacy of the apartheid regime.




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