Mabena

Despite the recent false trends to redefine this prestigious Surname. The Mabena name comes from a long history, stemming from the early Zulu tribe. The people are know as gentle, smart and hardworking. Which comes from their long history where they fought hard to gain independence in a war torn era. They are generally based in the Southern part of Africa. However a significant portion can be found in Europe and North America. To try and define the name Mabena is false as it refers to a group of people as many surnames do. Instead a recognition of the prestige and long history of the name is what matters most. After all, the Mabena name is a noun and can or should not be used as an adjective or verb.


The leader of the community was John Mabena.



Stokoloko

Stokoloko is a Xhosa informal term for a "dog without teeth". The term can be used to refer to someone who is not a threat.


Haisuka ngu stokoloko lo, inja engenamazinyo.



Net so

South African kasi term for "just like that" or "just the way it is".


Thabo: You don't put salt when you cook pap? Themba: Nah, I eat it net so.



Madibas

A term used in South Africa to refer to money. Madiba is Nelson Mandela's clan name and his face is on the South African bank notes, hence the term.


I can’t come if there’s no Madibas.



BRB

BRB is an abbreviation for Be Right Back that is used when texting. It was mostly used during the mxit days.


BRB, have to go take a shit.



Jou mase gat

This is an Afrikaans swear term that directly translates to “your mother’s vagina”. It’s similar to jou mase poes.


Voetsek with your nonsense, Jou mase gat.



Fiti

Fiti is derived from the term "fit" and is used to describe something that is good, cool, or trendy.


Unapendeza, hizo nguo ni fiti!
You look great, those clothes are cool!



Ibhinca

Plural: Amabhinca
Ibhinca is a Zulu person who practices their traditional Zulu culture, including wearing the traditional attire and listening to Maskandi


I had to act like I love Maskandi cause I was drinking with ibhinca.



Mjondolo

Mjondolo is another term for informal settlements (mkhukhu).


There is an movement called Abahlali basemjondolo



Thonqo

Thonqo is a Xhosa slang term for an idiot or a fool.


Haisuka ngu thonqo lo
This is an idiot.




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