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Projects - South African Quotations

South African Quotations

Sayings, phrases, idioms, proverbs and/or witticisms have original sources. There are interesting phrases that people coin (sometimes unwittingly) when in an interview. You read a newspaper or a magazine article and you come across these. Sometimes a writer is so used to his sayings - or is not quite aware that s/he is saying something spectacular - that he mixes them discretely in his work.

We, the readers, get impressed by one that says something to us; we pull it out because we interpret an experience in it or we put it into our experiences. I came across this one: "A well read mind never stays behind" in 1988. It has been my philosophy since.

Quotations help shape the way we think and they enrich our everyday conversation. They also give us some insight into the wisdom of other peoples; in the South African context, the ways of thinking of our ethnic groups - including the Afrikaners and the English.

The purpose of this project is to exchange information on whether certain quotations we use in South Africa really originated here; it is to see if we can get an idea as to who originated them; and also it is to share these with others who may not know them.

Some sayings have come down to us as proverbs - or as epigrams/witticisms/idioms.  There are also those quotes that come from traditional African tales. Another factor - which makes things difficult in a work of this nature - is that it was the norm, in Africa, to pass information or to educate one another via the word of mouth. This has denied acknowledging those who coined the phrases. As a result, we have all these pithy, wisdom-ridden sayings but the source has been lost.

The only unfortunate thing about compiling a work of this nature is that a phrase is taken away from its context, thereby it is presented in a manner the writer didn’t intend.

The challenge of this project is to have people joining as members and then giving an input. Everyone is invited to submit a quotation they know of or heard of. It can be from any of the languages that we use in the country. If you know, you can also tell us who originated the quotation. You are also welcome to highlight it when you disagree with any information we give.

When you join and you send us your input, it will be much appreciated if you do not forget to include the quoted person's name, the name of the newspaper/magazine, the date of the issue and the page number. That way, our literary heritage will be richer and our ancestral intellectuals will gain the acknowledgement they deserve. We owe them that much.

We are busy going through periodicals such as magazines, newspapers, books and the like in a bid to extract those sentences that feel 'right' as witticisms. It happens, now and again, that we see some saying for the first time and we credit the writer or the person the saying is attributed to. However, you may have seen or heard the saying somewhere else before. It is your prerogative to let us know about this as the last thing in our minds is to misplace credit.

Later on we will need to list the quotations according to headings (e.g.: Argument, Feelings, Music, Last Words, etc). As for now, they are all placed randomly. Farther, we will need to include an index section with quoted people's names, their dates of birth (and death), their titles, where to find them in the list, as well as their rapport (what they did for a living when they lived).

The early 1990s were a very exciting time in the history of this country - South Africa. Hencewhy we found it interesting to start our research from periodicals of that era. Works from people like Sol Plaatje, Bessie Head and Olive Schreiner happen to be in my own personal collection of South African books. I have gone through some of their literary works and will be going through other writers as well.

Also apologies to relatives, friends and admirers of Arthur Shearly Cripps; we do understand that he is not a racist. The quotes drawn from 'The Black Death' are not to blacklist him but are drawn merely for the charm - they feel like anecdotes.

Lastly, this project is a work in progress; as we do more research, we will be adjusting some information such as people's titles. For example: Desmond Tutu is acknowledged as 'Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town'. We may have to put his title down simply as a 'pastor' as that is what his calling was initially. What do you think?

FOR MORE INFO GO TO THE OTHER SECTIONS

Index

1. Index
2. Proverbs
3. Quotes 1

1. Index

Able Alan, Ward
Abrahams, Gerald 1965- Midwife (man)
Abrahams, Lionel 1928-
Acker, Nic
Adams, Perseus 1933-
Allan, Jani
Alley, Honey
Anthony, Mickey
Antrobus, Sandra Restorer
Aucamp, Hennie
Bailey, Gary Soccerite
Bailey, Martin 1961- Disc-Jockey
Bam, Fikile Attorney
Bam, Philipa Xoliswa 1953-
Barber, Simon Journalist
Barnard, Chris 1931- Physician/Educationist
Bartow, Jillian Jessup Beauty Queen/Businesswoman
Berry, Dorianne TV Presenter
Bhotomane ?1776- Chief of imiDange Xhosa
Bhuru 1780- Uncle of Sarhili
Biko, Steve Bantu 1946-1977 Activist/Writer
Birrell, Adrian 1960/1-
Birt, Steven Community Leader
Bishop, John
Blignaut, Aegidius Jean
Bokwe, John Knox 1855-1922 Pastor/Writer
Bolema Witchdoctor (to Sarhili)
Bosman, Herman Charles 1905-1951 Writer
Bosman, John
Botha, Louis Politician
Botha, P.W 1917-2008 Politician
Botile, Nelson Soweto Mayor
Breed, Monica
Bristley, Renee
Brits, Jac J.
Burkett, Beverley
Buthelezi, Mangosuthu G. 1929/30- Politician
Byron, Mary
Camerer, Sheila 1942/3-
Cameron-Dow, Joy
Cillier, Piet
Cilliers, Dr. Erra 1937/8- Educationist
Cloete, Stuart 1897-1976
Cloete, Stuart 1897-1976
Collins, Dr Graham Inventor/Innovator
Convoy, Andrew
Cookson, Patsy Photographer
Cope, Jack 1913- Writer
Cotton, Arthur
Cripps, Arthur Shearly 1869-1952
Crompton, Jimmy Pastor
Cronje, G.
Currin, Brain
Davidtz, Embeth Actress
de Beer, Zach
de Beyer, Megan Model/Psychologist
de Kiewiet, C.W Historian
de Klerk, F.W 1936- Statesman
de Klerk, Marike
de Kock, Jean 1925/6-
de Villiers, David Jacobus 1945- Rugerite
de Villiers, Izak Journalist
de Wet, Rena Playwrite
Dean, Mandy 1962/3- Athlete
Delport, Alida 1912/3- designer
Delport, Tertius Politician
Dison, David 1954/5- Lawyer
Dlamini, Bonginkosi (Zola) Musician & Magazine Programme host
Dodd, A.D
Dönges, Edea
Doolan, Brenda
Doolan, V.C 1941- Businessman
du Bruyn, Dup
du Plessis, Carel Rugarite
du Plessis, L.J
du Plessis, Morne 1950- Rugarite
du Plessis, Thys Policeman
du Plessis, Wentzel
du Preez, F.C.H 1935- Rugerite
Durr, Kent Deplomat
Edwards, Gail
Eloff, Theuns
Engelbrecht, Jan Pieter 1938- Rugerite
Engelbrecht, Jannie
Essa, Saira 1956/7- Actor/Writer/Teacher
Essop, Ahmed 1931-
Evans, Bishop Bruce 1930-1993
Factor, Tony 1939-1992 Businessman
Fanning, David 1945/6- Journalist
Fasi, Brenda 1964-2003 Singer/Composer
Finnimore, Martheanne 1947/8-
FitzPatrick, Sir Percy 1862-1931
Fordyce, Bruce 1955- Athlete
Forrow, Amanda
Forsyth, Marianne
Fourie, Pieter Playwright
Fox, Pat Adjucator
Frangos, Carol
Frank, Esmond Psychologist
Franken, Les
Fugard, Athol 1932- Playwrite
Gamsy, Natalie Singer
Gardimer, Nadine 1923- Writer
Gardiner, John
Gastrow, Shiela Author
Gawith, Margot Artist
Geldenhuys, Burger
Gerson, Dr. Jos
Geyser, Albert
Geyser, Nina
Geyser, Petrus 1892-
Gibbon, Perceval 1879-1926
Givon, Linda Businesswoman
Glanville, Ernest 1856-1925
Gomomo, John
Gordon, Prof. Gary 1952- Educator/Choreographer
Grainsford, John Leslie 1938- Rugerite
Grant, Richard 1957- Actor
Griffiths, Reginald 1912-
Grolman, Carol Retailor
Grosskopf, J.F.W
Grove, Kotie
Gxoyiya, Maureen Nombuyiselo Dramatist/Director
Halbuth, Bruce
Hall, Priscilla Educationist
Hani, Chris Martin Thembisile 1942-1993 Activist
Hartel, Jenny
Hartzenberg, Ferdi
Hatfield, Denis 1906-1968
Hawkins, Cecilia
Hazell, Mark
Head, Bessie 1937-1986 Writer
Hepburn, Malcom
Hertzog, Barry James Munnik 1866-1942 Politician
Hewitt, Bob
Hiemsta, General Soldier/Commandant
Hilton-Barber, Josie
Hopwood, Douglas John 1934- Rugerite
Horn, Barry Yachtsman
Huddlestone, Trevor Pastor
Jack, Mkhuseli Economist
Jacobson, Dan 1929-
Jardine, Neil Educationist
Jason, Lewis
Jay, Alex 1961- Disc-Jockey
Johnson, Claire Singer
Johnston, Shirley Writer/Actress
Jongilanga, D.M Writer
Joyi Regent of the Thembuland
Kama 1804- Gqunukhwebe Xhosa Chief
Kani, John Actor/Director
Karstaedt, Abe 1910
Kenyon, Roger
Kerzner, Sol
Keys, Edie
Khama III Ngwato Ruler
Khoza, Irvin
Khumalo, Alf 11929/30- Photographer
Khumalo, Fred Journalist
Khumalo, M.A
Khumalo, Vusi Journalist
Khuse, Donald 'Ace' Soccerite
King Zwelithini
Klopper, H.J
Knott, K.
Koestler, Arthur
Koornheef, Brenda
Kramer, David Writer/Musician
Kriel, Anneline
Kriel, Hernus
Krige, Uys 1910-
Kruger, Paul Politician
Kubheka, I.S Writer
Kushlick, Taubie Doyenne/Director
la Cock, Dirk
Lamola, Zacharia Soccerite
Lamprecht, I.D
Le Roux, Prof. Gaye
Lebone, Koloi (Bra Car) 1942-
Lechaba, Webster Soccerite
Lee, Dr. Nick
Lembede, Anton
Leon, Tony 1956-
Lerotholi; Koena Paramount Chief
Leroux, Allen 1967/8- Designer
Leshoai, Bob
Lessing, Doris 1919- Writer
Lessing, Margaret 1914-
Leyshon, Donald
Linde, Janine Dress Designer
Longworth, Synthia
Louw, Anna M.
Louw, Anton
Louw, D.; Magistrate
Louwrens, Michael 1960/1- Athlete
Lukhele, Andrew 1959/60-
Luthuli, Albert 1898-1967 Activist
Luvhimbi, Johannes Inyanga
Mabandla, Brigitte
Mabaso, John
Mabuza, Herbert Photographer
Mabuza-Suttle, Felicia TV Presenter/journalist
Machaka, Yvonne /Chaka-Chaka Singe/Businesswoman
Madlala, Protas 1956-
Magubane, Peter 1931/2- Photographer
Maitin, Henry 'Supa-Frika' 1956-
Makhutle, Ramarumo Artist
Makie, W.S
Makwetu, Terence Activist
Malan, Riaan Journalist/Writer
Malange, Nise Culturalist
Malatsi, Mosebjani
Mandela, Nelson Rholihlahla 1918- Lawyer/Statesman
Mandela, Zinzi
Mann, Helen Actress
Maqoma 1798-1878
Ngqika; Xhosa Chief
Maritz, Empie
Mars, Inka Socialite
Marx, Gehard
Mashego, Elliot
Masson, Donald
Mate; Gqunukhwebe Xhosa Chief
Mathiba, George Musician
Mazibuko, Ndlelenhle 1936- Karateka
Mazibuko, Wellington Dancer
Mbanya, Difference Soccerite
Mbeki, Goven 1910- Activist
Mbengashe, Maria
Mbuli, Mzwakhe Poet/Musician
McCall, Norman Educator
McGregor, Robin
Meyer, Hilary Architect
Meyer, J.P
Mgqamqo, Linda 1958/9-
Mhala 1792-1875 Senior Chief of Ndlambe Xhosa
Mhlaba, Reymond Activist
Michel, Brian
Millin, Sarah Gertrude 1889/90-1968 Writer
Milner, Sir (Lord) Alfred
Mokoka, Ali
Moloi, Godfrey 1934-
Moodley, Maisie Social Worker
Morris, Doreen 1958- TV Personality/teacher
Moshoeshoe 1786-1870 King of Suthus
Motaung, Kaizer Soccerite
Mphahlele, Ezekiel Educator/Writer
Mphahlele, Madala 1937 Broadcasting magnate
Mqhayi, S.E.K -1945 Poet/Historian
Mti, Linda
Mtshali, Mbuyiseni Oswald
Mtuze, P.T Writer/Educator
Mugoma-Khumalo, Sibongile Singer/Musicologist
Mulder, Dr C.P
Mullany, David
Muller, Dr Politician
Muller, Laurens
Murcott, Keith
Mureinik, Etienne
Myeko, Mandla Radio Presenter/Producer
Narris, Sabine
Naude, Jacobus Pieter 1936- Rugerite
Ncamashe, S.M Burns Writer
Ncita, Welcome 1965- Prize Fighter
Ndube, Mtiwabo Michael
Ndzothoyi, Mike
Neetling, Johann Educationist
Neil-Boss, Gay
Neil-Boss, Wallace Businessman
Neille, Gaye
Nel, Christo
Nel, Philip
Ngema, Mbongeni 1956- Dramatist
Ngobeni, Chris
Ngqakula, Charles
Ngubane, Prof. Harriet Anthropologist
Nkonyeni, Archie Businessman
Nkosi, Perci Photographer
Nkuhlu, Wiseman
Nkwinti, Gugile Politician
Ntlapo, Eric Presenter
Ntoni, Victor 1948- Musician
Ntukwana, Hargreaves Artist
Nxele -1820 Prophet/Seer
Nyatlo, Edwin Artist
Nzanzeka, David
O'Rourke, Jenny Secretary
Odendaal, Louwrens
Olckers, Matrta
Owen, Ken Journalist
Pam, Sue Actress/Playwright
Paton, Alan 1903-1988 Writer
Peires, J.B Historian
Phato 1798-1869 Senior Chief of Gqunukhwebe
Phiri, Ray Musician
Pienaar, Schalk
Pike, Rev. Eric 1936/7-
Plaatje, Solomon Tshekisho Writer/Activist
Player, Ian
Plomer, William 1903-1973
Pollock, Graeme Cricketer
Potgieter, Flip
Pretorius, Daan
Privato, Claudia 1964/5-
Ramalho, Xana 1954- Model
Ramasilele, Shiiko Makeup artist
Reddy, Jayapraga
Reid, Jill Artist/Conservanist
Rhodes, Cecil John 1853-1902 Imperialist/Politician
Rhodes, Jonty 1970- Sportsman
Rhubusana, Walter Benson 1858-1936 Activist/Writer/Pastor
Rice, Clive Cricketer
Richards, Graham
Richards, John; Pastor (Methodist, GHT)
Richie-Robinson, Debbie 1957-
Rissen, Monique
Rive, Richard 1931-
Roberts, Glenda
Robertson, T.L
Roidan, Rory; Journalist
Romeno, Chato
Ronge, Barry; Critic/Compere
Roos, Gideon 1911/12-
Rosen, Ruth Actress
Rossouw, Dan; Mayor
Routenbach, Gostav
Sachs, Albie Advocate/Activist
Sandile 1819/20-1878; Senior Chief of Ngqika Xhosa
Sarhili 1809/10-1892; Xhosa King
Savage, Kevin 1953- Disc-Jockey
Scheckter, Ian
Schlemmier, Lawrence
Schreiner, Olive 1855-1920 Writer
Scott, John; Journalist
Scully, W.C 1855-1943
Searll, Adele; Socialite
Sebone, Lucas Businessman
Sekhoma; Tswana Chief
Sekhukhune
Selope-Thema, R.V
Seme, Pixley -1930; Solicitor/Activist
Serfontein, Hennie
Sexwale, Tokyo 1953-
Shaw, Linda Journalist
Sibanda, Mandla; Artist
Sidelsky, Colin
Simons, Mary; Educationist
Simpkins, Clive; Communications Consultant
Sinxo, Guybon B.;  Writer
Sisulu, Walter Activist
Siyolo 1812-1878; Ndlambe Xhosa Chief
Slack, Mary 1957- Artist
Slove, Joe Activist
Smith, Pauline 1884-1959
Smith, Penny; Presenter
Smith, Rev. Nico
Smith, Wilbur; Novelist
Smuts, Jan Christiaan 1870-1950; Statesman/Philosopher
Snyman, Harold; Policeman
Snyman, Hennie
Sobukwe, Robert 1919-; Activist
Soga, Tiyo Burnside 1829-1871; Priest
Sono, Jomo; Soccerite/Businessman
Starcke, Anna; Econo-political analyst
Steed, Adrian; TV/Radio Personality
Steyn, Justin
Strauss, Gertrude
Strydom, Hans
Stubbs, Thomas (Settler volunteer during Umlangeni War - 1850-3)
Stuckenberg, Dr. Brian
Suttle, Earl; Psychologist
Sutton, Keith; Journalist
Swart, C.R
Swartbooi, V.N.M; Writer
Swiegers, Jean-Francois 1964/5 Truck-driver
Tambo, Oliva Reginald; 19..-1993 Activist
Taylor, Bill; Businessman
Taylor, Prof. Cedric; Educationist
Teanet, Peta
Terre Blanche, Eugene
Thabe, George; Soccer Magnate
Tobias, Prof. Philip; Anthropologist
Trutter, John
Tshanda, Dan; Musician/Producer
Tutu, Desmond 1931- Pastor
Twala, Nomshado 1960- Disc-jockey
Tyhala; 1801-; Councillor to Sandile
Tyson, Harvey; Journalist
Uys, Stanley
van Biljon, Madeleine; Journalist
van de Vyver, Hardy 1924-; Bookmaker
van der Berg, Elizabeth
van der Linde, Rev. Henry
van der Merwe, Mannetjie
van der Merwe, Peter
van der Post, Johann; Novelist
van der Post, Laurens 1906-; Writer
van der Velder, Frank
van der Vyver, Francis
van Flymen, Lesley
van Graan, Prof. Jappie; Psychologist
van Houten, Gillian; TV Presenter
van Onselen, Charles
van Rensburg, Niklaas
van Straten, Cecily
van Winkel, Keith
van Wyk Smith, Malvern
van Zyl Slabbert, Dr Frederick; Educator/Politician
Vantyl, Richmond
Vatcher, W.H
Venturas, Themistocles; 1959/60-
Vermaas, Nigel
Vermeulen, Marquerite
Verwey, Irma; 1969/70-
Verwoerd, H.F; 1901-1966; Politician
Viljoen, Constand; 1934-
Viljoen, Gerrit
Visser, Julian; Educator
Vorster, John; 1915-; Politician
Vorster, Lynn
Vosloo, Ton
Wait, Jonny; Psychologist
Ward, Colin; Actor/Director/Playwright
Warrall, Denis
Wasmuth, Brian
Wells, Brian
Welsh, Prof.; Educator
West, Les
Wilkins, Ivor
Wilmot, Bugs
Wilson, Eric; Journalist
Wilson, Lionel Geoffrey; 1933-; Rugerite
Wood, Caroline; 1965/6-; Waveskier
Woods, Rev. Peter
Xaba, Nhlanhla; Artist
Xhego, Zweliyanyikima Mike; 1959-; Activist
Xulu, Cedric; Soccerite
Zakhe, Lizo

[more]

2. Proverbs

* Imbila yaaswel' umsila ngokuyalezela.     IsiXhosa

* Wambath' idyasi kaqaqaqa.     IsiXhosa

* Inja ayinakumka apho ifumene ithambo khona.     IsiXhosa

* Alitshoni lingenandaba.      IsiXhosa

* Ngulowo umzi unamasiko awo.     IsiXhosa

* Imizi ayifani, ifana ngezindlu zodwa.     IsiXhosa

* Ukuzala kukuzelula.     IsiXhosa

* Ingalilisela kusuba iqanda ilelayo.     IsiXhosa

* Umthi omhle ukhiwa ezizweni.     IsiXhosa

* Azilali mbethe.     IsiXhosa

* Ubuhle bendoda ziinkomo zodwa.     IsiXhosa

* Okwenzekileyo kufana nokudaliweyo.     IsiZulu

* Inyathi ibuzwa kwabaphambili.     IsiXhosa

* Esihleliyo sidla ukuhlala, esiphilayo sesithwethwayo.     IsiXhosa

* Indlovu ayisindwa ngumboko wayo.     IsiXhosa

* Ukuzenza akufani nokwenziwa.     IsiXhosa

* Umenziwa akakhohlwa, kodwa umenzi uyakhohlwa.     IsiZulu

* Akukho nkanga idubul' ingethi.     IsiXhosa

* Inyawo alinampumlo.     IsiXhosa

* Iqaqa aliziva kunuka.     IsiXhosa

* Isisila senkuku sibonwa mhla ligquthayo.     IsiXhosa

* Umhlahlo ngamehlo.     IsiXhosa

* Imbila yaswel' umsila ngokuyalezela.     IsiXhosa

* Enamandla yedlayo.     IsiXhosa

* Enethunga ayisengelwa phantsi.     IsiXhosa

* Isala kutyelwa sibona ngolophu.     IsiXhosa

* Isiziba siviwa ngodondolo.     IsiXhosa

* Indlovu ayisindwa ngumboko wayo.     IsiXhosa

* Isityeba-mva sinqol' intaba.     IsiXhosa

* Igugu lingaba likhulu umbombo uyaqhosha.     IsiXhosa

* Neqaqa liyagquma kowalo umngxuma.     IsiXhosa

* Iseme lizalel' elubala.     IsiXhosa

* Lento umntu iyemka nok' ibongwayo.     IsiXhosa

* Nocweth' uzibon' ubukhulu.     IsiXhosa

* Lizole nasebukhweni bezinja.    IsiXhosa

* You have to know where you have come from, to know where you are going.     Namaqualand saying (sited by David Kramer in Fair Lady Mag. Page 64; 10/12/1986)

* Umntu ngumntu ngabany' abantu (a person is a person through other people).     IsiXhosa

* Mangoane o tsoara thipa ka bohaleng. (Mother holds the sharpest edge of the knife.)     Bafokeng
* Lizole nasebukhweni bezinja. (Clear even at the dog's in-laws.)

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by: awarenet Open Day visitor
on: 2011-09-12 03:10:20