In isiNdebele language, there is a saying:
imithwa ngokuphindwa, which generally
emphasizes the importance of repeating
something for impact, import or certainty.
Bulawayo— metropolitan and culturally rich—
has its own tempo, tales, titbits, vibe and vim.
It’s lovingly known as Kontuthuziyathunqa
(Where smoke breaks out or shoots up)
or the City of Kings and Queens. It’s royal.
Word has it that in this majestic city a Ndebele
tutor was teaching a visiting British lady one
evening until it got rather late and dark. Hence,
the anxious and lanky hubby of the woman finally
decided to go and check up on his spouse. He found
the tired Ndebele tutor lying drowsily on the couch
in the lovely living room, his dog staring at him curiously.
“Where’s my wife, sir? It’s been long”. He inquired.
“Indeed, it’s been long. She’s been in safe hands.
As we say: the path to any destination is known by
those who have travelled along it. Surely, I’ve, sir.”
A wave of rage, doubt and muddle raiding him, he rumbled.
“What a nerve, you’ve here! Where’s she?” The tutor replied,
“She’s in the small room. As we say: repetition of it ends up in…
pregnancy. That’s why. I really sacrificed myself. She’s grateful”.
Careering off toward him, he howled, “Oh what! Bloody son of a …”
Suddenly his wife emerged from the bathroom, blaring, “Halt it!”
He later learned that the Ndebele tutor and translator had loosely,
directly or literarily translated the import- of-the- repetition proverb!
