Affirmation of Unhu as Reflected in Selected Manyika Proverbs

Abstract

Unhu/ubuntu is one of the important mainstays of black communities in Southern Africa. It emphasizes the connectedness of people and the need for them to work together and sustains families thus ensuring their continued existence. This paper thus argues that the vanhu/abantu (people) of the sub-region have employed proverbs among other ways to ensure that unhu keeps people going even when faced with daunting challenges. It asserts that through the use of some of these aspects of living heritage in the form of expressions like proverbs, unhu has been, and continues to be affirmed. Through an analysis of some proverbs of the Manyika, especially those of the Tangwena people on the border with Mozambique, by employing the speech act theory, this paper discusses how through proverbial lore the Manyika have buttressed and affirmed unhu in their communities, primarily among their children. The paper concludes by emphasizing that such gems of intangible cultural heritage need to be vigorously preserved, promoted and safeguarded through various means that include radio and online interactive platforms.