Vakafa vakazorora
The dead are resting.
Tsanagudzo
Munhu anowana zororo paanafa badzi. Iyi tsumo inoshandiswa kana munhu achidemba panguva yekuomerwa.
What the Words Say
The dead are resting.
What It Means
When a person has a big problem one wishes he/she is dead. One only gets respite when they are dead.
Cultural Context
The proverb is a simplistic statement, which was not unusual among the many words of wisdom from our ancestors. This one is interesting in that it has no allegorical meaning but is as it is read. The symbolism used is that death is actually a resting posture as opposed to being alive and facing the everyday challenges that we face while we go through life. In these two words there is a resignation to the fact that as long as we are alive we will always have to face various challenges and work hard everyday to ensure we have the kind of lives we desire.
How It's Used
The proverb is used both in resignation and in self-strengthening on the importance of perseverence in order to survive on earth. It is usually used as an exclamation in difficult times upon realization that these are merely challenges of life and the only escape is death.