Crossing in Zulu

To cross the street, river or borders is wela in Zulu.  Look left and right before crossing the street, the bible for kids born in the city. 

Politicians like changing parties, blue party today, red party tomorrow.  It’s called crossing the floor.  It has nothing to do with democracy, just pure selfish interest with money to be made.

Economic migrants.  They pay men with tiny boats to go to Europe or North America in search of what they believe will be a better life.  Some die on the high seas.

We-la.  You say the first part of the word like west, the second part like lark.

ZULU	ENGLISH
Welile.	A boy’s name meaning he has crossed over.  Maybe the family had some problems when he was born, and they see his birth as hope, something that will help them cross over or have a better life.
Bawelile.	A girl’s name meaning that people have crossed over.
Ngi-zo-we-la nge-bha-si.	I will cross over by bus (I’ll take the bus).
Ngi-zo-we-la nge-zi-nya-wo.	I’ll walk over.
We-la la.	Cross here.
U-nga-we-li nga-pha-ndle kwe-passport.	Don’t cross without a passport.
We-la ma-si-nya-ne.	Cross quickly.
We-le-la nga-phe-she-ya.	Cross over to the other side.
Ba-zo-we-la u-Thukela.	They’ll cross the Thukela River.
Ba-zo-we-la i-Seine.	They’ll cross the Seine River.
We-la i-Brooklyn Bridge.	Cross the Brooklyn Bridge.
U-su-we-li-le maka-Xavier.	You have crossed over Xavier’s mother (when Xavier gets a job).

By:  Nonqaba waka Msimang.