The phrase (or “Ditshaba di a fela” ) translates from Sesotho or Setswana as "Nations/Tribes are perishing" or "People are dying." In Southern African literature and oral tradition, this is a somber and powerful theme often used to describe periods of great suffering, such as the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, war, or social decay.
She reached into her apron and pulled out a small leather pouch of heirloom seeds—sorghum and maize that had been in her family for generations. She reminded the elders that while the elders and the strong were falling, the children—the orphans of the village—were still watching them. Chaba Di A Fela
"If we only cry that we are perishing, we teach them how to die. If we plant, we teach them how to remain." The phrase (or “Ditshaba di a fela” )
The phrase “Chaba di a fela” did not disappear, but its meaning shifted. It became a reminder of the urgency of life. The village learned that while they could not stop the silent thief entirely, they could ensure that when the "nations" grew back, they would find a harvest waiting for them. "If we only cry that we are perishing,