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Zama is die beste!
Zama is great!
Zama Alicenjela!
Michael Oguttu
Vusi Malindi
Willemien Wannberg
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My boetie slaap baie laat. Ek word vroeg wakker, want ek is die beste.
My little brother sleeps very late. I wake early, because I am great!
Kandume yandi takabuuka bwangu. Ine ndabuuka bwangu pantu nalicenjela!
Ek is die een wat die son laat inskyn.
I am the one who lets in the sun.
Nine njingisha akasuba mu ŋanda.
“Jy is my oggendster,” sê Mamma.
“You’re my morning star,” says Ma.
Bamaayo batiila, “Uli lutanda lwandi ulwakumacaca.”
Ek was myself, ek het nie hulp nodig nie.
I wash myself, I don’t need any help.
Ndaisamba, nshifwaya wakungafwilisha.
Ek kan regkom met koue water en blou lekkerruik seep.
I can cope with cold water and blue smelly soap.
Nshitiina ameenshi ayatalala nangu sopo yanunka iyamakumbi-makumbi.
Mamma herinner: “Moenie vergeet om jou tande te borsel nie.” Ek antwoord: “Nooit, nie ek nie!”
Ma reminds, “Don’t forget teeth.” I reply, “Never, not me!”
Bamaayo balanjibukishako abati, “Wilaba ameeno.” Na ine nayasuka nati, “Teeti ndabe ameeno.”
Nadat ek gewas het, groet ek vir Oupa en Tannie en wens hulle ‘n goeie dag toe.
After washing, I greet Grandpa and Auntie, and wish them a good day.
Panuma yakusamba, ndaposha bamaama na bamaayo-senge, no kubashalikapo bwino.
Dan trek ek myself aan. “Ek is nou groot, Mamma,” sê ek.
Then I dress myself, “I’m big now Ma,” I say.
Elyo panuma naifwika naati, “Ndi mukalamba nomba maayo.”
Ek kan self my knope en my skoene vasmaak.
I can close my buttons and buckle my shoes.
Ndamanga amabatani no kukaka intambo shapa nsapato.
Ek maak seker dat my boetie al die nuus van die skool af hoor.
And I make sure little brother knows all the school news.
Nshilaba ukweba kandume yandi ificitika ku sukulu.
In die klas, doen ek my bes in alles.
In class I do my best in every way.
Mu kalashi ndabombesha munshila shonse.
Ek doen elke dag al hierdie goeie dinge, maar waarvan ek die meeste hou, is om te speel en speel!
I do all these good things every day. But the thing I like most, is to play and play!
Ncita fyonse ifi fisuma cila bushiku. Nomba icikulu ico natemwisha, kwangala.
Written by: Michael Oguttu
Illustrated by: Vusi Malindi
Translated by: Willemien Wannberg
