Shona Wisdom: Dindigwe rinofara richikweva ivhu kana rokwevewa roti mavara angu azara mavhu

In the rich collection of Shona tsumo, few proverbs expose human hypocrisy as sharply as this one: “Dindigwe rinofara richikweva ivhu kana rokwevewa roti mavara angu azara mavhu.”

Meaning of the Proverb

Literally, it translates to:

“The cheetah enjoys dragging [another] in the dirt; when it is dragged itself, it says ‘My spots are filled with soil.’”

The dindigwe (cheetah) is known for its beautiful spotted coat. In the proverb, the cheetah takes great pleasure in playfully (or aggressively) dragging another animal through the mud and dust. It finds the act fun and satisfying. However, the moment the tables are turned and it is the one being dragged, it immediately complains that its lovely spots are being ruined by the dirt.
Deeper meaning: This tsumo highlights hypocrisy and double standards. People often enjoy dishing out harsh treatment, oppression, bullying, or mischief to others, but cry foul and play victim as soon as the same treatment is applied to them. It is a powerful reminder that what goes around eventually comes around — and those who start the game rarely want to play when they are on the receiving end.Real-World Examples of This HypocrisyHistory and society are filled with perfect illustrations of this proverb.

European Colonialism and Modern Migration

For centuries, European powers enthusiastically colonized vast parts of the world — invading, conquering, settling, and reshaping societies in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They often justified it as a civilizing mission while enjoying the economic and power benefits. Today, as large numbers of migrants from those former colonies arrive in Europe (especially Britain, France, and Germany), many Europeans are crying foul, complaining about cultural displacement, loss of identity, rising crime, and strained resources. The cheetah that once dragged others through the dirt is now complaining that its spots are getting dirty.

Lobengula and the Ndebele

King Lobengula of the Ndebele (Matebele) in what is now Zimbabwe enjoyed raiding and brutally subjugating the Shona people. His warriors regularly conducted raids, seizing cattle, women, and young men while instilling fear across the region. When the British South Africa Company arrived with superior force and began taking control, Lobengula and his people suddenly cried foul, protesting the loss of their power and land. The oppressor who dragged others now protested when dragged himself.

White South Africans under Apartheid

For decades, the white minority government in South Africa enforced brutal racial segregation and marginalization of the Black majority through apartheid laws. Many whites benefited from and defended the system that kept them in privilege. After the end of apartheid and the rise of Black majority rule, some white South Africans (particularly Afrikaner communities) now complain bitterly about farm attacks, Black Economic Empowerment policies, and what they call “reverse discrimination” and marginalization. The proverb fits perfectly: they enjoyed dragging others but now protest when their own “spots” are soiled.

Other Examples

• Bullies in schools or workplaces who harass others mercilessly but play the victim and demand sympathy the moment someone stands up to them.
• Corrupt politicians who rig systems and loot public resources, then scream “political persecution” when investigated or removed from power.
• Stronger tribes or ethnic groups that dominate weaker ones, only to cry “tribalism” or “genocide” when the power dynamics shift.
• Abusive partners who control and mistreat their spouse emotionally or physically, but accuse the victim of cruelty the moment the victim leaves or fights back.

Final Reflection“Dindigwe rinofara richikweva ivhu…” is a timeless call for empathy, fairness, and self-awareness. It warns us not to do to others what we would not want done to ourselves. Those who live by double standards — enjoying power and dominance over others while demanding kindness when roles reverse — eventually expose their own hypocrisy.
Shona wisdom, like many great philosophies, teaches that true strength and morality lie in consistency: treat others with the same fairness you expect for yourself. Because one day, the cheetah always finds itself being dragged through the same dirt.
Have you witnessed this proverb play out in real life? Share your thoughts in the comments.
If you are interested in learning more about Shona wisdom get Hamutyinei's book Tsumo or my series The Shona Chronicleshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLKVWY4T