Silang Mabele
Vusi Mahlasela Lyrics

The lyrics of Vusi Mahlasela's song Silang Mabele depict a desperate situation of hunger and poverty that is prevalent in a rural community. The repetition of the opening verse "Silang Mabele, Gamang dikgomo, Tsatsi le phirimile" meaning "We have run out of maize meal, the cattle are starving, and the sun is scorching," reinforces the dire situation that the community is in. The children in the village are said to be starving and suffering, indicated by "Bana ba tshwere ke tlala, ba tshwere ke ramatheka," which translates to "the children suffer from hunger and are malnourished." The lyrics also touch on the effects of colonialism and the struggle for independence in South Africa with the line, "Tsa Afrika-Borwa, Tsayang palo yotlhe, Lo idire lesika lengwe," which means "those of South Africa, remember all that has happened, one river took a thousand streams."

Further, the lyrics talk about the need for unity and working together to overcome difficulties. The lines "Are lwantsheng pelaelo, Re fodise botlhoki, Le khumaneho, Etlang batho gotlhe, Kare a re emeng ka dinao rotlhe, Re lwantsheng khumaneho ena," can be interpreted as a call to unite and put aside individual differences for the common good. The urgency in the repeated chorus signifies the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action.

Overall, Vusi Mahlasela's Silang Mabele is a poignant song that raises awareness of the harsh realities faced by many in rural areas of South Africa. It calls for empathy and action to alleviate the suffering of those affected by poverty and hunger.