Khuluma Nathi (Archive)

During Christmas, some families have it as a prerequisite to have a gift before even coming to the lunch or dinner. They are still upholding one of the longest standing traditions of the world to gift each other something for Christmas. So, when this is something you do annually and suddenly someone just stops getting the gift; this is the question to ask. This is how you ask 'Where is my gift?' Take a listen

Ever since COVID-19 started and we have been occasionally summoned to watch the President's address regarding the restrictions that will be followed to stay safe in the country. We now call these 'family meetings' even. Whenever there is conversation of a looming lockdown, this is a question most people will ask. Take a listen

Among some of the most said words in South Africa is the word 'loadshedding'. That is because we have learned to plan our lives around it at work, at home and for our social lives. So to always make sure that the next place you're going to has electricity and isn't experiencing a certain 'Stage 3/4 loadshedding', you need to politely ask this question.

Another week, another Khuluma Nathi lesson with uThisha Sky. Christmas is closer than we think and holiday plans are in the books for so many people. This year, especially, will see more people having extensive December plans because last year we had COVID-19 restrictions. So, if you are curious where your colleague or friends will be headed this December, this is how you ask them. Take a listen - class is in session!

With Black Friday happening soon, this is one of those things you would say to the store/floor assistants if you liked a certain shirt or shoes and wanted your specific size. So don't be scared to confidently ask for your size.

The team have been flying in and out of Durban for the past few weeks. And with Keri Miller always having the worst experience in terms of the people sitting next to her, she always manages to sneak to a spot in the plane that has no one. She obviously needs to make sure that there is no one seated at the spot before she can take it. So the same can be said for you wherever you are in the world. Say you really want to take a rest after a jog or want to sit on a bench where the sun is directly hitting, this is how you ask in isiZulu "Is there someone sitting here?"

Another lesson with uThisha Sky! In today's lesson we teach you how to say something that so many people would like to ask when in restaurants or in shops when they receive bad service. You will love this one.

With Sky having a horrible time on Monday following Manchester United's loss, it has become really important for people to find out which team other people support just to be insensitive. In this Zulu lesson, you get to learn how to do the courteous thing of asking which team someone likes. Class is in session! Listen here:

With the municipal elections taking place in South Africa on the November 1, 2021; it's best you remind your colleagues, family and friends to practise their right to vote. So here, this is how you say it.

Hey, class is in session once again! uThisha Sky is back with that Khuluma Nathi classes and lessons. He teaches Darren a line he wants to use on his dogs. It might just sound a little impossible and unreal but you can definitely get this one!

The final instalment of Sky Tshabalala's 'Khuluma Nathi' teaches you the perfect response to introductions. As it seems to be wedding season with bridal pictures flooding the different social media platforms, when your daughter or son introduces their partner this weekend at dinner YOU should know exactly how to respond with this one. Get your isiZulu on check by listening to more of Sky Tshabalala's 'Khuluma Nathi' podcasts

Given that South Africans love a good braai or as we like to call it - shisa nyama! But there are the select few who would choose to decline a big, fat steak and would rather settle for a leafy salad (and their numbers are growing). Of course, we're talking about vegetarians and vegans! To avoid being seen as rude, you can now tell everyone why you're choosing not to eat at the next braai.

If you don't know yet, DKS are busy hosting KZN's most exciting spelling bee - The Last Kid Standing. Seeing as all these fourth graders have to put their knowledge to the test and prove that they are the best speller, uThisha Sky Tshabalala thought it would only make sense to keep with a school theme this week! Take a listen to today's lesson, where Darren Maule almost made a HUGE mistake...

We love the smell of braai in the evening! But there are also many other reasons why you would need a nice little roll. So why not use uThisha Sky Tshabalala's latest class to help you get that bread?! Make sure to listen to the full podcast so that you get the full classroom experience.

While selfies are still very much a thing in 2021, sometimes when you are traveling or visiting a new place you don't want a selfie to be the only memory you have. When you are in pairs or a group, one of you could take a nice picture but that would mean that someone is always left out of the photo. The solution? Learn how to ask someone for help without having to worry about a language barrier!

After uThisha Sky Tshabalala taught the class how to pronounce isiZulu place names, the students wanted more. Apparently, people have been struggling with some isiZulu surnames as well. Seeing as someone's name is quite an important part of their identity and self, we wouldn't want to insult anyone by getting it wrong. And asking the person might make things a bit awkward, so Sky is here to help!

With everything that's going on in the world, it's about time everyone came to the realisation that global warming, plastic pollution, and all those ad environmental things are a serious concern. uThisha Sky is hoping to do his part and help create awareness by teaching you how to say "no thank you!" because you are obviously bringing your own reusable bag to the grocery store.

Sky Tshabalala is taking matters into his own hands because he is fed up with people mispronouncing the place names in KZN. If you live here you should be able to pronounce them the proper way so instead of leaving you to figure it out yourself, uThisha Sky is here to help! Learn the correct pronunciation of places like Unhlaanga, Umhloti and more.

Many local businesses have been struggling throughout this pandemic and that's why it's more important than ever to show your support. Now, language doesn't have to be a barrier and you can easily ask for someone's contact details. How helpful! This might also be one of the most successful Khuluma Nathi episodes to date. Darren Maule and Keri Miller killed it and the rest of KZN disappoint either. Call us impressed and uThisha Sky was definitely happy to hear so many wonderful attempts.

#ECRMoreMusicMarch is still going strong which means uThisha Sky Tshabalala is back with another musical Khuluma Nathi lesson. It took us long enough, it's the one you have been waiting for... In today's class Sky is finally teaching us the lyrics to 2020's greatest hit - 'Jerusalema'. You've danced the dance, now it's time to talk the talk.

It's time fo another informative and educational lesson brought to you by the best isiZulu teacher there is, Sky Tshabalala. Have you ever answered your phone and did not recognise the voice on the other end of the line? Was there a language barrier that prevented you from telling this person that they, unfortunately, had dialed the wrong number? Well, now, thanks to Sky, you can learn how to say: "Sorry, I think you have the wrong number." Take a listen and join in as Darren and Keri use their newly learnt phrase and call each other on-air.

Since the start of #ECRMoreMusicMarch, uThisha Sky Tshabalala has decided to teach Darren, Keri, and you how to sing legendary Zulu songs. We've covered Nkalakatha and Impi, but what about a song that hope and encouragement? Want to hear the Breakfast team sing their hearts out? Then you've come to the right place!

It's time to learn another Zulu proverb! We don't want to lie to you but this one had the team pretty confused.

Since the start of #ECRMoreMusicMarch, uThisha Sky Tshabalala has decided to teach Darren, Keri, and you how to sing legendary Zulu songs. We've covered Nkalakatha but now it's time for another classic. The iconic Impi! Want to hear the Breakfast team sing their hearts out? Then you've come to the right place!

Since we're celebrating 'More Music March', uThisha Sky Tshabalala thought it was time to learn some of the most iconic isiZulu lyrics. And you don't get more iconic than SA's unofficial anthem - Nkalakatha! "People have been singing this intro wrong for too long. I am here to teach the people the proper words!" And the results are HILARIOUS!

When the boss is away, uThisha Sky Tshabalala is taking the reigns and running the show! Today he is back with another isiZulu proverb for Darren and Keri. But were they successful in their attempts? And how did the rest of KZN do? Take a listen to find out!

Darren Maule and Keri Miller have been begging uThisha Sky to teach them a Zulu proverb. Finally, Sky has decided to share his knowledge and wisdom by teaching them one of his favourites. He also spoke about his favourite English proverb, but that didn't go too well. So we'll be sticking to the Zulu for now...

Today is the day! The matric class of 2020 has been going through the most, not only during the exams but waiting on the results. But the wait is finally over. uThisha Sky thought that it only made sense that today's phrase should be a congratulatory one!

Another day and we have another great isiZulu class coming your way! Grocery shopping is something everyone has to do and having this phrase up your sleeve can only be helpful. uThisha Sky Tshabalala is always here to help and this sentence will definitely be one that will come in handy.

The kids are back at school and in today's Khuluma Nathi lesson, uThisha Sky Tshabalala is here to teach them the really important stuff. However, whether you are heading to school or not it's always important to know where the nearest food shop is.

While lockdown is still very much part of our reality, you can still (safely) go out and enjoy a lovely meal at a local restaurant! Need some help making a reservation? uThisha Sky Tshabalala has got you with his latest isiZulu lesson.

Seeing as lockdown restrictions are relaxing just the tiniest bit, we can now go to a few more public places than before. uThisha Sky Tshabalala is here to teach you a very important phrase that you will probably be using quite a lot!

With the nippy and rainy weather in Durban every second day, umbrellas are a must. Remind your friends and colleagues to have their umbrellas with them with the help of uThisha Sky Tshabalala.

In Khuluma Nathi this Tuesday, uThisha Sky Tshabalala tells his class that sometimes, the good thing about language is that some words are related - even they why they sound. This is why you will find this isiZulu phrase/question fairly easy to pronounce.

It's month-end so khuluma nathi: how much do you need?

Mornings are for coffee and Keri has a habit of making coffee for the show producer. So after months of making him coffee, the producer has changed the way he takes his coffee. This prompted uThisha Sky Tshabalala to teach the team and listeners how to ask the question "How do you drink/like your coffee?" in isiZulu. He also asked the listeners to give it a try.

It is the very first Khuluma Nathi lesson from our favourite isiZulu teacher, Sky Tshabalala, and he decided to start us off with a double dose. Sometimes we get the spelling of people's names wrong when we meet, so this sentence will definitely come in handy when we save phone numbers.

Following President Ramaphosa's recent COVID-19 address that the country is officially in the second wave of the pandemic, uThisha Sky Tshabalala wanted to use a phrase that many of us will be using this festive season. There will be no fun in the sun ( well, a least on the beach) and this sentence is so easy in isiZulu - just three words - and you can start with whichever word, the sentence will still make sense.

We are experiencing very hot days, as is the case every festive season, so you have to make sure you stay hydrated. This Khuluma Nathi sentence is very easy and will come in handy

This time of the year, many South Africans flock to the beach. And when the sun is hot, with your sunscreen on, sun hat on your head and swimwear, only one thing is missing... some ice cream. Learn how to express your love for ice-cream in isiZulu. This one is simple, even Darren got it on his first try.

UThisha Sky Tshabalala has been giving you small doses of his isiZulu lessons all year and with the summer season already in full swing, summer phrases are what he has been focusing on. It always advisable to keep yourself hydrated on very hot days, so here's how you ask for a very cold drink in isiZulu.

If there is one thing about the festive season, South Africans party so much and for long periods of time (even throughout December) that they 'forget' to tell their loved ones where they are. So the question "where are you?" is going to feature a lot in many conversations and fights between lovers this festive season.

It's officially summer and uThisha Sky Tshabalala's students are excited - not only for his holiday-themed lessons but also for the actual holiday. With many things to do this summer (mostly outdoors) it is important to stay protected - so don't forget your hat.

A question uThisha Sky Tshabalala gets asked a lot is this one and in today's lesson, he teaches his students how to ask this in isiZulu. It is actually only three words and very simple. Our listeners have trie it and sent their voice notes, listen to them and try it too.

In Today's Khuluma Nathi, uThisha Sky Tshabalala chose a question that will have you answering "11:11" all day. And he is a proud teacher because his students, Darren Maule and Keri Miller are passing with flying colours. The listeners also did very well. How good are you? Give it a try.

You know sometimes when you want to say something in a particular language, but you don't even know how to ask in that language? Well, uThisha Sky Tshabalala has an easy phrase that you will surely get right with practice.

Uthisha Sky Tshabalala brings you bitesize Khuluma Nathi phrase that you can use in everyday life, and with restaurants fully open for about two months now, this phrase will come in handy.

This is an easy lesson from uThisha Sky Tshabalala. How do we know, you ask? because Darren got it right on his first attempt. UThisha Tshabalala has the higher grade and standard grade translation for you.

Listen to today's lesson and try it with the same emotion as Darren Maule. It is safe to say, after today's lesson that uThisha Sky Tshabalala's D-student, Darren Maule, is catching up to A-student Keri Miller.

Today's Khuluma Nathi lesson with uThisha Sky was fairly easy. You can even replace 'oie and coke' with your favourite meal like Darren and Keri did. Give it a go!

We all forget our loved ones' birthdays sometimes - because life happens. So why not impress them with a bit of multilingualism in your apology? UThisha Sky Tshabalala has got your back for an isiZulu apology.

We have not had a lot of sun in KZN this spring, but we are hopeful that the sun will shine a lot more than it has. In this Khuluma Nathi lesson, uThisha Sky Tshabalala teaches us a phrase that worth learning.

What does 'khuluma nathi' mean? Can it be used in a sentence? These were some of the questions one of uThisha Sky Tshabalala's students (an avid listener) asked him. Listen to the podcast to find out.

It's our birthday month, so this is a befitting sentence to say. Do you love chocolate cake? We asked you to send voice notes and we love them!

New month, new and fun lesson with uthisha Sky Tshabalala. Libras and Scorpios are going to love this one!

Heritage day is finally here! Say it with your chest in isiZulu with uthisha Sky Tshabalala's easy lesson.

SA - the best country to live in! So uThisha Sky Tshabalala wants you to boast in more languages than one. Think you got this? Try it!

Uthisha Sky Tshabalala is still teaching us about our heritage this month and an important piece of information is about our South African flag.

On today's lesson, uthisha Sky took a break while his student teacher, Thisha Miller, took over and taught the class... that's the beauty of South Africa.

Today's lesson is proudly South African, but a little more complicated. Are you ready for it? It's time to start practising!

In keeping with the theme of Heritage Month uthisha Sky is turning up the heat with today's lesson.

It's only in SA that we call a barbeque a 'braai' - it is part of our heritage. So this heritage month, uthisha Sky Tshabalala is teaching us our South African heritage in isiZulu. How would you invite your friend for a braai?

September is heritage month in South Africa, so Thisha Sky Tshabalala has prepared a syllabus that will instill pride in us as South Africans.

Teacher Sky ends off his Women's Month-themed Khuluma Nathi with an easy isiZUlu phrase to glorify women - 'abantu besifazane banomusa'. Listen to the podcast for Teacher Sky's lesson.

As we near the end of Women's Month, uThisha Sky Tshabalala continues to shine the spotlight on the many roles that women play in our lives; like that of nurturing. Can you say 'women are nurturing' in isiZulu? How good is your pronunciation? Listen to the podcast to practice.

Uthisha Sky has been honouring women for women's month and this morning he discovered that his mischievous student, Darren Maule, still doesn't know what the isiZulu word for 'women' is. Are you a better student than Darren?

UThisha Sky is back with another lesson on women and their amazing characteristics. Keri Miller, the A student mastered it once again, but we can't say the same for the mischievous Darren.

This women's month, and every other month, give the woman in your life a compliment and make her day. UThisha Sky Tshabalala wants you to try this new phrase, 'women are like flowers.' Easy, right?

In keeping with the Women's Month theme, uThisha Sky Tshabalala continues to highlight the amazing characteristics that women possess. 'Women Are Brave' was what he taught us today.

UThisha Sky Tshabalala is honouring women for women's month by teaching us how to compliment them. Can you say 'women are remarkable' in isiZulu?

We kick off women's month with uThisha uSky Tshabalala with an important phrase that introduces the month.

Let teacher Sky teach you how to give a compliment today.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Whatsapp are all our mediums of communication. Can you ask someone if they are on social media in isiZulu? UThish' USky Tshabalala's got your back.

Today uThish' USky teaches us an isiZulu sentence that ties in with the all-important Durban July taking place in Durban this weekend.

UThish' USky Tshabalala always has useful, everyday isiZulu phrases for you to use. With winter in full swing and tea being a necessity, do you know how to ask where the milk is?

You know that teacher who just wants to see you fail? That's uThish' uSky Tshabalala with Darren Maule. Today, the lesson was a bit too hard for our student, Darren Maule.

For those chats on the phone, in person or even in the DMs... say it with your chest... "Bekumnandi ukuxoxa nawe/Bekumnandi ukuncokola nawe."

When there's no Uber insight and a stranger or friend is feeling rather generous that they ask... "Uyawudinga yini ulift?"

UThish' uSky is back with another useful isiZulu phrase. He teaches us how to ask "what time is our meeting?"

Sky translates the isiZulu verse of the National Anthem.

Translation: Ngiyaxolisa ukufika emva kwes’khathi (I am sorry to arrive after the time).

English Translation: ngicabanga ukuthi unenumba wrong

Translation: The eye crosses the full river. Meaning: If you have a desire to do something, you cannot be stopped by anything.

Translation: He likes to be looked at and is like a long-hairy goat. Meaning: It is used to describe someone who is an attention seeker

Translation: He has a beetle in his head. Meaning: The expression is for someone who behaves strangely. In simple language, the person is nuts or “Mad as a hatter”.

English Translation: An elephant does not find its own trunk heavy. Meaning: You can handle anything and everything that is thrown at you

English Translation: A rolling stone gathers no moss

English: He is between the back and the sack/backpack/baby. Meaning: It is used to refer to someone who is in the middle of cosy situations.

isiZulu Translation: Ube nosuku lokuzalwa oluhle ‘mngane wami

isiZulu Translation: Ngiyabonga ngokungilethela ukudla kwami

isiZulu Translation: Ngiyabonga ngokungilethela ukudla kwami

isiZulu Translation: Ngifisa ukuyogunda izinwele

isiZulu Translation: Lithini izinga lami lokushisa?

isiZulu Translation: Ngicela ufake isifonyo sakho

isiZulu Translation: ukuqhinqa ngawedwana

IsiZulu Translation: Umvalelandlini

isiZulu translation: Ukugonqa

isiZulu Translation: ukuqhelelana or ukuziqhelelanisa nomphakathi

isiZulu Translation: Ngubani igama lakho and NginguSara