"Shosholoza" originally came from Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia). It was brought to South Africa by Rhodesian migrants who worked in the South African mines and who traveled back and forth between Zimbabwe and South Africa. It's now very popular in South Africa and is referred to as their second anthem. The song mixes Ndebele and Zulu words.

"Shosholoza" is a Ndebele word that means go forward, move forward or forge ahead (with the idea of striving for something). It's a onomatopoeic, playing on the sounds a steam train makes, "shoo-shoo".

Notes

Note: Northern Ndebele which is spoken in Zimbabwe is basically a dialect of Zulu.

Shosholoza (Ndebele) = go forward/move forward
Kulezo ntaba = on those mountains
Stimela (Zulu) = steam/coal train
Wen' uya baleka = You are running away

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Video Note: "Nelson Mandela's Death Memorial Outside His House - Song: Shosholoza - Mandela admirers gather around his house in Houghton to celebrate what he lived for. All came together and sang the song 'Shosholoza'."
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Thanks and Acknowledgements

Translated by Mama Lisa.

Ngiyabonga!