Chafamba chasvava
One who has travelled has wilted (faded)
Tsanagudzo
Kana munhu aenda kure nenzvimbo haachanyanyi kukosheswa pazvinhu zvepanzvimbo iyoyo sezvaiitwa dai aripo.
What the Words Say
One who has travelled has wilted (faded)
What It Means
Once one has moved far away from a certain location they are not considered as important to matters of that location as they used to be when they were there.
Cultural Context
The proverb is a simple statement that relates to what happens to one who has moved away from a location to go somewhere else for a prolonged period. It refers to that person as having wilted in the same manner that a plant would. This wilting is a reference to how useful or important they are to those they have left behind. This seems true to situations where one leaves home or a workplace where their opinions are not considered as important any longer in the affairs of the place. Hence our elders were simply informing us of the dwindling importance of those who are now far from the point where their contributions would have counted.
How It's Used
The proverb is used to comment on the minimal importance given to the perspectives or interests of those who have left a particular place or position. It can be used to dismiss those claiming that it will be important to seek the thoughts or contribution of one who is no longer in that vicinity.