Kaseka urema hwokuti kamba haana makwati iko kainawo
One has laughed at the tortoise for not having a shell, yet it actually has.
Tsanagudzo
Munhu anorakidza kunge unomunzwira vamwe tsitsi nyamba arikutovaseka pamusana peurema hwavo nematambudziko avo.
What the Words Say
One has laughed at the tortoise for not having a shell, yet it actually has.
What It Means
One may behave as if they sympathise with a person’s misfortune or disadvantage when in reality they couldn't care less.
Cultural Context
The tortoise, though considered wise and wily in many african folklore, is also considered very unfortunate to have to carry a shell for all its days. This is considered its misfortune and “disability”. It would therefore be ironically scornful to then laugh at the tortoise for not having a shell because it has one. In this example our elders saw the lesson that those who pretend to sympathize with the disadvantaged by mocking their situation are disingenuous. If one is truly concerned with the misfortune of another they will not pretend that misfortune does not exist nor mock the misfortune.
How It's Used
The proverb is used to reprimand those who scorn unfortunate or disadvantaged people by mocking their misfortune. It can also be used as a comment when observing such a scenario.