| amai | Shona word for “mother” |
| cassava | Large thick root; tastes like a potato when cooked |
| Chipangano | Youth brigade of Zimbabwean political party |
| dhoti | Wraparound linen cloth worn by men |
| Ghuma-ghuma | Criminal gang that preys on refugees |
| Jozi | Slang word for city of Johannesburg |
| kak | Slang Afrikaans word used to mean “nonsense” |
| kraal | Circular African homestead |
| kwerekwere | Derogatory term for foreigner; word is imitation of how different African languages sound to the local ear |
| madala | Old man, elder |
| MDC | Movement for Democratic Change, an opposing Zimbabwean political party |
| pungwe | Mandatory rally held for propaganda purposes |
| sadza | Mush made from meal produced by grinding corn |
| shambok | Animal-hide whip used to herd cattle |
| spaza | Small general or convenience store in South African townships |
| wena | Slang African word for “man” or “guy” |
| Zed | Abbreviation for ZANU PF, Zimbabwean political party |