Sabela is a covert communication dialect of several major South African languages formed by the Numbers gang. Sabela was originally developed in the mines during the early 1900's as a means of communication between the members of The Numbers Gang but as the gang's influence grew in various South African prisons, the language became eminent in prison and since then, released inmates have introduced it to the general populace of South Africa. UkuSabela means to respond in various Nguni languages.
Structure Sabela inherits most of its vocabulary, phonology, and syntax from Xhosa and Zulu. Due to the Xhosa and Zulu influence, Sabela contains click consonants.
Words in Sabela +Examples of Words in Sabela Sabela IPA English Literal Translation Meaning Phakamisa Confirmation / Agreement Used to show general approval or interest Baitela Gangster To leave something To leave a situation or an item Biteeza Food Food Chise Receive or to get / speak to someone Any situation in which one needs to get something Lyn Line To go somewhere Skrif Writing An item that is significant or important Nombor Number In agreement in respect to the laws and ethics of the number. An object or situation of importance. (Direct allusion to The Numbers Gang) Skombizo Gangster "A member of the 27 number gang" Hom Gangster To make you aware
In popular culture Die Antwoord Sabela is often used by groups associated with the Zef movement, such as Die Antwoord. The group's 2019 gqom single "Baita Jou Sabela" (featuring Slagysta) contains lyrics partially written in Sabela that talk about the South African prison system. The song's music video showcases the corruption present in the South African prison system.
References
External links Music Video of Die Antwoord's "Baita Jou Sabela" (featuring Slagysta)