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The comprehension of oral literature is very crucial as it is the literature that is readily available, that is at no cost most of the time. If used well, it can play a huge role in combating some of the issues of literacy. Due to oral tradition being part of many people’s cultures, it is one literature that can be relied upon in a country that has varied socio-economic issues. It is considered that oral literature is an important entry point to the meaning of verbal texts and that it plays an important role in exposing children to words. This article analyses selected Northern Sotho rhymes and folktales as forms of oral literature that can be utilised in addressing literacy challenges, demonstrating how teachers and learners can use rhymes and folktales as a teaching and learning resource. The article has demonstrated that some rhymes can teach children sequence of events, colours, different animals, cooperation, social skills and be a form of exercise. Folktales add on to their vocabulary and impart some moral skills.

This article is a critical analysis of proverbs that are identified in the siSwati short story ‘Phumani Nelikhambi’, contributed by Thembekile Msibi to Khulumani Sive by Zodwa Motsa (2004).  The concepts of ‘short story’ and ‘proverb’ will be defined as part of the introductory section of this discourse. Thereafter, a summary of the short story will be provided, to lay a good foundation. Then, the dominant proverbs in the story shall be identified and listed before the actual analysis. While the various domains of the proverbs will be alluded to in the discussion, the proverbs will not be categorised into these. Each proverb will be critically analysed by focusing on its origin, structure, literal and figurative meanings in general, and its meaning in the context of the story. The latter will also comprise of the effectiveness of the proverbs in the narrative, the author’s intentions and some cultural aspects which are highlighted.