Programs & order of service
Funeral program in isiXhosa and Sesotho
By Lindiwe Khumalo · 5 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
Families who want their funeral program in isiXhosa or Sesotho will find templates for both languages here, along with the key phrases used most. The structure is the same as any program - cover, order of service, obituary, acknowledgements - only the wording changes.
You can run the program fully in the language, or mix the headings with English details. Both are common and respectful.
Replace every [PLACEHOLDER] below with your own details and delete any line you do not need.
Key isiXhosa phrases
- Sikhumbula - We remember
- Inkqubo yomngcwabo - Order of the funeral service
- Wazalwa - Was born
- Wasweleka / Wabhubha - Passed away
- Umfundisi - Minister / pastor
- Umthandazo - Prayer
- Iculo - Hymn
- Amazwi osapho - Words from the family
- Umbulelo - Vote of thanks
- Usapho - The family
isiXhosa template (fill in the blanks)
----------- IKHAVA -----------
Sikhumbula
[IGAMA - full name]
Wazalwa: [UMHLA] - Wasweleka: [UMHLA]
[Ifoto]
----------- INKQUBO YOMNGCWABO -----------
Inkonzo: [INDAWO], [UMHLA] ngentsimbi [IXESHA]
Umfundisi: [IGAMA]
1. Iculo lokuvula [IGAMA]
2. Ukufunda iBhayibhile [IGAMA]
3. Umthandazo [IGAMA]
4. Amazwi osapho [IGAMA]
5. Iculo [IGAMA]
6. Imbali yobomi [IGAMA]
7. Intshumayelo [UMFUNDISI]
8. Umbulelo usapho
9. Iculo lokuvala [IGAMA]
10. Ukuya emangcwabeni
----------- UMBULELO -----------
Usapho lakwa-[IFANI] luyabulela kubo bonke ngemithandazo
nenkxaso ngeli xesha linzima. UThixo anisikelele.
Delete any line you do not need.
Key Sesotho phrases
- Re hopola - We remember
- Lenaneo la lepato - Order of the funeral
- O hlahile - Was born
- O hlokahetse - Passed away
- Moruti - Pastor / minister
- Thapelo - Prayer
- Sefela - Hymn
- Mantswe a lelapa - Words from the family
- Teboho - Thanks
- Lelapa - The family
Sesotho template (fill in the blanks)
----------- SEKHURUMELO -----------
Re hopola
[LEBITSO - full name]
O hlahile: [LETSATSI] - O hlokahetse: [LETSATSI]
[Setshwantsho]
----------- LENANEO LA LEPATO -----------
Tshebeletso: [SEBAKA], [LETSATSI] ka [NAKO]
Moruti: [LEBITSO]
1. Sefela sa ho qala [LEBITSO]
2. Ho bala Bibele [LEBITSO]
3. Thapelo [LEBITSO]
4. Mantswe a lelapa [LEBITSO]
5. Sefela [LEBITSO]
6. Histori ya bophelo [LEBITSO]
7. Thero [MORUTI]
8. Teboho lelapa
9. Sefela sa ho qetela [LEBITSO]
10. Ho ya mabitleng
----------- TEBOHO -----------
Lelapa la ha-[FANE] le leboha bohle ka dithapelo le tshehetso
nakong ena e thata. Modimo a le hlohonolofatse.
Delete any line you do not need.
Mixing languages and getting it right
Many families keep the headings in the home language and write the obituary in English, or the reverse. Both are fine.
For clan praises or specific religious phrasing, check the wording with a family elder or the officiant rather than guessing, as the exact words carry meaning. If no one is certain, it is perfectly acceptable to leave them out.
Frequently asked questions
How do you write a funeral program in isiXhosa?
Use the standard structure - cover, order of service (inkqubo yomngcwabo), obituary and acknowledgements (umbulelo) - and translate the headings into isiXhosa. You can run it fully in Xhosa or mix Xhosa headings with English details.
What is 'order of service' in Sesotho?
The order of service is "lenaneo la lepato". It lists each step, from the opening hymn (sefela sa ho qala) through the family's words and the message (thero) to the procession to the graveside.
Can the program mix Sesotho and English?
Yes. Many families keep the headings in Sesotho and write the life story in English, or use both throughout. Choose whatever the family and mourners will follow most comfortably.
How do you say 'passed away' in isiXhosa and Sesotho?
In isiXhosa, "wasweleka" or "wabhubha" means passed away, with "wazalwa" for was born. In Sesotho, "o hlokahetse" means passed away and "o hlahile" means was born.
Where can I get the correct clan praises?
Ask a family elder or the officiant for the exact izithakazelo or clan praises, as they vary by family and carry deep meaning. If no one is sure of the full wording, it is fine to leave them out of the program.
