Programs & order of service
Funeral programme in isiZulu (uhlelo lomngcwabo)
By Lindiwe Khumalo · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
Many South African families want their funeral programme in isiZulu, either fully in Zulu or mixed with English. This page gives you a Zulu-language template (uhlelo lomngcwabo) you can fill in, plus the key phrases families use most.
The structure is the same as an English programme - cover, order of service, obituary, acknowledgements - only the wording changes. You can run it fully in isiZulu or keep headings in Zulu and details in English.
Replace every [PLACEHOLDER] below. Where a Zulu term is given, the English meaning is shown in brackets so a mixed family can follow along.
Key isiZulu phrases for a programme
These are the phrases you will use most:
- Sikhumbula - We remember
- Ukukhumbula impilo ka... - Celebrating the life of...
- Uhlelo lomngcwabo - Order of the funeral service
- Wazalwa - Was born
- Washona / Wadlula emhlabeni - Passed away
- Usonhlalakahle / Umfundisi - Pastor / minister
- Umthandazo - Prayer
- Ihubo - Hymn
- Indumiso - Praise / Psalm
- Izwi lokubonga - Vote of thanks
- Umndeni - The family
- Asisali ngamehlo abomvu - We are left grieving
Full Zulu template (fill in the blanks)
Copy the block below and replace the placeholders.
----------- IKHAVA (COVER) -----------
Sikhumbula
[IGAMA ELIGCWELE - full name]
[isithakazelo / clan name]
Wazalwa: [USUKU] - Washona: [USUKU]
[Isithombe / photo]
----------- UHLELO LOMNGCWABO ([ORDER OF SERVICE](/templates/order-of-service-funeral/)) -----------
Inkonzo izoba se-[VENUE]
Ngomhla: [USUKU] ngehora: [ISIKHATHI]
Umfundisi: [IGAMA]
1. Ihubo lokuvula [IGAMA LEHUBO]
2. Ukufundwa kweBhayibheli [INCWADI, ISAHLUKO] - [IGAMA]
3. Umthandazo [IGAMA]
4. Indumiso umndeni
5. Amazwi omndeni [IGAMA]
6. Amazwi abangani [IGAMA]
7. Ihubo [IGAMA LEHUBO]
8. Ukufundwa kwempilo [IGAMA]
9. Intshumayelo [UMFUNDISI]
10. Izwi lokubonga umndeni
11. Ihubo lokuphetha [IGAMA LEHUBO]
12. Ukuya emangcwabeni [IGAMA LAMANGCWABA]
----------- IMPILO YAKHE (OBITUARY) -----------
[IGAMA] wazalwa ngomhla [USUKU] e-[INDAWO].
[Indaba yempilo: isikole, umsebenzi, umshado, izingane, ibandla].
Washona ngomhla [USUKU] e-[INDAWO].
Ushiya:
Umyeni / unkosikazi: [IGAMA]
Izingane: [AMAGAMA]
Abazukulu: [AMAGAMA]
Nabanye bomndeni nabangani abaningi.
----------- IKHASI LANGEMUVA (BACK) -----------
[Ivesi leBhayibheli noma inkondlo emfushane]
Umndeni wakwa-[ISIBONGO] ubonga wonke umuntu
ngemithandazo, ngokuvakasha nangokweseka ngalesi sikhathi esinzima.
UNkulunkulu anibusise.
Ukungcwatshwa: [IGAMA LAMANGCWABA], [USUKU] ngehora [ISIKHATHI]
Delete any line you do not need.
Mixing Zulu and English
Many families keep the headings in isiZulu and the body details in English, or the other way round. Both are completely acceptable. Choose what the family and the wider congregation will read most comfortably.
A common pattern is a Zulu cover and acknowledgements with an English obituary, because the life story is often easier to write in English. Do whatever honours the person and is clear to mourners.
A note on izithakazelo (clan praises)
Including the surname's izithakazelo on the cover or back is a meaningful touch for many Zulu families. If you are not sure of the exact praises, ask an elder in the family rather than guessing, as the wording carries deep meaning and varies by clan.
If no one is certain of the full praises, it is perfectly fine to leave them out. The programme is still complete and respectful.
Frequently asked questions
How do you write a funeral programme in isiZulu?
Use the same structure as an English programme - cover, order of service (uhlelo lomngcwabo), obituary and acknowledgements - and translate the headings into isiZulu. You can run it fully in Zulu or mix Zulu headings with English details.
What is 'order of service' in isiZulu?
The order of service is called "uhlelo lomngcwabo". It lists each step of the ceremony, from the opening hymn (ihubo lokuvula) through the tributes, sermon (intshumayelo) and vote of thanks (izwi lokubonga) to the procession to the cemetery.
How do you say 'in loving memory' in Zulu?
A common phrase is "Sikhumbula" (we remember) or "Ukukhumbula impilo ka..." (celebrating the life of...). Either works well as a heading on the cover of a Zulu funeral programme.
Can the programme mix Zulu and English?
Yes, and many families do. A frequent pattern is a Zulu cover and acknowledgements with an English obituary. Choose whatever the family and congregation will read most comfortably - both are respectful.
Should I include izithakazelo (clan praises)?
Including the surname's clan praises is a meaningful touch, but get the exact wording from a family elder rather than guessing, as izithakazelo vary by clan. If no one is certain, it is fine to leave them out.
