Sawubona
A blog by Ali Lalieu
May 2026
Many of you will know that I was born in Johannesburg and emigrated to Australia in my early twenties.
This April, all 17 of us packed our bags and returned to South Africa together for a grand family adventure, a journey that took us from the wild beauty of safari to the homes and hearts of our extended family across the country.
There was something deeply moving about watching generations connect across landscapes, stories and shared history. It felt pioneering, joyful and alive, the kind of experience that reminds you where you come from and what truly matters.
We returned home carrying more than photographs and memories. We left with a renewed sense of connection, belonging and gratitude for the people, places and stories that shape us.
The Zulu word Sawubona comes to mind.
Sawubona is often translated simply as “hello,” but its meaning runs far deeper. In Zulu culture, Sawubona means: “I see you.”
Not just physically, but I see your humanity, your worth, your story, your presence.
It is an acknowledgement that says: You matter here. You are valued. You are seen.
Traditionally, the response is Ngikhona, meaning: “I am here.” In other words: Because you have seen me, I exist.
What a beautiful acknowledgement and greeting.
At its heart, Sawubona reflects a profoundly human way of relating, one grounded in presence, dignity, connection and belonging.
It reminds us that one of the greatest gifts we can offer another person is to truly see them: beyond roles, status, achievements or appearances.
In leadership, community and family, Sawubona becomes more than a greeting.
It becomes a practice of courageous attention, listening deeply, recognising another person’s experience, and meeting them with respect and humanity.
As a leader, your call to courage is to look inward and restore your own grounded confidence, so you can anchor into ‘sawubona-ing’ yourself in a way that what you offer the world is authentic, honest and true.
Our whole trip was an experience of feeling the ‘sawubona’, for which we are all deeply grateful.
Despite being born in Australia, every one of our family felt the presence of Africa, the connection to soul and the thread of belonging to a tribe who really care across continents.
With gratitude
Ali x