‖goduka, noun

/ɡɔˈdʊɡa//ɡɔˈduːkə/
Plurals:
amagoduka, godukas, magoduka.
Origin:
IsiXhosa, isiZuluShow more IsiXhosa and isiZulu igoduka (plural amagoduka), from goduka return home. For a note on plural forms, see ama- and ma- prefix3.
Among speakers of Sintu (Bantu) languages: a migrant worker, especially a mine worker; migrant labourer, see migrant labour.
[1860 A.W. Drayson Sporting Scenes 42They appeared to be in high spirits, and, in answer to my ‘Uya pina?’ (Where are you going?) shouted with exultation, ‘Goduka’ (Going home).]
1963 Wilson & Mafeje Langa 17The migrants, the amagoduka, are often referred to by townspeople as amaqaba..i.e. pagans, but in fact a great many of them..are ‘school people’ (amagqoboka).
1973 E. Prov. Herald 26 Mar. 1Hundreds of Amagoduka — migrant labourers — went on the rampage in Langa on Saturday night.
1978 M. Matshoba in Staffrider Vol.1 No.3, 18A ‘goduka’ (migrant labourer) on his way home to his family after many months of work in the city.
1979 M. Matshoba Call Me Not a Man 95I felt like a goduka going to the Golden City for the first time in his life.
1979 M. Matshoba Call Me Not a Man 144The baggage of the godukas, all godukas, consists of their sweat and blood in the migrant labour system.
1983 G. Mvubelo in Frontline Feb. 25The hostels..are the only places which offer accommodation to the immigrant workers (Magoduka).
1985 M. Tlali in Fair Lady 26 June 105What does he know about Soweto when he is a mere goduka (one who is passing).
a migrant worker, especially a mine worker; migrant labourer, see migrant labour.
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IsiXhosa
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gocum, nounn.goeden dag, phrasephr.
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