indaba

American  

[in-dah-bah] / ɪnˈdɑ bɑ /

noun

1. a conference or consultation between or with native peoples of South Africa.

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Indaba British  

/ ɪnˈdɑːbə /

noun

1. anthropol history (among Bantu peoples of southern Africa) a meeting to discuss a serious topic

2. informal a matter of concern or for discussion

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Etymology

Origin of indaba

1890–95; < Zulu indaba, izindaba (with implosive b ) matter for discussion, affair, account

Example Sentences

If the great indaba finally does begin, it could founder all too quickly because the fundamental aims of the two main parties are so far apart.

From Time Magazine Archive

For now, the first one is to convene the indaba.

From Time Magazine Archive

Last month Buthelezi opened a historic indaba, or meeting, between whites and blacks to discuss guidelines for creating in his home state of Natal the country's first completely multiracial government.

From Time Magazine Archive

I’ll go out in front and indaba them.

From John Ames, Native Commissioner A Romance of the Matabele Rising by Mitford, Bertram

The indaba had dropped; but now Pandulu, who had spoken but little before, seemed anxious to revive it.

From Forging the Blades A Tale of the Zulu Rebellion by Mitford, Bertram