Specialist Translation Services for Official South African Languages

Translation Services for Official South African Languages

iiTranslation provides expert, culturally-attuned translations across all 11 official South African languages. We specialise in precise handling of critical documents including textbooks, informed consent forms, corporate communications, and digital content - ensuring your message maintains its impact across all language barriers.

Why Partner With iiTranslation?

  • Exclusive South African Language Focus: We translate exclusively between South African languages: isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, Sesotho sa Leboa (Sepedi), English, Setswana, Sesotho, Xitsonga, Siswati, Tshivenḓa, and isiNdebele.
  • Guaranteed Quality Standards: Every translation undergoes meticulous review by native-speaking professionals using contemporary language references.
  • Human-Led Expertise: While utilising technology for consistency, we never fully automate - all work is performed by mother-tongue specialists.
  • Industry-Specific Knowledge: Our translators hold relevant qualifications with minimum 10 years' experience in education, legal, medical and mining sectors.
  • Comprehensive Quality Control: Documents receive multiple proofing stages using language-specific validation tools.
  • Commitment to Deadlines: We provide realistic timelines and maintain exceptional on-time delivery records.

Experience Our Translation Capabilities

See which languages have the most impact in your region of South Africa:

Request Your Translation Quote

For immediate assistance:

  1. Email your document(s) to info@iitranslation.com
  2. Specify required languages
  3. Note your deadline

We respond within 5 minutes during business hours (07:30-17:00 SAST).

Explore our full service range: https://iitranslation.com/

Geographic coverage of iiTranslation's South African language services

#SouthAfricanLanguages #LanguageSpecialists #OfficialLanguages

Popular posts

How to say "Hello" to every South African

Image
Say "Hello" in all 11 official South African languages English will reach less than 10% of South Africans in their home language. The first thing every South African should learn at school is how to say "hello" to every other South African they'll meet. It's not so hard. You'll need to learn eight new words. IsiZulu and Siswati share "Sawubona"; Sesotho, Sepedi and Setswana can share "Dumela"; and you already know how to say hello in English.  IsiZulu Sawubona IsiXhosa Molo Afrikaans Hallo ...
Read more

Check Spelling for South African Languages in MS Word 2013

Image
  Use Microsoft Word 2013’s Spelling Checker to check your Zulu, Xhosa, Northern Sotho, Tswana or Afrikaans documents. 1. Download and install Proofing Tools for your language. http://www.microsoft.com/zu-ZA/download/details.aspx?id=35400 2. Go to: FILE - Options - Language and check it’s been enabled. Create a Custom Dictionary: 3. Now create a Custom Dictionary by going to: FILE - Options - Proofing - Custom Dictionaries. 4. Now click New and name your dictionary i.e. ZUL.dic. 5. Your dictionary will now appear under All Languages. 6. Change the dictionary language to your language i.e. isiZulu. 7. Click OK Check Your Spelling: 8. Select all or the parts of your document in that are in Zulu, Xhosa, Northern Sotho, Tswana or Afrikaans and click the language in the lower left of MS Word. 9. Language options will appear. Make sure that "Do not check spelling or grammar" box is not ticked. 10. Scroll to your language i.e. isiZulu and double-click it. 11. Your...
Read more

Why AI still can’t translate South African languages

Image
 Why AI still can’t translate South African languages in 2026 We have all been there. You put a perfectly normal sentence into a popular translation tool and what comes out is absolute gibberish in isiXhosa or Sesotho. It is often funny but for those of us working in professional translation but it is also a bit alarming. While the world is obsessed with how "smart" AI has become, South Africa’s 11 official written languages remain a massive blind spot.  1. The data is thin and dusty AI is only as good as its library. For English, the AI has read almost everything ever written. For languages like Tshivenda or Xitsonga, the digital library is tiny. Most of the data the AI "learns" from comes from old religious texts or formal government documents. This means the AI ends up sounding like a 1920s preacher or a bored civil servant rather than a real person living in 2026. 2. Confident lying and "borrowed" words One of the biggest issues our team of first langu...
Read more

Why ISO-Certified and Sworn SA Translations Fail Quality Tests

Image
Why ISO-Certified and Sworn SA Translations Fail Quality Tests The "Certification" Trap in South African Language Translations If you are looking for professional South African language translation services in South Africa, you’ve likely seen the same three terms over and over: Certified , ISO-Certified , and Sworn. To a procurement manager or a business owner, these sound like guarantees of quality. However, as specialists who are frequently called in to "fix" documents already translated by agencies advertising this service, we can tell you the uncomfortable truth: A certificate for a process is not a certificate for linguistic accuracy. The Sworn Translation Myth In South Africa, a "Sworn Translation" is a legal formality. It means an individual has stood before a Commissioner of Oaths and sworn they believe the work is accurate. The problem? There is no mandatory requirement for that individual to have a degree in linguistics, 10 years of ...
Read more

Why Sepedi (Northern Sotho) is Essential for Connecting with Limpopo

Image
Why Sepedi (Northern Sotho) is Essential for Connecting with Limpopo and the North South Africa is a country celebrated for its incredible diversity, including a vibrant 11 officially recognised spoken languages. For anyone looking to truly connect with specific communities, understanding these unique linguistic landscapes isn't just helpful – it's crucial. Today, let's explore the significance of Sepedi (also known as Northern Sotho or Sesotho sa Leboa). Its reach and impact, particularly in the northern parts of our country, are often underestimated, but they hold the key to effective communication for countless individuals and organizations. If you've seen maps showing language distribution in South Africa, you'll notice a clear pattern: Sepedi is the dominant first language across vast areas of northern South Africa. This isn't just an interesting fact; it's a vital piece of information for anyone aiming for meaningful engagement. Limpopo Provi...
Read more

Translating Documents for Cape Town's Language Landscape

Image
Translating Documents for Cape Town's Language Landscape At iiTranslation, we've been navigating Cape Town's unique language dynamics since 2013. Here's what our decade of experience reveals about translation needs in the Mother City. Cape Town's Language Reality by the Numbers According to the 2011 Census (the most recent language data available): Language % of Population Speakers Afrikaans 34.9% 1,305,269 isiXhosa 29.2% 1,092,088 English 27.8% 1,039,727 Our Core Translation Services in Cape Town We provide certified translations for: Healthcare: Patient documents and medical records Legal: Contracts and court documents Education: Academic papers and research materials Community: NGO reports and public communications Why Language Matters in the Western Cape Our work shows that effective translation requires more than linguistic accuracy - it dem...
Read more

Reach Up To 70 Times More South Africans with Setswana Translation in North West and Northern Cape

Image
Reach Up To 70 Times More South Africans with Setswana Translations in North West and Northern Cape Setswana will reach many more South Africans than English in the North West in major cities such as Mahikeng as well as cities in the Northern Cape like Sol Plaatje. South Africa's identity is defined by its linguistic diversity, with 12 official languages, each spoken by distinct communities. For any entity seeking to establish genuine connection and convey information effectively, understanding the specific language landscape of each region is fundamental. This post examines the importance of Setswana (also known as Tswana), a language with significant prevalence in key South African provinces. The data on Setswana first-language speakers provides critical insight for impactful communication and engagement. The Dominance of Setswana in Key Provinces While English is present across South Africa, statistics clearly indicate regions where Setswana holds a dominan...
Read more