Reach Up To 70 Times More South Africans with Setswana Translation in North West and Northern Cape
Reach Up To 70 Times More South Africans with Setswana Translations in North West and Northern Cape
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| 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. |
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 dominant position as a first language. Below are the 2011 figures for first languages across various provinces:
| Language | SA (Overall) | WC | EC | NC | FS | KZN | NW | GP | MP | LP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 8.7% | 22% | 4.8% | 2.4% | 1.5% | 14.4% | 1% | 9.2% | 1.5% | 1% |
| Setswana | 8.3% | 0.1% | 0% | 35.7% | 5.3% | 0% | 72.8% | 10.4% | 1.6% | 1.4% |
As the table illustrates, the North West (NW) province and the Northern Cape (NC) province are areas where Setswana is exceptionally prominent. In the North West, Setswana is the first language for 72.8% of the population. This contrasts sharply with English, which is the first language for only 1% in the same province. This means for every English first-language speaker you reach in the North West, you are potentially missing over 70 Setswana first-language speakers.
In the Northern Cape, Setswana is the first language for 35.7% of residents, while English accounts for only 2.4% . Here, you are potentially missing nearly 15 Setswana first-language speakers for every English first-language speaker. This data clearly demonstrates that to effectively engage the majority in these provinces, communication in Setswana is not merely an option, but a strategic imperative.
Setswana's Reach in Key Urban Areas
The provincial language patterns are also reflected in urban centres, where home language communication is crucial for local engagement:
Mahikeng (North West Province): A Core Setswana-Speaking Hub
As the capital of the North West, Mahikeng exemplifies the province's linguistic composition. The 2011 statistics for first languages in Mahikeng show:
- Setswana: 78.4%
- English: 0.6%
- Other: 21.0%
With almost 80% of its population identifying Setswana as their home language, compared to less than 1% for English, it is evident that for any organisation targeting Mahikeng, translating materials into Setswana is the most effective approach to communicate directly and authentically with the vast majority of residents.
Sol Plaatje Local Municipality (Kimberley, Northern Cape): A Significant Setswana Community
In the Northern Cape, the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, which includes Kimberley, shows a notable Setswana-speaking population alongside Afrikaans:
- Afrikaans: 45.2%
- Setswana: 33.2%
- English: 8.0%
- Other: 13.6%
Here, Setswana is the first language for over a third of the population, significantly outnumbering first-language English speakers. To effectively engage a broad segment of the community in and around Kimberley, Setswana translation is a vital step.
City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (Pretoria, Gauteng): A Substantial Setswana Presence
Although not in the North West or Northern Cape, the City of Tshwane (Pretoria) in Gauteng also has a considerable Setswana-speaking community:
- Sepedi: 28.4%
- Afrikaans: 25.7%
- Setswana: 24.7%
- Tsonga: 11.7%
- English: 10.4%
- Other: 26.7%
Setswana is the third-largest first language group in Tshwane. Given the movement of people for work and education, many Setswana speakers from the North West and other regions reside here. Therefore, for comprehensive initiatives, including Setswana in your communication strategy is highly valuable for connecting with a significant portion of Pretoria's diverse population.
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