Tribes of South Africa: A Journey Through Diverse Cultures and Traditions

In the vibrant tapestry of South Africa’s heritage, the diverse tribes stand as vibrant threads, each contributing its unique hue to the nation’s rich cultural fabric. From the Nguni-speaking Zulu and Xhosa to the Sotho-Tswana, and the colorful tapestry of smaller ethnic groups, South Africa is a kaleidoscope of traditions, languages, and customs that blend harmoniously, painting a vivid picture of a nation united in diversity.

The differentiation among these tribes often extends beyond linguistic variations, encompassing distinctive rituals, beliefs, and social structures. These unique traits, passed down through generations, serve as a testament to the resilience of South Africa’s cultural heritage, while also presenting opportunities for mutual understanding and appreciation.

South Africa’s myriad tribes are a testament to the country’s rich history and cultural diversity. Each tribe brings its unique traditions, beliefs, and customs to the nation’s tapestry, creating a vibrant and dynamic society. The diverse tribes of South Africa exemplify the country’s resilience and adaptability, having survived centuries of change and adversity. They are a source of pride and identity for South Africans, and their stories continue to be told and celebrated.

The Vibrant Tapestry of South Africa: Exploring the Diverse Tribes and Their Cultural Heritage

South Africa, a nation brimming with natural beauty, captivates the world with its diverse cultural tapestry. In this rich landscape, the influence of various tribes and ethnic groups has profoundly shaped the country’s history, traditions, and vibrant cultural identity. This article takes you on a captivating journey to explore the different types of tribes in South Africa, uncovering their unique customs, languages, and practices.

The Xhosa Tribe: Keepers of the Nguni Legacy

With a rich history spanning centuries, the Xhosa tribe proudly ranks among South Africa’s most prominent ethnic groups. Their ancestral lands lie primarily in the Eastern Cape Province, where their resilient spirit and cultural heritage have flourished for generations. The Xhosa people, renowned for their intricate beadwork and expressive music, have significantly influenced South Africa’s political, social, and cultural landscapes.

The Zulu Tribe: A Legacy of Strength and Unity

In the southeastern region of South Africa, the Zulu tribe stands tall, a testament to resilience and unity. Their history is intertwined with that of iconic leaders like Shaka Zulu, whose leadership and military prowess shaped the Zulu nation into a formidable force. Known for their vibrant dance performances, stunning beadwork, and elaborate ceremonies, the Zulu people have indelibly imprinted their mark on South Africa’s cultural fabric.

The Pedi Tribe: Guardians of the Northern Sotho Heritage

From the Northern Sotho linguistic group emerges the Pedi tribe, a proud people with deep-rooted traditions. Their ancestral home lies in the Limpopo Province, where they preserve their cultural identity through captivating music, intricate pottery, and mesmerizing dance performances. The Pedi tribe’s history is replete with tales of bravery, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to their cultural legacy.

The Tswana Tribe: A Legacy of Harmony and Adaptation

In the vast and arid regions of South Africa, the Tswana tribe has thrived, showcasing remarkable adaptation and resilience. Their ancestral lands are primarily situated in the North West Province, where they have cultivated a rich heritage of music, dance, and storytelling. The Tswana people are renowned for their harmonious communal living and their ability to adapt to the challenging conditions of their environment.

The Venda Tribe: Echoes of Ancestral Wisdom

From the northeastern corner of South Africa, the Venda tribe emerges as a bastion of cultural preservation. Their traditional lands lie within the Limpopo Province, where they have nurtured a deep connection to their ancestral spirits and the natural world. The Venda tribe’s traditions, expressed through mesmerizing music, intricate beadwork, and captivating dance performances, reflect their profound reverence for their cultural roots.

The Ndebele Tribe: A Symphony of Colors and Patterns

In the heart of South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province, the Ndebele tribe paints a vibrant canvas of culture and artistry. Their traditional attire, adorned with intricate beadwork and bold geometric patterns, captivates the eye with its kaleidoscope of colors. The Ndebele people’s unique architectural style, characterized by brightly painted houses with intricate murals, further showcases their artistic flair and cultural pride.

The Sotho Tribe: Embracing Unity and Tradition

The Sotho tribe, a significant ethnic group in South Africa, predominantly occupies the central and eastern regions of the country. Their cultural heritage is deeply rooted in unity, community spirit, and respect for elders. The Sotho people have a strong oral tradition, passing down stories, legends, and historical accounts through generations. Their traditional music and dance performances showcase their vibrant cultural expressions.

The Swazi Tribe: Upholding Royal Traditions

Orientation

Identification. The Swazi nation is named for Mswati II, who became king in 1839. The royal lineage can be traced to a chief named Dlamini; this is still the royal clan name. About three-quarters of the clan groups are Nguni; the remainder are Sotho and Tsonga. These groups have intermarried freely. There are slight differences among Swazi groups, but Swazi identity extends to all those with allegiance to the twin monarchs Ngwenyama "the Lion" (the king) and Ndlovukati "the She-Elephant" (the queen mother).

Location and Geography. Swaziland, in southern Africa between Mozambique and South Africa, is a landlocked country of 6,074 square miles (17,360 square kilometers). The terrain is mostly mountainous with moderately sloping plains. The legislative capital is Lobamba, one of the traditional royal seats. The administrative capital is the nearby city of Mbabane. Manzini is the business hub.

Demography. The population in 2000 is about 980,000. A small European population (about 3 percent) sometimes is called "White Swazi."

Linguistic Affiliation. The official languages are siSwati and English. SiSwati, a Southern Bantu language, is a member of the Nguni subgroup.

Symbolism. The primary national symbol is the monarchy. King Sobhuza II (died 1982) oversaw the transition from colony to protectorate to independent country. The symbolic relationship between the king and his people is evident at the incwala , the most sacred ceremony, which may not be held when there is no king. The full ritual, which takes several weeks, symbolizes the acceptance of traditional rulers, the unity of the state, the agricultural cycle, fertility, and potency.

History and Ethnic Relations

Emergence of the Nation. The Nguni clans, which originated in East Africa in the fifteenth century, moved into southern Mozambique and then into present-day Swaziland; the term abakwaNgwane ("Ngwane's people") is still used as an alternative to emaSwati . Sobhuza I ruled during a period of chaos, resulting from the expansion of the Zulu state under Shaka. Under Sobhuza's leadership, the Nguni and Sotho peoples as well as remnant San groups were integrated into the Swazi nation. "Swazi" eventually was applied to all the peoples who gave allegiance to the Ngwenyama.

National Identity. In the late 1830s, initial contact occurred among the Swazi, the Boers, and the British. A substantial portion of Swazi territory was ceded to the Transvaal Boers, the first of many concessions to European interests. The Pretoria Convention for the Settlement of the Transvaal in 1881 recognized the independence of Swaziland and defined its boundaries. The Ngwenyama was not a signatory, and the Swazi claim that their territory extends in all directions from the present state. More than a million ethnic Swazi reside in South Africa. Britain claimed authority over Swaziland in 1903, and independence was achieved in 1968.

Ethnic Relations. Relations among the Swazi peoples have generally been peaceful. Relations with Europeans historically were strained as a result of land concessions and tension caused by the administrative domination of Great Britain.

Swaziland

Urbanism, Architecture, and the Use of Space

The predominant home style is the Nguni "bee-hive" hut, in which a rounded frame made of poles is covered with thatch bound with plaited ropes. Sotho huts, which have pointed, detachable roofs on walls of mud and wattle, are found throughout the country; these huts have window frames and full doorways. Both types can be found within a single homestead, which may also include European architectural styles. Traditional homestead organization follows the "central cattle pattern." In the center of the homestead is an unroofed, fenced cattle pen, the sibaya , from which women are barred. Residential huts are grouped around the western side. The "great hut," indlunkulu is used as the family shrine, dedicated to the senior patrilineal ancestors. Other huts are occupied by individual wives.

Food and Economy

Food in Daily Life. The traditional food supply fluctuated seasonally. Between winter and the new crops of summer, shortages were common. Maize and millet were the main staples. Dairy products, especially soured milk, were reserved for children. Cattle were slaughtered mainly for ritual purposes, and meat was in short supply. Leafy vegetables, roots, and fruits completed the traditional diet. The introduction of supermarkets means that meat and other products are available throughout the year. The Swazi typically observed a fish taboo, along with a taboo on egg consumption for females and a dairy taboo for wives. There were also clan-specific food taboos on particular birds and wild animals.

Indigenous Tribes of South Africa: Traditions, Customs, And Heritage

The Indigenous tribes of South Africa have rich traditions, customs, and heritage, reflecting their diverse cultural practices and beliefs. South Africa is home to various indigenous tribes including the Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, and San people, each with unique customs, traditions, and heritage that are deeply rooted in their history and way of life.

These tribes have preserved their cultural practices through storytelling, dance, music, art, and spiritual rituals, contributing to the rich tapestry of South Africa’s cultural heritage. Understanding and respecting these traditions is essential for preserving the cultural diversity and identity of South Africa’s indigenous tribes.

Everywhere you go in South Africa, you will find the incredible influence of these indigenous tribes, shaping the country’s cultural landscape and reinforcing the significance of their traditions and customs.

The Rich Diversity Of Indigenous Tribes

Experience the rich tapestry of South Africa’s indigenous tribes, each steeped in vibrant traditions, customs, and a unique cultural heritage that has been preserved for generations. Journey through the diverse landscapes of the region to uncover the fascinating stories and practices of these ancient communities.

The indigenous tribes of South Africa have a rich history and diverse cultural heritage.

The country is home to various tribes, each with distinctive customs and traditions.

These tribes are spread across different regions of South Africa.

They vary in both population size and linguistic diversity.

Some tribes have large populations while others are smaller in number.

Each tribe also has its unique language and dialect, adding to the country’s cultural tapestry.

Traditional Beliefs And Spiritual Practices

The indigenous tribes of South Africa uphold traditional beliefs and spiritual practices, deeply rooted in their customs and heritage. These traditions are passed down through generations, shaping their cultural identity and connection to the land. Their spiritual rituals and ceremonies are integral to their way of life, reflecting a profound respect for nature and ancestral wisdom.

Indigenous Tribes of South Africa:

Traditional Beliefs and Spiritual Practices

Ancestral worship includes honoring ancestors for guidance and protection.
Connection to nature is central, viewing it as a living entity.
Rituals and ceremonies mark important life events and seasons.
Traditional healers play key roles in spiritual and physical well-being.

Traditional Art And Crafts

Traditional art and crafts play a significant role in showcasing the unique artistic expressions of indigenous tribes in South Africa. These tribes meticulously create stunning artwork using natural materials, which not only reflects their deep connection with nature but also has symbolic meanings. The use of natural materials such as wood, clay, beads, and feathers not only adds authenticity to their creations but also signifies their respect and reverence towards the environment.

Indigenous tribes in South Africa often incorporate symbolism in their artwork to communicate powerful messages and preserve their cultural heritage. Each piece of art holds a deeper meaning, narrating stories of ancestors, spirituality, and traditional beliefs. These symbolic representations provide a glimpse into their rich history, customs, and traditions.

From intricate wood carvings and beautifully beaded jewelry to vibrant paintings and pottery, the traditional art and crafts of indigenous tribes in South Africa captivate and mesmerize onlookers, showcasing their creativity, talent, and deep-rooted cultural values.

Oral Tradition And Storytelling

Oral tradition and storytelling are integral to the indigenous tribes of South Africa. The importance of oral history lies in preserving cultural heritage and passing down knowledge through generations. Myths, legends, and folktales are woven into the fabric of their storytelling, conveying morals and values. Additionally, rituals play a crucial role in ensuring the continuation of these traditions, creating a sense of communal identity and pride.

Land And Natural Resources

Indigenous tribes of South Africa have a deep connection to the land, which is integral to their traditions, customs, and heritage. They have a profound respect for their traditional land rights and prioritize conservation efforts to protect their natural resources. However, they face numerous challenges and threats to their territories, including land encroachment and unsustainable resource exploitation. Despite these obstacles, indigenous communities are steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding their land and natural resources for future generations.

Cultural Tourism And Preservation

Cultural tourism is crucial in promoting sustainable tourism, preserving the rich traditions, customs, and heritage of indigenous tribes in South Africa.

By embracing cultural tourism, indigenous communities can preserve their unique way of life, ensuring that their traditions are not lost to modernization.

Cultural exchange and understanding are integral in fostering mutual respect and appreciation. Through cultural tourism, visitors can engage with indigenous tribes, promoting a deeper understanding of their customs and heritage.

By participating in activities such as traditional dances, storytelling, and handicrafts, tourists can immerse themselves in the authentic experiences offered by indigenous tribes.

This exchange of knowledge and appreciation can help break stereotypes and misconceptions, fostering greater cultural tolerance and respect.

The Importance Of Indigenous Rights

Indigenous rights play a crucial role in preserving the rich traditions, customs, and heritage of South Africa’s Indigenous tribes. By protecting their rights, we ensure the continuity and appreciation of their valuable cultural heritage.

The Importance of Indigenous Rights

Recognition and protection of indigenous rights is crucial for their well-being.

Addressing historical injustices ensures a fair treatment for indigenous communities.

Advocacy and empowerment are vital for indigenous tribes to thrive and preserve their culture.

Frequently Asked Questions For Indigenous Tribes Of South Africa: Traditions, Customs, And Heritage

What Are The Indigenous Tribes Of South Africa?

The indigenous tribes of South Africa include the Zulu, Xhosa, Basotho, and many others. Each tribe has its own unique customs, traditions, and languages, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of the country.

What Are The Traditional Customs Of South African Tribes?

Traditional customs of South African tribes often include rites of passage, ceremonies, and practices that are passed down through generations. These customs play a significant role in preserving the cultural identity and heritage of the indigenous tribes.

How Do South African Tribes Preserve Their Heritage?

South African tribes preserve their heritage through oral storytelling, traditional music and dance, and the passing down of cultural practices from one generation to the next. These methods help to ensure that their rich traditions and customs endure over time.

Conclusion

The Indigenous tribes of South Africa embody a rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and heritage that have been passed down through generations. Through their vibrant rituals, art forms, and oral storytelling, these tribes have managed to preserve their unique identity and ancestral knowledge.

Exploring their ways of life and appreciation for nature is not only culturally enlightening but also allows a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. yourself in the wonders of South Africa’s indigenous tribes and embrace the beauty of their diverse heritage.

The 11 languages of South Africa

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The 11 languages of South Africa

South Africa has 11 official languages and a multilingual population fluent in at least two. IsiZulu and isiXhosa are the largest languages, while English is spoken at home by only one in 10 people – most of them not white.

South Africa’s constitution recognises 11 official languages: Sepedi (also known as Sesotho sa Leboa), Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu.

For centuries South Africa’s official languages were European – Dutch, English, Afrikaans. African languages, spoken by at least 80% of the people, were ignored. In 1996 South Africa’s new constitution gave official protection to all of the country’s major languages.

South Africa has about 34 historically established languages. Thirty are living languages, and four extinct Khoesan languages.

Overview of South Africa’s languages

IsiZulu is South Africa’s biggest language, spoken by almost a quarter (23%) of the population. Our other official languages are isiXhosa (spoken by 16%), Afrikaans (13.5%), English (10%), Sesotho sa Leboa (9%), Setswana and Sesotho (both 8%), Xitsonga (4.5%), siSwati and Tshivenda (both 2.5%), and isiNdebele (2%).

English is an urban language of public life, widely used in the media, business and government. Out of the 4.9-million South Africans who speak English as a first language, a third (33%) are white, a quarter (24%) are black, 22% are Indian and 19% are coloured South Africans. English is widely used as a second language and common language of communication, mainly in the cities.

Afrikaans is a version of Dutch that evolved out of a South Holland dialect brought here in the 1600s. Over the centuries it has picked up many influences from African languages, as well as from European colonial languages such as English, French and German. More than half (50.2%) of Afrikaans speakers are coloured, 40% are white, 9% black and just 1% Indian.

Click to enlarge

South Africa’s nine African official languages all fall into the Southern Bantu-Makua subfamily, part of the broad and branching Niger-Congo family of languages. The languages arrived here during the great expansion of Bantu-speaking people from West Africa eastwards and southwards into the rest of the continent. The expansion began in around 3000 BCE and was largely complete by 1000 CE.

Like all languages in the Niger-Congo family they are tonal languages, in which either a high or low tone gives a word a different meaning.

The nine African languages can be broadly divided in two:

Nguni-Tsonga languages: isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, siSwati, Xitsonga
Sotho-Makua-Venda languages: Sesotho, Sesotho sa Leboa, Setswana, Tshivenda

Within the first group Xitsonga alone falls into the Tswa-Ronga subfamily, while isiZulu, isiXhosa, isNdebele and siSwati are Nguni languages.

Similarly, Sesotho, Sesotho sa Leboa and Setswana are closely related Sotho languages, and Tshivenda something of a standalone in the Sotho-Makua-Venda subfamily.

Multilingual South Africa

South Africans are more than bilingual. A rough estimate based on Census 2001 first-language data and a 2002 study of second-languages speakers is that the average South African – man, woman and child – uses 2.84 languages. Obviously, many people are limited to one, and many others able to speak three, four or more languages.

Click to enlarge

English- and Afrikaans-speaking people (mostly coloured, Indian and white South Africans) tend not to have much ability in African languages, but are fairly fluent in each other’s language. Multilingualism is common among black South Africans.

For this reason, South African censuses ask people which two languages they speak. The question in the 2011 Census was:

Which two languages does (member of household) speak most often in this household?

Thirteen options were given: South Africa’s 11 official languages, plus Sign Language, and “Other”. If a person did not speak a second language, that too was recorded.

The contrast between first language and second language is shown in the maps at right. While the geographical pattern of dominant first languages neatly conforms to the facts of history and urbanisation, the picture of second languages is more complicated, more of a mess.

The second map reveals a couple of things. The first is how few South Africans speak just one language. The second is that while English is the dominant first language only in the cities – Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban – it is widely used as a second language across the country. English is spread by the media and used as a common language of communication.

But many South Africans are compelled to learn English, and often Afrikaans as well, simply to get a job and to work. These are often poorer people denied an adequate education. Elsewhere in the world the ability to speak many languages is a sign of sophistication. In South Africa, multilingualism – a complex undertaking, especially in languages from very different families – is a common achievement of the poor.

Code-switching South Africa

Language is fluid, especially in South Africa. Our languages are and have been for centuries in a constant swirl, mixed by work, migration, education, urbanisation, the places we live, friendship and marriage.

Because of this, South Africans are a code-switching people. “Code switching” simply means using more than one language in a single conversation. Every adult South African does this at some time, even if they aren’t aware of it.

Here’s an example overheard at a football match. IsiZulu is in regular type, Afrikaans in bold and English in italics:

“I-Chiefs isidle nge-referee’s ngabe ihambe sleg.
Maar why benga stopi this system ye-injury time?”

A rough translation:

“Chiefs [the football club] have won because the referee favoured them. Otherwise, they would have lost.
But why is this system of injury time not stopped?”

Influenced by the other languages spoken around them, all of South Africa’s languages change and grow all the time.

Who speaks what?

South Africa’s most recent census was in 2011. The following table gives a breakdown of first-language speakers, as recorded by the census.

South Africa’s 11 official languages

LanguageSubfamily1st language share1st language users2nd language usersAll users

AfrikaansLow Franconian13.5%6.9 million10.3 million17.2 million

EnglishWest Germanic9.6%4.9 million11.0 million15.9 million

isiNdebeleNguni2.1%1.1 million1.4 million2.5 million

isiXhosaNguni16%8.1 million11.0 million19.1 million

isiZuluNguni22.7%11.6 million15.7 million27.3 million

SesothoSotho-Tswana7.6%3.8 million7.9 million11.8 million

Sesotho sa Leboa (Sepedi)Sotho-Tswana9.1%4.6 million9.1 million13.8 million

SetswanaSotho-Tswana8%4.1 million7.7 million11.8 million

siSwatiNguni2.5%1.3 million2.4 million3.7 million

TshivendaSotho-Makua-Venda2.4%1.2 million1.7 million2.9 million

XitsongaTswa-Ronga4.5%2.3 million3.4-million5.7 million

Source: ConstitutionSource: GlottologSource: Census 2011Source: Census 2011Source: Webb 2002Estimate

The languages of the provinces

The languages you hear in South Africa depend on where you are in the country.

In the Eastern Cape isiXhosa is spoken by 80% of the population. IsiZulu is the largest language in both KwaZulu-Natal, where 78% speak it, and Gauteng, where it makes up 20% of languages. Sesotho is the language of the Free State, spoken by 64% people there. And so on …

Watch:

The main languages of each province are:

Eastern Cape – isiXhosa (78.8%), Afrikaans (10.6%)
Free State – Sesotho (64.2%), Afrikaans (12.7%)
Gauteng – isiZulu (19.8%), English (13.3%), Afrikaans (12.4%), Sesotho (11.6%)
KwaZulu-Natal – isiZulu (77.8%), English (13.2%)
Limpopo – Sesotho sa Leboa (52.9%), Xitsonga (17%), Tshivenda (16.7%)
Mpumalanga – siSwati (27.7%), isiZulu (24.1%), Xitsonga (10.4%), isiNdebele (10.1%)
Northern Cape – Afrikaans (53.8%), Setswana (33.1%)
North West – Setswana (63.4%), Afrikaans (9%)
Western Cape – Afrikaans (49.7%), isiXhosa (24.7%), English (20.3%)

The languages

Unless otherwise indicated, all figures below are from Census 2011 and refer only to first language – the language spoken at home.

Afrikaans

Also known as: isiBhuru (isiNdebele), isiBhulu (isiXhosa), isiBhunu (isiZulu), siBhunu (siSwati), Seburu (Sesotho sa Leboa), Xibunu (Xitsonga)
First-language users: 6,855,082 (13.5% of South Africans)
Second-language users: 10,300,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 17,155,082 (estimate)

Afrikaans evolved out of a 17th-century Dutch dialect introduced to South Africa in 1652 when the Dutch first colonised the Cape of Good Hope. Today it is the majority language of the Northern Cape.

Afrikaans became an official language in South Africa with the Official Languages of the Union Act of 1925, which retroactively dated the language’s official status to 1910.

The 6,855,082 South Africans who speak Afrikaans as a first language make up 13.5% of the country’s total population. More than half (50.2%) of these Afrikaans speakers are coloured, 39.5% white, 8.8% black, 0.9% Indian or Asian, and 0.6% other.

More than three-quarters (75.8%) of coloured South Africans speak Afrikaans, as do almost two-thirds (60.8%) of whites. It is the home language of 4.6% of Indian or Asian people, and of 1.5% of black South Africans.

Afrikaans and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population41,000,9384,615,4011,286,9304,586,838280,45451,770,560

Afrikaans speakers602,1663,442,16458,7002,710,46141,5916,855,082

Share of population1.5%75.8%4.6%60.8%15.2%13.5%

Most Afrikaans speakers (41%) live in the Western Cape, and 21% in Gauteng. Ten percent of all Afrikaans speakers live in the Eastern Cape, 8.8% in the Northern Cape, and 5% in the Free State.

Within the provinces, Afrikaans is the majority language in the Northern Cape (53.8%) and the Western Cape (49.7%). It makes up 12.7% of languages spoken in the Free State, 12.4% of Gauteng’s languages, 10.6% of languages in the Eastern Cape, 9% in North West, 7.2% in Mpumalanga, 2.6% in Limpopo and 1.6% in KwaZulu-Natal.

Overview of South Africa’s languages

IsiZulu is South Africa’s biggest language, spoken by almost a quarter (23%) of the population. Our other official languages are isiXhosa (spoken by 16%), Afrikaans (13.5%), English (10%), Sesotho sa Leboa (9%), Setswana and Sesotho (both 8%), Xitsonga (4.5%), siSwati and Tshivenda (both 2.5%), and isiNdebele (2%).

English is an urban language of public life, widely used in the media, business and government. Out of the 4.9-million South Africans who speak English as a first language, a third (33%) are white, a quarter (24%) are black, 22% are Indian and 19% are coloured South Africans. English is widely used as a second language and common language of communication, mainly in the cities.

Afrikaans is a version of Dutch that evolved out of a South Holland dialect brought here in the 1600s. Over the centuries it has picked up many influences from African languages, as well as from European colonial languages such as English, French and German. More than half (50.2%) of Afrikaans speakers are coloured, 40% are white, 9% black and just 1% Indian.

Click to enlarge

South Africa’s nine African official languages all fall into the Southern Bantu-Makua subfamily, part of the broad and branching Niger-Congo family of languages. The languages arrived here during the great expansion of Bantu-speaking people from West Africa eastwards and southwards into the rest of the continent. The expansion began in around 3000 BCE and was largely complete by 1000 CE.

Like all languages in the Niger-Congo family they are tonal languages, in which either a high or low tone gives a word a different meaning.

The nine African languages can be broadly divided in two:

Nguni-Tsonga languages: isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, siSwati, Xitsonga
Sotho-Makua-Venda languages: Sesotho, Sesotho sa Leboa, Setswana, Tshivenda

Within the first group Xitsonga alone falls into the Tswa-Ronga subfamily, while isiZulu, isiXhosa, isNdebele and siSwati are Nguni languages.

Similarly, Sesotho, Sesotho sa Leboa and Setswana are closely related Sotho languages, and Tshivenda something of a standalone in the Sotho-Makua-Venda subfamily.

Multilingual South Africa

South Africans are more than bilingual. A rough estimate based on Census 2001 first-language data and a 2002 study of second-languages speakers is that the average South African – man, woman and child – uses 2.84 languages. Obviously, many people are limited to one, and many others able to speak three, four or more languages.

Click to enlarge

English- and Afrikaans-speaking people (mostly coloured, Indian and white South Africans) tend not to have much ability in African languages, but are fairly fluent in each other’s language. Multilingualism is common among black South Africans.

For this reason, South African censuses ask people which two languages they speak. The question in the 2011 Census was:

Which two languages does (member of household) speak most often in this household?

Thirteen options were given: South Africa’s 11 official languages, plus Sign Language, and “Other”. If a person did not speak a second language, that too was recorded.

The contrast between first language and second language is shown in the maps at right. While the geographical pattern of dominant first languages neatly conforms to the facts of history and urbanisation, the picture of second languages is more complicated, more of a mess.

The second map reveals a couple of things. The first is how few South Africans speak just one language. The second is that while English is the dominant first language only in the cities – Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban – it is widely used as a second language across the country. English is spread by the media and used as a common language of communication.

But many South Africans are compelled to learn English, and often Afrikaans as well, simply to get a job and to work. These are often poorer people denied an adequate education. Elsewhere in the world the ability to speak many languages is a sign of sophistication. In South Africa, multilingualism – a complex undertaking, especially in languages from very different families – is a common achievement of the poor.

Code-switching South Africa

Language is fluid, especially in South Africa. Our languages are and have been for centuries in a constant swirl, mixed by work, migration, education, urbanisation, the places we live, friendship and marriage.

Because of this, South Africans are a code-switching people. “Code switching” simply means using more than one language in a single conversation. Every adult South African does this at some time, even if they aren’t aware of it.

Here’s an example overheard at a football match. IsiZulu is in regular type, Afrikaans in bold and English in italics:

“I-Chiefs isidle nge-referee’s ngabe ihambe sleg.
Maar why benga stopi this system ye-injury time?”

A rough translation:

“Chiefs [the football club] have won because the referee favoured them. Otherwise, they would have lost.
But why is this system of injury time not stopped?”

Influenced by the other languages spoken around them, all of South Africa’s languages change and grow all the time.

Who speaks what?

Watch:

South Africa’s most recent census was in 2011. The following table gives a breakdown of first-language speakers, as recorded by the census.

South Africa’s 11 official languages

LanguageSubfamily1st language share1st language users2nd language usersAll users

AfrikaansLow Franconian13.5%6.9 million10.3 million17.2 million

EnglishWest Germanic9.6%4.9 million11.0 million15.9 million

isiNdebeleNguni2.1%1.1 million1.4 million2.5 million

isiXhosaNguni16%8.1 million11.0 million19.1 million

isiZuluNguni22.7%11.6 million15.7 million27.3 million

SesothoSotho-Tswana7.6%3.8 million7.9 million11.8 million

Sesotho sa Leboa (Sepedi)Sotho-Tswana9.1%4.6 million9.1 million13.8 million

SetswanaSotho-Tswana8%4.1 million7.7 million11.8 million

siSwatiNguni2.5%1.3 million2.4 million3.7 million

TshivendaSotho-Makua-Venda2.4%1.2 million1.7 million2.9 million

XitsongaTswa-Ronga4.5%2.3 million3.4-million5.7 million

Source: ConstitutionSource: GlottologSource: Census 2011Source: Census 2011Source: Webb 2002Estimate

The languages of the provinces

The languages you hear in South Africa depend on where you are in the country.

In the Eastern Cape isiXhosa is spoken by 80% of the population. IsiZulu is the largest language in both KwaZulu-Natal, where 78% speak it, and Gauteng, where it makes up 20% of languages. Sesotho is the language of the Free State, spoken by 64% people there. And so on …

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The main languages of each province are:

Eastern Cape – isiXhosa (78.8%), Afrikaans (10.6%)
Free State – Sesotho (64.2%), Afrikaans (12.7%)
Gauteng – isiZulu (19.8%), English (13.3%), Afrikaans (12.4%), Sesotho (11.6%)
KwaZulu-Natal – isiZulu (77.8%), English (13.2%)
Limpopo – Sesotho sa Leboa (52.9%), Xitsonga (17%), Tshivenda (16.7%)
Mpumalanga – siSwati (27.7%), isiZulu (24.1%), Xitsonga (10.4%), isiNdebele (10.1%)
Northern Cape – Afrikaans (53.8%), Setswana (33.1%)
North West – Setswana (63.4%), Afrikaans (9%)
Western Cape – Afrikaans (49.7%), isiXhosa (24.7%), English (20.3%)

The languages

Unless otherwise indicated, all figures below are from Census 2011 and refer only to first language – the language spoken at home.

Afrikaans

Also known as: isiBhuru (isiNdebele), isiBhulu (isiXhosa), isiBhunu (isiZulu), siBhunu (siSwati), Seburu (Sesotho sa Leboa), Xibunu (Xitsonga)
First-language users: 6,855,082 (13.5% of South Africans)
Second-language users: 10,300,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 17,155,082 (estimate)

Afrikaans evolved out of a 17th-century Dutch dialect introduced to South Africa in 1652 when the Dutch first colonised the Cape of Good Hope. Today it is the majority language of the Northern Cape.

Afrikaans became an official language in South Africa with the Official Languages of the Union Act of 1925, which retroactively dated the language’s official status to 1910.

The 6,855,082 South Africans who speak Afrikaans as a first language make up 13.5% of the country’s total population. More than half (50.2%) of these Afrikaans speakers are coloured, 39.5% white, 8.8% black, 0.9% Indian or Asian, and 0.6% other.

More than three-quarters (75.8%) of coloured South Africans speak Afrikaans, as do almost two-thirds (60.8%) of whites. It is the home language of 4.6% of Indian or Asian people, and of 1.5% of black South Africans.

Afrikaans and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population41,000,9384,615,4011,286,9304,586,838280,45451,770,560

Afrikaans speakers602,1663,442,16458,7002,710,46141,5916,855,082

Share of population1.5%75.8%4.6%60.8%15.2%13.5%

Most Afrikaans speakers (41%) live in the Western Cape, and 21% in Gauteng. Ten percent of all Afrikaans speakers live in the Eastern Cape, 8.8% in the Northern Cape, and 5% in the Free State.

Within the provinces, Afrikaans is the majority language in the Northern Cape (53.8%) and the Western Cape (49.7%). It makes up 12.7% of languages spoken in the Free State, 12.4% of Gauteng’s languages, 10.6% of languages in the Eastern Cape, 9% in North West, 7.2% in Mpumalanga, 2.6% in Limpopo and 1.6% in KwaZulu-Natal.

English

Also known as: Engels (Afrikaans), isiNgisi (isiNdebele and isiZulu), isiNgesi (isiXhosa), Senyesemane (Sesotho), Seisemane (Sesotho sa Leboa), siNgisi (siSwati), Xinghezi (Xitsonga)
First-language users: 4,892,623 (9.6% of South Africans)
Second-language users: 11,000,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 15,892,623 (estimate)

English is a prominent language in South African public life, widely used in government, business and the media. As a first language it is mainly confined to the cities.

In 1910 English and Dutch were declared the official languages of the new Union of South Africa. English has retained this official status ever since.

The 4,892,623 South Africans who speak English as a first language make up 9.6% of the country’s total population. Among first-language English speakers, 32.8% are white, 23.9% black, 22.4% Indian and 19.3% coloured.

The majority (86.1%) of Indian South Africans speak English as their home language, as do over a third (35.9%) of whites. It is the first language of 20.8% of coloured people, and of 2.9% of black South Africans.

English and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

English speakers1,167,913945,8471,094,3171,603,57580,9714,892,623

Share of population2.9%20.8%86.1%35.9%29.5%9.6%

The largest number of English speakers are in Gauteng – 1.6-million people, or a third (32.8%) of all English-speaking South Africans. Over a quarter (27.3%) live in KwaZulu-Natal, 23.5% in the Western Cape, and 7.4% in the Eastern Cape.

English is a minority language within all nine provinces.

It is the second-largest language in both the Western Cape (after Afrikaans) and Gauteng (after isiZulu). In the Western Cape it is spoken by 20.2% of the population, and in Gauteng by 13.3%. English is minimally spoken in the other provinces.

Read more: The online dictionary of South
African English

isiNdebele

Also known as: Ndebele, Southern Ndebele, Ndzundza, isiKhethu
First-language users: 1,090,233 (2.1% of South Africans)
Second-language users: 1,400,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 2,490,233 (estimate)

IsiNdebele is the least spoken of South Africa’s 11 official languages, and confined mainly to Mpumalanga and Gauteng. It is an Nguni language, like isiZulu, isiXhosa and siSwati. Also called Southern Ndebele, it is not to be confused with Northern Ndebele, more commonly known as Matabele, which is closer to isiZulu and an official language of Zimbabwe.

The 1,090,223 South Africans who speak isiNdebele as a first language make up just 2.1% of the country’s total population. Among first-language isiNdebele speakers, 97% are black, 0.9% Indian or Asian, 0.8% coloured, 0.8% white and 0.5% other.

IsiNdebele is spoken by 2.6% of black South Africans – fewer than the 2.9% who speak English at home. It is barely spoken by other population groups, being the home language of 0.2% of both the coloured and white population, and 0.8% of Indian or Asian people. It is also spoken by 2.1% of people who describe themselves as “other”.

IsiNdebele and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

IsiNdebele speakers1,057,7818,2259,8158,6115,7911,090,223

Share of population2.6%0.2%0.8%0.2%2.1%2.1%

Most isiNdebele speakers (37%) live in Mpumalanga, followed by Gauteng (34.9%), KwaZulu-Natal (10.2%), Limpopo (9.6%) and North West (4%).

IsiNdebele is a minority language in all the provinces. It is spoken by 10.1% of the population of Mpumalanga and 3.2% of Gautengers.

isiXhosa

Also known as: Xhosa
First-language users: 8,154,258
Second-language users: 11,000,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 19,154,258 (estimate)

The dominant language of the Eastern Cape, isiXhosa is also the second-largest language in South Africa after isiZulu. It is an Nguni language, like isiNdebele, isiZulu and siSwati, but also shows some influence from the Khoekhoe languages.

The 8,154,258 South Africans who speak isiXhosa as a first language make up 16% of the country’s total population. Among first-language isiXhosa speakers, 99.4% are black, 0.3% coloured, 0.2% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

Among the population groups, isiXhosa is spoken by 20.1% of black South Africans, the second-largest share after isiZulu. It is the home language of 0.6% of coloured people, 0.4% of Indians, 0.3% of whites and 1.9% of people who describe themselves as “other”.

IsiXhosa and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

IsiXhosa speakers8,104,75225,3405,34213,6415,1828,154,258

Share of population20.1%0.6%0.4%0.3%1.9%16%

Close to two-thirds (62.4%) of first-language isiXhosa speakers live in the Eastern Cape, and 17.2% in the Western Cape. About a tenth (9.8%) of all isiXhosa speakers live in Gauteng.

Within the provinces, isiXhosa is the majority language in the Eastern Cape, where its 5,092,152 first-language users make up 78.8% of the population. In the Western Cape a quarter (24.7%) of the population speaks isiXhosa. IsiXhosa is spoken by 7.5% of people in the Free State, 6.6% in Gauteng, 5.5% in North West, and 5.3% in the Northern Cape.

isiZulu

Also known as: Zulu
First-language users: 11,587,374 (22.7% of the population)
Second-language users: 15,700,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 27,300,000 (estimate)

IsiZulu is the most widely spoken language in South Africa, the first language of close to a quarter of the population. It is the dominant language of KwaZulu-Natal. Like isiNdebele, isiXhosa and siSwati, isiZulu is an Nguni language.

The 11,587,374 South Africans who speak isiZulu as their home language make up 22.7% of the country’s total population. A full 99.4% of first-language isiZulu speakers are black, 0.2% coloured, 0.1% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

IsiZulu is spoken by 28.5% of black South Africans, more than any other language. It is the home language of 1.3% of Indian or Asian people, 0.5% of coloureds, 0.4% of whites and 4.1% of people who describe themselves as “other”.

IsiZulu and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

IsiZulu speakers11,519,23423,79716,69916,45811,18611,587,374

Share of population28.5%0.5%1.3%0.4%4.1%22.7%

Over two-thirds (68.2%) of isiZulu-speaking South Africans live in KwaZulu-Natal, and more than a fifth (20.6% in Gauteng). Some 8.3% of all isiZulu speakers live in Mpumalanga, which borders KwaZulu-Natal to the northwest. The rest are thinly spread across the other provinces.

Within the provinces, isiZulu is spoken by over three-quarters (77.8%) of the population of KwaZulu-Natal, and nearly a quarter (24.1%) of the people of Mpumalanga. Almost a fifth (19.8%) of Gautengers speak isiZulu. It is a small minority language in the rest of the provinces.

Sesotho

Also known as: Southern Sotho
First-language users: 3,798,915 (7.6% of the population)
Second-language users: 7,900,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 11,698,915 (estimate)

Sesotho is the language of the Free State, and the first language of 3,798,915 South Africans, or 7.6% of the total population. It is one of the three Sotho languages, with Sesotho sa Leboa and Setswana.

A full 98.7% of first-language Sesotho speakers are black, 0.6% coloured, 0.5% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

Sesotho is spoken by just under a tenth (9.4%) of black South Africans. It is the home language of 0.5% of coloured people, of 0.4% of both white and Indian/Asian people, and of 1.7% of the people who describe themselves as “other”.

Sesotho and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

South Africa’s population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

Sesotho speakers3,798,91523,2305,26917,4914,6573,849,563

Share of population9.4%0.5%0.4%0.4%1.7%7.6%

Most (44.6%) Sesotho speakers live in the Free State. The inner curve of this bean-shaped province fits around the northwest border of Lesotho, a country where Sesotho and English are the official languages. Over a third (36.2%) of all Sesotho-speaking South Africans live in Gauteng. Some 5.2% live in North West.

Within the provinces, Sesotho is spoken by close to two-thirds (64.2%) of the population of the Free State, over a tenth (11.6%) of Gauteng, and by 5.8% of people living in North West.

Sesotho sa Leboa (Sepedi)

Also known as: Northern Sotho
First-language users: 4,618,576 (9.1% of the population)
Second-language users: 9,100,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 13,518,576 (estimate)

Sesotho sa Leboa or Sepedi?
The 1993 interim Constitution named the language Sesotho sa Leboa. It was then changed to Sepedi in the final Constitution of 1996. Debate on the right name continues. Most language experts, as well as speakers of the language, consider Sesotho sa Leboa to be the correct name, and Sepedi to be a dialect. In a study of the language policy of six South African universities, five used Sesotho sa Leboa and one Sepedi. But both the Department of Basic Education and Statistics South Africa use Sepedi as the language’s name.

Sesotho sa Leboa is South Africa’s third-largest African language (after isiZulu and isiXhosa), and mainly spoken in Limpopo. Like Sesotho and Setswana, it is a Sotho language.

Sesotho sa Leboa is the first language of 4,618,576 people, or 9.1% of the total population. A full 99.7% of first-language Sesotho sa Leboa speakers are black, 0.1% coloured, 0.1% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

Sesotho sa Leboa is spoken by 11.4% of black South Africans. It is the home language of just 0.2% of Indians, 0.1% of coloureds, 0.1% of whites and 0.6% of people who describe themselves as “other”.

Sesotho sa Leboa and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

Sesotho sa Leboa speakers4,602,4595,6422,9435,9171,6164,618,576

Share of population11.4%0.1%0.2%0.1%0.6%9.1%

Nearly two-thirds of (61.2%) of all Sesotho sa Leboa speakers live in Limpopo, over a quarter (27.8%) in Gauteng and 8.1% in Mpumalanga. The rest of the language’s speakers are scattered around the country.

Within the provinces, Sesotho sa Leboa is spoken by more than half (52.9%) the people of Limpopo, 10.6% of those in Gauteng, and 9.3% of Mpumalanga’s population.

Setswana

Also known as: Tswana, Sechuana, Chuana
First-language users: 4,067,248 (8% of the population)
Second-language users: 7,700,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 11,767,248 (estimate)

The language of North West and its neighbouring country of Botswana, Setswana is the Tswanaic language in the Sotho-Tswana subfamily, which it shares with Sesotho and Sesotho sa Leboa. Its 3,996,951 speakers make up 8% of South Africa’s population.

Some 98.3% of Setswana speakers are black, 1% coloured, 0.1% Indian or Asian and 0.1% white.

Setswana is spoken by 9.9% of black South Africans, making it the third-largest language in the population group. It is the first language of 0.9% of coloured people, 0.4% of both Indians and whites, and 2.4% of people who describe themselves as “other”.

Setswana and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

Setswana speakers3,996,95140,3514,91718,3586,6714,067,248

Share of population9.9%0.9%0.4%0.4%2.4%8.0%

Over a half (52.9%) of Setswana speakers live in North West, a quarter (26.9%) in Gauteng, and close on a tenth (9.2%) in the Northern Cape. Both North West and the Northern Cape lie on the border of Botswana, where 79% of the population speak Setswana.

Within the provinces, Setswana is spoken by nearly two-thirds (63.4%) of the population of North West, a third (33.1%) of the Northern Cape’s people, by 9.1% of Gauteng’s population and 5.2% of the Free State’s.

siSwati

Also known as: Swati, Swazi
First-language users: 1,297,046 (2.5% of the population)
Second-language users: 2,400,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 3,697,046 (estimate)

SiSwati is mostly spoken in Mpumalanga, which along its curved eastern border almost encircles the country of Swaziland. SiSwati is an Nguni language, like isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu.

The 1,297,046 people who speak siSwati are just 2.5% of South Africa’s population, making it the country’s third-smallest language. Among first-language siSwati speakers, 99.3% are black, 0.3% coloured, 0.2% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

In the population as a whole, siSwati is spoken by 3.2% of black South Africans, by around 0.1% of the other population groups, and by 0.5% of people who describe themselves as “other”.

SiSwati and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

SiSwati speakers1,288,1564,0561,2172,2991,320234,655

Share of population3.2%0.1%0.1%0.1%0.5%2.5%

Most siSwati speakers live in Mpumalanga – 85.3% of its total users and the highest provincial concentration of any language. Another tenth (10.5%) live in Gauteng, and the rest are scattered mainly over the northern parts of the country.

Within the provinces, sisSwati is spoken by 27.7% of the total population of Mpumalanga, and just 1.1% of Gautengers.

Tshivenda

Also known as: Venda, Chivenda
First-language users: 1,209,388 (2.4% of the population)
Second-language users: 1,700,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 2,909,388 (estimate)

Tshivenda is something of a standalone among South Africa’s major African languages, falling into the broader Sotho-Makua-Venda subfamily but not part of the Sotho group. It is mostly spoken in the far northeast of Limpopo.

The 1,209,388 South Africans who speak Tshivenda are just 2.4% of the country’s population, making it the second-smallest language after isiNdebele. A full 99.4% of first-language Tshivenda speakers are black, 0.2% coloured, 0.2% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

Tshivenda is spoken by 3% of black South Africans, by just 0.1% of the other population groups, and by 0.5% of people who describe themselves as “other”.

Tshivenda and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

Tshivenda speakers1,201,5882,8478102,8891,2541,297,046

Share of population3.0%0.1%0.1%0.1%0.5%2.4

Three quarters (73.8%) of Tshivenda speakers live in Limpopo, giving the language the second-highest provincial concentration after siSwati. A further 22.5% of Tshivenda speakers live in Gauteng.

Within the provinces, Tshivenda is spoken by 16.7% of the population of Limpopo, and 2.3% of the population of Gauteng.

Xitsonga

Also known as: Tsonga, Shangaan, Shangana, Vatsonga
First-language users: 2,277,148 (4.5% of the population)
Second-language users: 3,400,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 5,677,148 (estimate)

Xitsonga is a minority language concentrated along South Africa’s northeast border with the country of Mozambique, where it is also spoken. Within the broader Nguni-Tsonga language subfamily which it shares with isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu and siSwati, it alone falls into the Tswa-Ronga group, while the other languages are Nguni.

The 2,277,148 South Africans who speak Xitsonga as their home language make up 4.5% of the country’s total population. A full 99.1% of first-language Xitsonga speakers are black, 0.2% white, 0.1% coloured and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

Xitsonga is spoken by 5.6% of black South Africans, 0.2% of Indians, 0.1% of whites, 0.05% of coloureds and 3.9% of people who describe themselves as “other”.

Xitsonga and South Africa’s population groups

BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll

Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443

Xitsonga speakers2,257,7712,2682,5063,98710,6161,209,388

Share of population5.6%0.05%0.2%0.09%3.9%4.5%

Nearly two-fifths (39.8%) of Xitsonga-speaking South Africans live in Limpopo, over a third (35%) in Gauteng, 18.3% in Mpumalanga and 5.6% in North West.

Within the provinces, Xitsonga is spoken by 17% of the population of Limpopo, 10.4% of Mpumalanga and 6.6% of the people in Gauteng.