South African Information - North West Province
The people of the North West are predominantly BaTswana
in origin and their language is seTswana. They can trace their origins
for many centuries through a turbulent history of war and migration across
the plains and valleys of the province to the borders of the Kalahari.
Other groups touching on the North West are the Ndebele in the east and
the Sotho to the south.
Today there is a new awakening and commitment to move forward into the
new South Africa and nowhere is the desire for education and advancement
more evident. Artists in every field, whether the fine arts or through
music and jazz are beginning to emerge and excel.
The work of the early writer Sol Plaatje characterizes
such a spirit of endeavour. Plaatje was educated to Standard three level
(five years of schooling) at a mission station near Barkly West. He became
fluent in English, Dutch and German, along with numerous African languages
and translated several Shakespeare works into SeTswana. After serving
as a court interpreter in Mafikeng (before and during the siege) he founded
a newspaper through which to express the aspirations of his people. He
became the first Secretary General of the South African Native National
Congress (SANNC); the forerunner to the African National Congress.
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