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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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