Let me start by saying a huge thank you to the amazing readers and followers of this blog. You’ve been a source of inspiration, motivation, and endless encouragement. One suggestion that has particularly stood out recently comes from a reader, Siziwe Makhaba (seen in picture) She lives in my rural village in the Eastern cape. She has asked for the blog to be made available in other languages—especially South African indigenous languages. She suggested that when I blog, I should at least add a translation or incorporate indigenous language snippets, so non-English speakers can also feel connected and included. I have to say, this is one suggestion that really resonates with me because it’s something I’ve also been thinking about.
As someone who speaks eight of the twelve official South African languages, I deeply understand the importance of communicating with people in their preferred language. Language is more than just a tool for communication; it’s a bridge to culture, understanding, and connection. South Africa, with its rich linguistic diversity, is a country where this bridge becomes even more significant. When we speak to each other in a language we’re comfortable with, we aren’t just exchanging words—we’re exchanging identity, history, and belonging.
This blog has always aimed to connect people, spark dialogue, and build community. How can we truly achieve that if we’re leaving some readers behind simply because they’re not fluent in English?
While I’m incredibly excited about the idea of introducing translations, the reality is that it will require resources—especially for professional translators. For now, the plan is to prioritize IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, Sesotho, and Afrikaans translations because these are some of the most widely spoken languages in South Africa. However, this initiative is not just about South Africa. Our blog statistics tell us that many of you are reading from India (Thank you to Kraantinari the Indian Female Rapper) Zimbabwe, Canada, the USA, and Thailand. This global readership is something I cherish deeply, but it’s also a reminder of the need to be as inclusive as possible.
The first step is creating a multilingual foundation, starting with South African languages. The long-term vision? Who knows! Perhaps we’ll one day have the blog available in even more languages, depending on where you—our readers—are engaging with us.
When you read something in your own language, it hits differently, doesn’t it? It’s as if the words are reaching not just your mind but your heart and soul. For someone who primarily speaks Sesotho, Thai or Shona, for example, seeing their language in a blog post might feel like a homecoming. That’s the power of language—it welcomes and validates.
We’re living in a world that’s increasingly digital, and while English often becomes the default, it’s important to resist the urge to leave behind the languages that make up our shared humanity. By making the blog available in multiple languages, we’re not just making it more accessible; we’re also celebrating the incredible linguistic tapestry of our world.
This is where I need your support. To bring this vision to life, we’ll need professional translators who can ensure that the essence and tone of the blog are preserved across languages. If you’re a translator or know someone who might want to contribute, please reach out! Translating a blog post isn’t just about swapping words—it’s about capturing the soul of the message and delivering it in a way that feels authentic.
For now, I’ll be working on small steps:
- Including occasional phrases or paragraphs in indigenous languages.
- Actively seeking funding to hire translators.
- Collaborating with readers and followers who might want to help in this multilingual journey.
To everyone reading from India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Canada, the USA, Thailand, or anywhere else in the world—thank you for being here. Whether you’re fluent in English, isiXhosa, or any other language, your presence means the world.
This is your blog as much as it is mine, and together, we’ll find ways to make it a place where everyone feels at home.
Let’s keep building bridges, one word at a time—in as many languages as we can.
Enkosi. Thank you.
