29 Jun 2026

A Setswapong Bible translation is on the horizon following intensive research by the Batswapong Cultural and Development Society to harmonise the language.

Speaking in an interview with BOPA on Thursday, the society’s spokesperson, Mr Oriah Thukula, said their starting point was writing to the Botswana Bible Society to request translating the manuscript into their native language, a request that was met with an affirmative response.

He stated that they have been allocated an operational office in Lecheng, courtesy of the Botswana Bible Society. Committees have also been formed, including an Advisory Committee tasked with scouting for a harmonized version of Setswapong within the Tswapong area.

Furthermore, he said the translation project, spanning from 2026 to 2028, will bring scripture into their heart language.

This initiative is already sparking an interest in literacy and generating a powerful sense of self-worth among the people.

In his view, the Setswapong Bible is more than just a translation effort; it is a pathway to community empowerment.

He added that upon completion, a fully-fledged Setswapong Bible will be available on bookshelves in bookshops across the country. 

“The Bible will be sold at normal market prices, making it easier for the community to comprehend scriptures in their own native language, as opposed to using the Setswana and English versions,” he said. 

On other matters, Mr Thukula shared that the society has liaised with the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) to establish a community radio station for Batswapong, dubbed Tswapong FM.

He revealed that they have successfully acquired a broadcasting license for Tswapong FM, which would broadcast in Setswapong and operate out of Lerala.

The society is currently in negotiations with terrestrial network providers to hit the ground running, and efforts are ongoing to finalise the matter.

Once fully operational, the station is expected to employ over 300 people. It will create a vital platform for the Tswapong region to promote its culture, tradition, rich heritage, and the Setswapong language.

“A people without knowledge of their past, history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots, hence the need to preserve this rich heritage,” Mr Thukula emphasised.

Highlighting the importance of culture and indigenous languages, he noted that the Tswapong community would understand local issues much better in their native tongue, which was also critical for celebrating cultural identity and nation-building.

Mr Thukula further shared that they were planning to host annual cultural events on a rotational basis across the Tswapong territory, which comprises 45 villages.

This move is geared toward diversifying and revitalising the local economy. 

Buttressing the need for a community radio station, he argued that community broadcasting yielded immense economic, social, and cultural benefits.

These services create employment for journalists, producers, and a wide range of operational staff.

Radio services, he noted, also provided essential educational programming and locally targeted information in times of need.

Moreover, a community radio station acts as a mouthpiece for the public, offering a platform to hold elected leaders accountable for their actions.

“It also accords the community an opportunity for cheap and well-targeted advertising for local businesses and organisations,” he said.

The Batswapong Cultural and Development Society was registered in 2023 with a vision to advance the interests of Batswapong, preserve natural resources, promote culture and tradition, and uphold the national principles of democracy, development, self-reliance, and unity. ends