The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) has noted ongoing public and academic debates regarding the naming of Sesotho sa Leboa versus Sepedi. In fulfilment of its constitutional mandate to promote, protect, and develop all official South African languages equitably, PanSALB reiterates its position that Sesotho sa Leboa is the most inclusive designation, representing a unified linguistic identity for the Northern Sotho language group. PanSALB commissioned research in 2000 to explore the naming convention for the language, given its persistently contentious nature.
Based on the findings, the research concluded that Sesotho sa Leboa encompasses various Northern Sotho varieties (namely, Sepedi, Sepulana, Sehanwana, Sekopa, Selobedu, and others), forming a single standardised written language used by speakers of all varieties falling under it. According to the research, the name ‘Sesotho sa Leboa’, is a more inclusive and all-encompassing term that does not exclude other varieties. The broad nature of this term contributes to the promotion of social cohesion and guards against the domination of one language variety over others.
Further support for this research finding was provided by a 2007 study conducted by the Parliamentary Research Unit. The study found that the term Sesotho sa Leboa was mostly used in about nine versions of the Constitution, including the Sepedi version. The 1987 research conducted by the North Sotho Language Board found that approximately 62% of people speaking the language preferred it to be called Sesotho sa Leboa, compared to 28% who preferred Sepedi. Based on these findings, the Parliamentary Research Unit recommended to the Constitutional Review Committee that the ongoing confusion and inconsistency regarding the language’s naming convention be addressed by formally adopting Sesotho sa Leboa as the standard designation.
In light of these findings, PanSALB formally upholds Sesotho sa Leboa as the standard reference for the language in official and educational contexts. This position seeks to ensure that no language community feels excluded or disadvantaged and that all linguistic varieties receive equal recognition and respect
PanSALB remains committed to fostering linguistic inclusivity, unity, and social cohesion in South Africa. Guided by the Constitution, the Board continues to take positive measures to elevate the status, visibility, and use of indigenous languages across all sectors of society.
