A new Sepedi translation of Animal Farm – English writer George Orwell's classic political allegory – is set to widen access to ideas about power, leadership and democracy in South African classrooms.
Translated by experienced educationalist Dr Lenkwane Henry Mathunyane and published by Nelson Mandela University Press, this book highlights how multilingualism can expand access to political discourse, critical thinking and classroom debate – particularly for learners who study in languages other than English.
The translation was officially launched on 26 March during the second annual Multilingualism Indaba, organized by Nelson Mandela University in Gkebarha, Eastern Cape.
The theme of the three-day Indaba, running from March 25 to 27, is Intersections of Knowledge: Language, Multilingualism, and Language Policy, and will bring together scholars, students, and language practitioners to explore the role of language in knowledge production and education.
At the center of the event was the launch of the University's revised language policy on 27 March, which coincides with International Multilingualism Day.
inclusive education
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Pamela Maseko, says that Nelson Mandela University is “deeply committed to advancing multilingualism as a cornerstone of inclusive and equitable education”, and the translation of Animal Farm Sepedi affirms the importance of making classical texts accessible in African languages, where they are “equally relevant and resonant in our own cultural, social and political contexts”.
This work strengthens the intellectual capacity of African languages to carry complex ideas, she says, and aligns with the institution's broader vision of transforming the linguistic landscape of education in South Africa, which speaks directly to the intersections of language, knowledge production and social justice highlighted at the Multilingualism Indaba.
“Dr Mathunyane's contribution not only enriches our literary resources but also strengthens the role of African languages in shaping informed, critical and dedicated citizens.”
While Animal Farm Dr. Mathunyane says that while it has long been prescribed in South African schools, it has traditionally been taught to English home language learners, leaving many second language learners connecting with the novel through the language barrier.
He believes that translating text into Sepedi helps bring learners on a more equal level.
“Some subjects, particularly in politics and governance, are only available to learners studying English literature,” he explains. “The contents of this novel will be very interesting for the learners when they can discuss them in their mother tongue.”
As a gateway to language learning
For Dr. Mathunyane, the project grew out of decades of experience working in the South African education system.
Having received degrees from the University of Limpopo and the University of South Africa, including a doctorate in educational psychology, she spent several years guiding learners and young adults in the Department of Education in roles ranging from guidance teacher to regional director.
In these situations, one issue came up again and again: language barriers in classrooms.
He says, “Evaluation reports from schools and subject consultants have shown that language can be a barrier to communication and understanding between learners from different language groups.”
“When learners struggle with the language of instruction, they are less likely to participate meaningfully.”
That experience convinced him that language diversity had to be actively supported through access to literature in many languages.
“Children need meaningful and familiar books in more than one language in and around school.”
Why Animal Farm?
Animal Farm, first published in 1945 Tells the story of farm animals who overthrow their human masters in hopes of building a fair and equal society. However, over time, the pigs who assume leadership become as authoritarian as the humans who replace them – a powerful metaphor about the corruption of revolutionary ideals.
The novel's themes remain extremely relevant, especially in societies grappling with leadership and accountability.
“What is happening in this novel is exactly what South Africans experience every day,” says Dr. Mathunyane.
“When you look at characters like Napoleon and Squealer, you can recognize some of our leaders in them.”
For them, making the story accessible in Sepedi helps ensure that these ideas are not limited to English language classrooms.
“Political awareness is no longer a taboo subject. This novel allows learners to openly discuss issues of power, leadership and society.”
Translation also serves another purpose: to demonstrate that African languages can express complex political ideas.
“It dispels the notion that indigenous African languages cannot be used in advanced academic discourse.”
Translation shaped by collaboration
Choosing Sepedi for the translation was a natural decision for Dr. Mathunyane. The language is his mother tongue and was a major subject during his undergraduate studies.
“Sepedi learners will feel proud that a famous English novel has been translated into their home language,” he says. “This puts them on an equal footing with their English-speaking counterparts.”
However, preparing the translation was not a quick process.
The manuscript took over 10 years to complete, paying careful attention to the nuances of satire and political symbolism in the original text.
“English is my third or fourth additional language, so some words were difficult to translate,” he says.
“But with the help of Sepedi teachers and subject advisors, we were able to arrive at a standardized version.”
After Dr. Mathunyane submitted a proposal to the publisher in 2024, the project eventually found a home with Nelson Mandela University Press.
The manuscript arrived in 2025, and the book was published in January 2026.
Encouraging debate and critical thinking
Although the Sepedi edition is presented as a children's book, Dr Mathunyane believes it will be particularly valuable to secondary school learners and university students.
animal farm It has long been prescribed for grades 10 to 12, but primarily for English home language learners.
He says, “Second language learners are also eligible to read this book in their own language.”
Reading novels in Sepedi can encourage learners to engage more confidently with the political themes of the story.
“They will find it easier and more interesting to participate in discussions and debates in an open and equal environment.”
Dr. Mathunyane also believes that the book can be used creatively in the classroom.
He suggests that learners can dramatize scenes from the novel, which will help them translate abstract ideas such as social justice and equality into tangible experiences.
He says teachers can also use this book to encourage multilingual literary societies and debate clubs.
“Students must learn that speaking a different language does not make someone inferior. Every citizen has the right to participate and contribute in every area of life.” DM