People
Who they are
The Tswana-Ngwato live mainly in Botswana, with a community in South Africa as well. They are part of the Tswana peoples and speak Setswana. Ngwato is one of the group’s clan names, and Serowe has been the Bangwato capital since 1902.
The Christian faith has been part of their history for generations. Khama III was one of the first Bangwato to be baptized. His fourth wife, Semane Khama, was a deaconess and teacher: she trained women to teach their own classes in Serowe and other villages, and began preaching at kgotla meetings, a setting previously reserved for men.
Where they live
2
Countries
653K
World population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Botswana Partially reached
|
90.2%
|
581.000 |
South Africa Significantly reached
|
9.8%
|
63.000 |
How they live
In Serowe, the kgotla is the traditional community meeting place and also the court where cases are heard according to customary law. The town’s Congregational church was built in 1912, during the time of Khama III, and is now a national monument. It symbolizes the longstanding relationship between the church and the people’s chieftainship.
What they believe
Most Tswana-Ngwato are Christians, belonging to many denominations, and the Christian faith coexists with traditional religious beliefs. Some believe in diviners who are said to communicate with the spirits of deceased relatives to help the living. The people themselves have had Christian leaders, such as Semane Khama.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Setswana
Complete Bible
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Done
- Whole Bible Current stage
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)69.1%
Evangelicals9.8%
Needs
Faith needs to deepen: some Christians seek help both from Jesus and from the spirits of deceased relatives. The people need spiritual renewal that comes only through the work of the Holy Spirit and complete trust in Christ. Churches can use the Setswana Bible, which has long been available in full, to talk with families about trust in God and the customs passed down by their elders.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray that Ngwato Christians who still seek protection from the spirits of deceased relatives will trust in Jesus alone.
Pray for Bible study in Setswana in families and churches.
Pray for diviners and their families to come to know Jesus.
Pray for the women who teach in Ngwato churches, following the path opened by Semane Khama.
Pray for the churches in Serowe and other Ngwato communities to train leaders.
Pray for Tswana-Ngwato
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar