The diverse composition of the multi-cultural population of South Africa cannot be reflected more clearly than through the 11 official languages of the country. The percentage distribution of home languages for the population of South Africa was estimated in 1994 to be as follows:

isiZulu 22,4 %
isiXhosa 17,5 %
Afrikaans 15,1 %
Sepedi 9,8 %
English 9,1 %
Setswana 7,2 %
Sesotho 6,9 %
Xitsonga 4,2 %
siSwati 2,6 %
Tshivenda 1,7 %
isiNdebele 1,5 %
Afrikaans/English 0,2 %
Other non-official languages 1,8 %

The figures indicate that isiZulu was the most spoken home language in South Africa in 1991, by a fair margin. Two more of the home languages are distinguished by virtue of the fact that they individually represent more than 10% of the population, namely isiXhosa and Afrikaans, with Sepedi and English in close pursuit.

The above map depicts the dominant language distribution per magisterial district, which means the home language with the largest percentage of use in any particular magisterial district. In some cases the dominant language spoken in a given district may be a low percentage (10% or less), but if all other individual home languages spoken in that district show a less significant figure, the language with the highest percentage of mother tongue speakers is nevertheless shown on the map as being the dominant language.

 

Tortoises as pets Captivity can be death! Sentence for a tortoise: Wild animals seldom adapt well to captivity, even if they do live long or breed. Captivity can mean a slow death for some animals, particularly those with specialised diet or habitat requirements. Unwanted pet tortoises are often released in fields or parks. This false freedom can be fatal because pet tortoises have become accustomed to captivity and will therefore battle to fend for themselves in their new environment. All species of tortoises in the Western Cape are protected by the Nature Conservation Ordinance (Ord. No 19 of 1974). Accordingly, no tortoise or part thereof (i.e. the shell) or tortoise eggs may be collected, transported, sold, received as a gift, given, kept in captivity, possessed, imported or exported. Species such as the geometric tortoise, which is classified as a threatened wild animal, enjoy special protection. Although Cape Nature Conservation discourages keeping tortoises in captivity, people who nevertheless wish to keep tortoises in captivity, and who have suitable facilities, may apply for a permit. Anyone with unwanted tortoises in the Western Cape can contact the Cape Nature Conservation to ensure that a suitable home is found for the animal. Captivity has disadvantages: Tortoises are adapted to a specific natural habitat. Their survival depends on access to the correct food and climate. When a tortoise is removed from its natural habitat, it can die because of the different conditions. Pet tortoises are lost to the survival of the species in the wild. Tortoise are often released in areas that are ecologically unsuitable and which fall beyond the species’ natural distribution. In these areas it is difficult for them to survive. In such cases the "alien" tortoises can transmit diseases to tortoises that occur naturally in the area. Tortoises released beyond their natural distribution range can inter-breed with local tortoises. Pet tortoises suffer from parasites such as ticks and worms and may spread virus-borne diseases to healthy, natural populations.