pedi

Pedi, also known as BaPedi, refers to a Bantu-speaking ethnic group in Southern Africa. They are primarily found in Limpopo Province of South Africa and are one of the largest Northern Sotho-speaking groups. Their language, Sepedi, is commonly called Pedi; it is a Bantu language in the Sotho-Tswana family and one of South Africa's 11 official languages.

Social structure historically centered on a monarchic authority led by a kgosi (chief or king) within a system of clans. The Pedi built a sizable precolonial state in what is now Limpopo, reaching its height in the 19th century. The kingdom faced a series of conflicts with Voortrekkers and later the British, culminating in the late 19th century when aspects of Pedi territory were subjugated or annexed.

Today, BaPedi communities are spread across Limpopo, with large populations in Sekhukhune and Waterberg districts. Many BaPedi continue to practice a mix of Christianity and traditional beliefs, and cultural life includes beadwork, music, dance, and rites of passage. Sepedi remains a vital part of education and media in areas where speakers are concentrated.

They are part of the broader Sotho-Tswana linguistic and cultural zone, and they participate in national life, economy, and education like other South African communities. The term Pedi also refers to their language, Sepedi, which helps identify the group within the region’s linguistic landscape.