Polokwane: The Heartbeat of Limpopo

• HelloDumela
  [doo-meh-lah]
• GoodbyeRobala hantle
  [roh-bah-lah hahn-tleh]
• YesEe
  [ee]
• NoNnyaa
  [nyah]
• Please/You're welcomeKe kopa
  [keh koh-pah]
• Thank youKe a leboga
  [keh ah leh-boh-gah]
• Excuse me/SorryNtshwarele
  [ntshwah-reh-leh]
• How are you?O kae?
  [oh kah-eh]
• Fine. And you?Ke gona. Le wena?
  [keh goh-nah. leh weh-nah]
• Do you speak English?O bua Setswana?
  [oh boo-ah set-swah-nah]
• I don't understandGa ke itse
  [hah keh eet-seh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKe batla ho bona menu, hape
  [keh baht-lah hoh boh-nah meh-noo, hah-peh]
• I don't eat meatGa ke je nama
  [hah keh jeh nah-mah]
• Cheers!Ga le dumedisa!
  [hah leh doo-meh-dee-sah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseKe batla ho eka, hape
  [keh baht-lah hoh eh-kah, hah-peh]

• Help!Bothusitse!
  [boh-tsoo-tsee-teh]
• Go away!Tshwara ngwana!
  [tshwah-rah ngwah-nah]
• Call the Police!Bula pulasitiki!
  [boo-lah poo-lah-see-tee-kee]
• Call a doctor!Bula mongwadi!
  [boo-lah moh-ngwah-dee]
• I'm lostKe nyaka
  [keh nyah-kah]
• I'm illKe boloi
  [keh boh-loh-ee]

• I'd like to buy...Ke batla ho rekela...
  [keh baht-lah hoh reh-keh-lah]
• I'm just lookingKe kopa ho bona fela
  [keh koh-pah hoh boh-nah feh-lah]
• How much is it?Ke bokae?
  [keh boh-kah-eh]
• That's too expensiveKe mahala haholo
  [keh mah-hah-lah hah-hoh-loh]
• Can you lower the price?O ka lefa sebaka?
  [oh kah leh-fah seh-bah-kah]

• What time is it?Ke nako mang?
  [keh nah-koh mah-ng]
• It's one o'clockKe efele
  [keh eh-feh-leh]
• Half past (10)E se kgwedi
  [eh seh khweh-dee]
• MorningBoemo
  [boh-eh-moh]
• AfternoonBosele
  [boh-seh-leh]
• EveningBopilong
  [boh-pee-loh-ng]
• YesterdayNako e tswa sekolo
  [nah-koh eh tswah seh-koh-loh]
• TodayNako e latelang
  [nah-koh eh lah-teh-lah-ng]
• TomorrowNako e nngwe
  [nah-koh eh nn-gweh]
• 1Eka
  [eh-kah]
• 2Pedwana
  [peh-dwah-nah]
• 3Tlhatlhamacholo
  [t-lah-t-lah-mah-choh-loh]
• 4Nele
  [neh-leh]
• 5Tlhano
  [t-lah-noh]
• 6Tlhaping
  [t-lah-ping]
• 7Moša
  [moh-shah]
• 8Nngwe
  [nn-gweh]
• 9Lesele
  [leh-seh-leh]
• 10Lome
  [loh-meh]

• Where's a/the...?Kae...?
  [kah-eh]
• What's the address?E kae leloko?
  [eh kah-eh leh-loh-koh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?O ka nka ho bona (ka mapetla)?
  [oh kah ng-kah hoh boh-nah (kah mah-peh-tlah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Ke mang ho latelang (bus)?
  [keh mah-ng hoh lah-teh-lah-ng (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Lebitso (ho ....)
  [leh-beet-soh (hoh)]

The area around Polokwane, formerly known as Pietersburg, has been inhabited for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that the region was home to prehistoric communities who left behind numerous artifacts, including tools and pottery, signifying early human settlement and activity.

Polokwane was founded in 1886 by Voortrekkers, a group of Dutch settlers, and was originally named Pietersburg in honor of Voortrekker leader Petrus Jacobus Joubert. The town became a key location during the South African Republic era, serving as a center for trade and administration.

During the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), Polokwane was an important strategic location. British forces occupied the town in 1901, and it served as a military base and supply depot. The war had a significant impact on the local population and infrastructure.

In 2002, the town's name was officially changed from Pietersburg to Polokwane, which means 'Place of Safety' in Northern Sotho. This change reflected the cultural and political shifts in South Africa as the country moved away from its apartheid past. Polokwane has since grown into a bustling city and the capital of Limpopo Province.

Polokwane is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich tapestry of traditions and languages. The city is home to several cultural institutions, including the Polokwane Art Museum, which showcases local and national art, and the Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open-Air Museum, which offers insights into the traditional lifestyle of the Northern Sotho people.

Over the years, Polokwane has developed into an economic hub in the Limpopo Province. The city is a center for agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce. Its strategic location along major transportation routes has facilitated trade and business growth, contributing to the overall development of the region.

Polokwane played a significant role during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, hosting several matches at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. This event led to significant infrastructure development in the city, including improved roads, public transport, and hospitality services, which have continued to benefit residents and visitors alike.

Polokwane is accessible via Polokwane International Airport (PTG), which has flights connecting to major cities in South Africa. Alternatively, you can drive from Johannesburg, which is approximately 300 kilometers away and takes around 3.5 hours via the N1 highway. Bus services from various cities also connect to Polokwane, offering a more economical option.

Polokwane has a variety of transportation options including taxis, car rentals, and local minibus taxis. Metered taxis are available and can be booked via phone or app. Minibus taxis are common and provide a budget-friendly option, but they can be crowded and less reliable. Car rentals offer the most flexibility for exploring nearby attractions.

The official currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Polokwane.

Polokwane is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it's important to exercise caution. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Neighborhoods to be cautious in include Seshego and parts of the CBD. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and avoid displaying valuables openly.

In case of an emergency, dial 10111 for police assistance and 10177 for medical emergencies. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Polokwane has several hospitals and clinics, including Mediclinic Limpopo and Polokwane Provincial Hospital. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local communities and religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious settings. Remove your shoes when entering places of worship. Public Transport: Do be patient and polite when using minibus taxis. Don't argue with the driver. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Dumela' (hello in Sepedi). A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Polokwane like a local, visit the Polokwane Game Reserve for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. Explore the local markets such as the Polokwane Flea Market for unique crafts and fresh produce. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share their culture and history. Don’t miss a visit to the Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open-Air Museum to learn about the region's heritage.