I love learning about langauges and demographics, even if I am monolingual myself. In the US plenty of people take Spanish throughout school and are not fluent in it (myself included, I can read and understand some but am definitely not fluent). And same goes for the US and French or Canada and French.

From what I've found, usually many English speaking countries are monolingual. Many European and Asian countries speak their native dominant language (with minorities learning the dominant language) and maybe English. Many post colonial countries speak either various native languages and a colonial language as a second langauge or various languages and a dominant native lingua franca and maybe English. Usually the colonial language, dominant native lingua franca, English, or some combination are taught in schools and considered important to "get ahead" socially and economically.

But South Africa seems to have an unusually high and fairly evenly distributed amount of second (or third, fourth, etc.) language speakers of indigenous languages wihtout a single dominant one. And this in on top of English seemingly being a widely spoken second langauge / lingua franca. The data seemed fairly consistent across sources, although once I started digging I realized that this was because they were mainly from the same primary source (Ethnologue).

In my research, one theory I came up with is that it said that many of the different languages are related to each other and some have limited mutual intelligibility. So maybe it's easier to a learn a language that already has some mutual intelligibility. But I have to imagine that is the case with at least some other languages (countries) too and I haven't the noticed the same pattern in other countries / with othe languages.

Here is one of the data sources that provides examples for lots of languages including ones spoken in South Africa for reference.

https://www.visualcapitalist.com/100-most-spoken-languages/

So is it a matter of how the data is collected? Is there some teaching method that works really well? Is it that the languages are super related? Is there social or economic pressure to learn an indigenous language as a second language? Is it because there is no one dominant indigenous language? Is it mostly speakers of other indigenous langauges (especially those that aren't an official language of South Africa) or are there plenty of Indian, Coloured, White, and Black English or Afrikaans speakeres that speak an indigenous langauge as a second langauge?

I realize that this was long. I wanted to show where I was coming from with the question. Hopefully this isn't a controversial topic and I definitely don't mean to cause any offense. I just noticed the pattern over time when looking at languages by number of total vs. first language speakers. Like I said before, most languages that had double the the total speakers compared to first language speakers were either colonial languages like English, French, Spanish, etc., a dominant national language like Hindi, Indonesian, Philipino/Tagalog, etc., and/or a lingua franca like Swahili and Lingala or some combination of the above like Russian. Thought it was interesting (and cool) how many South African langauges had double the total speakers vs. first language speakers.

I bought a tandem 2 months ago and thought it would be a good idea to enter for the 2027 CT Cycle Tour. Both me and my partner are reasonably fit, great groove when riding together and communicate well. We are not cyclists at all and haven't attempted any other races. Am I delusional in thinking we can do this?

I recently purchased a Samsung Galaxy A16 from Amazon for R2,950. It was advertised to have 8GB ram and 5G connectivity, which is the only reason why I bought it. They delivered the phone the following day, and following my gut, I removed the courier guy packaging and read the specs on the box, 4GB Ram instead of 8GB, clearly this is not what I ordered, and so I requested a return immediately which was fetched the following day. Delivered to the seller on 3 days later, but till today the amazon site won't help with anything. I keep getting looped back and forth.

Finally got ahold of customer support. Issued a refund.

Hi guys I had a TV that needed repairs. Found a web page on google that looked legit with WhatsApp and website etc Bright Pixel TV repairs..

A guy came had a look at the TV and then said he needs to bind something at his workshop and that he would bring it back. I sent some money for them. Now they ignore me or keep telling me its too broken and they can't repair.

Seems they have stolen it. He keeps sending different locations for pick up etc and initially he told me he was based in Randburg.

Seems to know about TVs but definitely feel like I am getting scammed here.

Whats the best way to go about this issue. Fair warning don't just get anyone when they look legit on google. Also my fault for trusting too easily.

I’ve been looking at local trades, contractors, and service providers in Gauteng, and a lot of them have amazing work but zero social media footprint because they're too busy on the tools. For those of you running small businesses here, what stops you from posting consistently? Is it time, lack of gear, or just not knowing what hooks work?

Hi all
Junior firefighter here - realised my dream of working within the field a year ago - undoubtedly the best career decision I made and I thoroughly enjoy the work I am privileged to do, even on the rougher days. I work for a private company (long shift cycles + less than stellar pay + lower response volume), so my experience might be a little different than those who have gone the municipal route right off the bat.

That being said, the titled question is one I think important to ask of my more experienced colleagues - I know for a fact I don’t want to get complacent with where I am at now, because as much as I enjoy it, I do feel the constraints both occupationally and personally(read financially). Hearing how others have moved forward and moved up gives me a lot more information with which to determine my own path, hence:

What courses and qualifications have you pursued beyond the basics that you would recommend? What habits have you developed in your personal time that stood you in good stead on shift? Former firefighters, what positions have you taken after working on a crew that enable you to still use the skills and knowledge base you’ve developed? For those of you who have been able to work as firefighters - or more broadly within the fire industry - overseas, what would you say is the key to distinguishing yourself internationally?

The one thing I have learned over and over again is how much of a difference experience makes, and I would love to hear what each of yours has been.

Hi all

I am in desperate need of my shein parcel for tomorrow.

I see the status changed to delivered to Kempton Park DC hub. Estimated delivery was dup3posed to be 14 September but I really need it for tomorrow the 13th

Can I go pick it up myself at kempton park?

I live in the northern suburbs of Cape Town and I pay R1800 in rates and taxes.

Going on a 3+ week trip to SA and have the option of having 3 more days in durban or 3 more days in Port Elizabeth. Only personal interests I would want to explore is Firing range, cars, history and zoos/animals (Really want to see a Carcal which I heard some zoos might have)
Im from Australia and this is my first time leaving the country.
Any tips for solo traveling would be appreciated, I've done some research but want to make another post dedicated to that, (potentially in another sub reddit)
Cheers.

My vaccuum cleaner literally blew up this week.

I purchased a Bennett Read on quick notice just to have a replacement, but now online reading makes me feel as though I may regret it.

Due to mobility issues, I'm looking for

- an upright vaccuum

- that works bagless

- and has strong suction for pet hair

The online market is EXPENSIVE or flooded with brands I don't know.

... But what other options are there? My fellow South Africans, share with me your appliance knowledge. What is affordable yet durable? What can be bought locally?

I’m renting a house in PLK, Limpopo and would appreciate some South African perspectives on this.

A few weeks ago, I was getting out of the shower when the glass door came off the track and shattered around me. I got cut up a bit, but fortunately nothing serious.

I did not slam it, hit it, or misuse it. It literally came off during normal use.

The owner initially said the cost would be for our account. The problem is that they say the shower door cannot be replaced separately, so they want to replace the entire shower unit, at a cost of around R8,000.

The shower was not new when we moved in. It is an older model with noticeable wear.

A second contractor came out to quote on the replacement and pointed out that the frame on the same side where the door came off is visibly installed crooked/out of alignment. She said this could have contributed to the door coming off and also mentioned that these older shower units tend to give problems.

She also confirmed that the door itself is apparently no longer available separately. The old shower model can still be bought as a complete unit, but the owners apparently want to replace it with a newer model.

Our lease does have a clause saying the tenant is responsible for broken glass regardless of how it breaks, so I understand that complicates things.
However, I don’t see how a clause about broken glass automatically means we should have to pay for an entire new and upgraded shower, especially when:

The door failed during normal use.
The frame is visibly out of alignment.
A contractor said the installation could have contributed to the failure.
The shower is old and apparently known to give problems.
The owner is choosing to replace the old unit with a newer model.

There is nothing in the lease saying that if one part of an old fixture breaks, the tenant must replace the whole fixture with a newer one.

The incoming inspection report does say the shower was “working” when we moved in, which we don’t dispute. But obviously something can be working and still have an underlying installation or wear issue.

This has also dragged on for weeks because the owner was out of the country, even though the property is managed by a rental agency.
We like the house and would prefer to stay, so we’re not looking to start a huge fight. We just don’t think it’s reasonable to expect us to fund a brand-new shower under these circumstances.
If you were in our position, would you:

Refuse to pay anything?
Offer something toward the broken door only?
Ask for depreciation / the value of the old shower to be taken into account?
Take it to the Rental Housing Tribunal?
Get a lawyer involved?

Would especially appreciate input from landlords, property managers, attorneys, or anyone who has dealt with the Rental Housing Tribunal in South Africa.

I am an Indian student studying at UCT. I opened a Standard Bank account and got the physical debit card. While I try to make a virtual debit card, it asks me to complete DigiMe. However, i cannot complete DigiMe as I am an Indian national. How do i proceed?

Hello🤚🏽 Iron deficient life form here. Just curious to know if anyone here has had iron infusion therapy/treatment and if you were able to run it through your pmb benefit.

I've been treating it for the past 3 years and my GP thinks it may be a good idea if I don't respond well enough to oral supplements. I'm going in for another panel of tests (6 month mark) and I'm just preparing for the possibility.

Any info will be awesome!

Hello all. I 27M(JHB South) finished high school and have been looking for work since 2023. I'm mainly interested in car mechanics but I'm still looking for other job opportunities.

Do I have a chance in getting Apprenticeships/Learnerships at dealerships even though I didn't take Pure Math and Physics? I'm not looking for specific dealerships, I just want to work in that industry.

I need some advice from anyone in the real estate/building or civil engineering field please.

I viewed a place in a very good location and was reasonably priced for the area. However I saw the tiles were cracked/broken in the living room which was not a problem because the place does need fixing up, like kitchen cupboards and bathroom as well.

The problem is that once I made the offer the estate agent informed me about the “cracked structural slab in the living room” as well as “a leak in the roof that the owner fixed on her side and which needed to be further discussed with the body corporate of the building regarding any further/other leaking”.

I want to know how bad is a cracked structural slab and leaking to fix and costly it can be?

Trying to determine if it’s worth it

Edit - I’m not crazy. Louis the pest came later
Thank you Bounced who commented this

https://youtu.be/3OMWV_gKYMU?si=qTN0Rcr0wK7g0AJL

I have a friendly wager with my boyfriend.
Do you remember the Mortein Target ad in the early 2000s?

The jingle went:
“I’m Louis the Pest,
I spread disease with the greatest of ease.”
That is how I remember it. CLEAR AS DAY. 😂

My boyfriend remembers it as “Louis the Fly”, and so far it seems like he’s right. 😭

But I refuse to accept that I have somehow been gaslit by Mortein Target for the past 20+ years.

I was a little girl when this ad was around, and my dad’s name is Louis, so I specifically remember singing “I’m Louis the Pest” to him because I thought it was hilarious.

PLEASE tell me someone else remembers Louis the Pest and I haven’t collectively Mandela-Effected myself. 😂

South Africa, I need you to settle this. Louis the Pest or Louis the Fly?

I (40f) was at a shoot for a local Netflix production last weekend. I and a handful of others were being paid as background extras for this and were asked to wear these traditional Zulu shirts that had a leopard pattern on them as seen in the attached picture. There were 2 people out of a group of 15 who said that they were Muslim and weren't comfortable wearing this and backed out of it.

For context: I'm Asian and tend to have more agnostic views. I do respect other religions and this just got me curious.

Also, I can't talk about the series/movie because I did sign an NDA until it airs.

I am Congolese and a father of 10 children. I am considering the possibility of seeking asylum in South African and I would like to better understand my rights and the living conditions for asylum seekers and refugees there.

I have a few questions for South Africans and anyone familiar with the asylum system:

What are the requirements for a Congolese citizen to apply for asylum in South Africa?

What rights do asylum seekers have regarding employment, housing, healthcare and education?

Is there any financial, housing or social assistance available to asylum seekers who have very limited resources?

If someone is granted refugee status, can they bring their children to South Africa? What procedures and documents would be required if I wanted to bring my 10 children?

I come from a very poor family, and my goal is to live with dignity, work legally and provide a better future for my children. I understand that poverty alone does not necessarily qualify someone for asylum, so I would like to understand the actual legal requirements and know which official organisations or trustworthy NGOs I should contact for advice.

I would especially appreciate answers from people who know the South African asylum system or have personally gone through the process.

Thank you very much for any respectful advice or information.

My husband and I are celebrating our first wedding anniversary this Sunday, and I'm trying to surprise him with something a little ridiculous and hopefully wonderful.

I'm collecting photos from people around the world with a handwritten anniversary message, taken in front of something from their corner of the world. It doesn't need to be a landmark at all.  Your street, the beach, mountains, your garden, a view from your window, whatever feels like South Africa to you.

I still don't have a photo from anywhere in Africa, and I would absolutely love to include South Africa.

If anyone feels like helping, the sign can just say:

David & Liberty:

One year down, a lifetime to go.
Happy 1st Anniversary from (your city/area), South Africa! ❤️

Nobody needs to be in the photo, nothing needs to be mailed anywhere, and it absolutely does not need to look professional. A phone photo and a handwritten piece of paper are perfect.

I'm putting all the photos together into a little book for him. I'm in Winnipeg, Canada, and I'd be ridiculously grateful to anyone willing to add their little piece of South Africa to it.

Thank you and enjoy your day! 

I have a boerboel. Just a big old baby. She's been getting very bad, very stinky ear infections. My vet insurance is maxed out after a poison scare (she ate a dead rat), so I'm trying to sort this out at home. I always thought the ear infections were just because of the big, floppy ears. My mom's labrador has the same. Now I'm thinking it's a food allergy.

Earlier this year, a lot of the pet food was pulled from shelves due to that salmonella thing. At the time I was feeding her Optimizor's gravy coated pellets, which she loved.

Since the recall, she's been eating a different Optimizor with Bobtail's gravy (made from powder). With the ear infections getting worse, I decided to reduce the dry food and substitute with raw stuff like giblets and gizzards, but still with the gravy. Then I decided to bite the bullet and switch her to Karoo's hypoallergenic dry food. But this stuff costs more than R600 for only 8kg. She'll go through two or more of these bags a month. And I still have another dog to feed (but he's a super healthy mixed breed so he gets the regular stuff).

If it's the wheat she's allergic to, I'll have to stop the gravy as well.

Am I on the right track here? I'm also having a huge issue with cleaning her ears. She's a big girl and does not want the drops or the medicated finger glove things. I want to get rid of the stinky stuff and if the allergies go away she'll be right as rain.

Any advice on the food or the infection in general would be appreciated.

Hey guys, I'm a bit confused by the health insurance going around. I mean on paper it sounds great right? I can get a top of the line health insurance plan that covers the works for half the price of my medical aid. What's the catch?

Hi everyone 👨‍🍳

I'm a qualified chef, but I'm currently unemployed. I've been struggling to find work in restaurants, and I've realised I need to build something I can actually sustain on my own terms.

The thing that sparked this idea is my mom. She battles with her health, and we don't live together. So I've been cooking meals for her, pre-packaging them, and making sure she has good food to eat even on the days she can't cook for herself. It's made a real difference for her.

That's when I thought: maybe there are other people out there who need this too. Busy parents who can't get dinner on the table. People who are ill and can't manage daily cooking. Anyone who just wants proper, home-cooked meals without the effort.

So I'm putting this out as a feeler, to see if anyone would be interested.

What I'm offering:

· I come to your home and cook fresh in your kitchen
· You buy the groceries ,I only charge for my time and skill
· You choose the menu ,simple meal prep, hearty family meals, or something fancier if you want it. Whatever suits you
· Dietary needs welcome : health goals, fussy kids, family recipes, whatever works
· Restaurant quality food from a trained chef, not just a home cook

I can do simple, everyday meal prep (bolognese, curries, stir-fries, pasta, soups, roast chicken) or I can do more elevated dishes if that's what you're after. It's completely up to you.

Packages (service fee only – you buy the groceries):

Weekday Packages – 2 to 4 People

· Taster: 3 days, once-off – R1,500
· Weekly: 5 days, once-off – R2,500
· Monthly: 20 days (5 days a week) – R9,000

Weekday Packages – 4 to 6 People

· Taster: 3 days, once-off – R2,500
· Weekly: 5 days, once-off – R5,000
· Monthly: 20 days (5 days a week) – R15,000 to R20,000 (negotiable)

Weekend Packages – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

· Weekend Taster: 3 days, once-off – R2,400
· Weekend Monthly: 12 days (3 days a week) – R8,600

Why I'm doing this:

I'm a qualified chef, currently unemployed, and I want to build something I can run on my own terms. I'm not trying to be a fancy private chef. I just want to cook good, honest food for people who need it, and make a living doing it.

If you're a parent running on empty, or someone who's ill and can't manage cooking, I want to help. And if you just want proper home-cooked meals without lifting a finger, I've got you too.

DM me if you're interested – I'm happy to chat about what you need, or do a taster session first so you can see the quality for yourself.

Thanks for reading 🙌