Complete Sepedi Bible Released for More Than 6 Million South Africans

Historic milestone announced at Jehovah's Witnesses international convention

More than 6.3 million Sepedi-speaking people in South Africa can now read the entire Bible in their own language with the release of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures in Sepedi.

The release was announced on August 30, 2026, during the final day of the three-day "Eternal Happiness" international convention of Jehovah's Witnesses held at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The event attracted up to 20,000 attendees daily, including about 6,000 international delegates from more than 35 countries.

For many Sepedi speakers, the release marks a significant spiritual milestone. Having access to the Bible in the language of one's heart can deepen personal understanding of the Scriptures and strengthen one's relationship with God.

The history of Bible-based publications in Sepedi among Jehovah's Witnesses dates back more than six decades. The Watchtower was first made available in Sepedi in October 1964. Since then, Bible educational resources in the language have helped thousands gain a better understanding of the Scriptures.

The release of the complete New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures in Sepedi is expected to benefit not only these congregations but also the estimated 6,374,000 people in South Africa who speak the language.

National spokesman for Jehovah's Witnesses, Mzamo Goloda, said the Bible release was one of the convention's most significant highlights. "Making God's Word available in a language that people understand and speak every day allows its message to reach their hearts more directly. We are delighted to see the complete New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures become available in Sepedi and believe it will be a blessing to many families and the Sepedi community as a whole," said Goloda.

The announcement was met with great enthusiasm by convention attendees, many of whom expressed appreciation for receiving a modern-language Bible in Sepedi. The release also formed part of an international convention program that brought together visitors from across South Africa and around the world.

In addition to its spiritual significance, the convention generated substantial economic benefits for the country, with government officials noting the positive impact of thousands of international visitors who stayed in local hotels, dined at restaurants, and visited tourist attractions during their stay.

Both digital and printed editions of the Sepedi New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures are now available. A free digital copy can be downloaded from jw.org.

For more information about Jehovah's Witnesses and their Bible educational work, visit jw.org.