Renowned local creative Oratile Kebakile has made a groundbreaking contribution to African storytelling by becoming the voice behind Disney’s first-ever film narrated entirely in Setswana. This historic achievement places her at the forefront of cultural representation and language inclusion in global media.
The film, Elephant, originally released in 2020 and narrated in English by Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has now been translated into Setswana, marking a significant step for local language promotion in mainstream entertainment. The story, which follows a herd of elephants on an epic journey across the African landscape, has deep resonance with Southern African audiences, making the Setswana version a natural and meaningful fit.
Kebakile, whose voice is instantly recognisable from radio broadcasts, advertising campaigns, and as the voice behind a major cellular network’s customer service line, was handpicked for the narration. Her smooth, confident delivery brings warmth and authenticity to a story rooted in Africa’s majestic wildlife.
“This is a tremendous milestone for Setswana-speaking creatives and audiences who have longed to hear their mother tongue in films that tell stories about our natural heritage,” Kebakile shared. “To lend my voice to such a powerful film, in a language so close to home, is both humbling and empowering.”
Her involvement not only elevates local talent but also highlights the importance of language preservation and representation in global media. For many Setswana speakers, this version of Elephant offers a rare opportunity to enjoy world-class storytelling in a language that reflects their identity and culture.
The Setswana edition of Elephant is more than a translated film—it’s a celebration of heritage, voice, and visibility for African languages on the world stage. Through Kebakile’s narration, audiences are reminded that African stories, when told in African voices, have the power to resonate deeply, inspire pride, and break barriers.
