How Bantu Plaza works

Reconnect with your mother tongue — one real conversation at a time.

Learn live, one-on-one, with a native speaker who gets where you're coming from. No textbooks. No filler. Just real conversation, real culture, real progress. If your first lesson isn't the right fit, we'll refund it.

Money-back on lesson 1 · No card needed to sign up · Cancel anytime

Your journey

From "I wish I could speak" to a real conversation, in 4 steps

Free, 60 seconds. "Speak Setswana with my grandma" or "Visit Cape Town this summer" — we'll match the tutor to the goal.

Pick a native tutor

Browse our hand-picked native tutors across five founding languages. Filter by tier, price, and availability. Read real reviews from diaspora learners.

Book a $5 trial lesson

30 minutes. In your browser — no installs. Get a personal learning plan. Not a fit? Free re-book with anyone else.

Keep going at your pace

Single lessons or monthly hour packages — 4, 8, 12 or 16 hrs/month (that's 1, 2, 3 or 4 × 60-min lessons per week). Track streaks, vocab and goals. Cancel anytime, no contract.

FAQ

Common questions

What is Bantu Plaza?

Bantu Plaza is an online language school where you take one-on-one live lessons with native African-language speakers. Right now you can learn Setswana, Zulu, Xhosa, Sesotho and Kalanga — with more on the way.

How much does a lesson cost?

Each tutor sets their own price. Most lessons cost between $7 and $25. Your very first lesson can be as little as $5 for 30 minutes.

Do I need to download anything?

No. Lessons happen right in your browser — no Zoom, no Skype, no app to install. Just click "Join lesson" a few minutes before your start time.

What if I don't get on with my tutor?

Within 24 hours of your first lesson with any new tutor we'll either refund you in full or book you a free lesson with a different tutor. You can also change tutors at any time, free of charge.

How are tutors paid?

We hold the money for each lesson and only release it to the tutor after the lesson is done. Tutors keep up to 82% of what you pay.

How do I become a tutor?

Click "Teach on Bantu Plaza", fill in our short form, record a 60-second intro video, and choose your prices. We get back to every applicant within 48 hours.

How can I pay?

You can pay by card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX), PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Mobile Money (M-Pesa, Orange Money, MTN MoMo) where it's available.

Can I cancel or move a lesson?

Yes — you can move or cancel any lesson for free, as long as you do it more than 12 hours before it starts. If it's within the last 12 hours, the tutor still gets 50% of the lesson fee — they were holding that time for you.

My grandfather doesn't speak English. After 8 lessons with my tutor we had our first real conversation in Setswana. I'm in tears writing this.

Tumi M. · Toronto, Canada · Learning Setswana

For students

Ready to speak the language of your people?

Joining is free. Your first lesson can be as little as $5 — and if it's not right for you, we'll refund it.

Create my free account See the tutors first

For tutors

Native speaker? Earn from home.

You set your own price. Keep up to 82% of every lesson. Teach students from 90+ countries.

Apply to teach →