(also Bapedi, Northern Basuto), a people in southern Africa. Most live north of Pretoria, in the Republic of South Africa, and the rest in neighboring regions of the Republic of Botswana and Southern Rhodesia. The 1.5 million Pedi (1970, estimate) speak a Bantu language. They preserve traditional religious beliefs, including ancestor and nature worship, but some are Christians. The Pedi grow corn, sorghum, and legumes and raise cattle. Many also work in mines and industrial enterprises.