M.A. / Western models are often used when treating families in the South African context. However, these models prove to be inappropriate because of the unique South African multi-cultural context. This unique cultural context necessitates the adaptation of models to the diversity of traditional African families. The social functioning of the traditional African family must first be described before a suitable therapeutic model can be developed. The primary purpose of this study was to describe the social functioning of the traditional Tswana family in Bapong. A qualitative research method was used to describe the social functioning of the traditional Tswana family in Bapong. This method was used because little is known about the social functioning of such a family and it was necessary to obtain as much information as possible. The focus was on family functioning within the natural environment. Participatory observation, as well as unstructured interviewing, was primarily used to collect data. Bapong served as population. For the purpose of the study a non-probabilistic purposeful random sample was used, three Bapong families were identified and field notes and audio-cassettes were used for data capturing. The audio-cassettes were transcribed. Data processing was done by means of analysis schedules, which were compiled and categorised by referring to the contents of the transcripts and field notes. Establishing relations within the different categories identified the central themes. The themes were presented as results. These results were compared with relevant literature, to support the trustworthiness of the research. The trustworthiness of the study was also tested on the basis of credibility, transferability, consistency and impartiality. Conclusions concerning methodology, content and context were drawn from the study. The methodological conclusions concern the research method used. Conclusions about the content dealt with the objectives of the empirical study. Contextual conclusions were general conclusions drawn from the specific study. Recommendations are based on the results of, and the conclusions drawn from the preceding study. The recommendations are focussed on enrichment of practice, broadening of training and identifying possible research.