North-West University (NWU) Setswana lecturer and poet Ogodiseng Mokakale recently published an anthology of 60 Setswana poems, Tswina ya Poko.

Ogodiseng says teaching poetry at schools has lost its way, and that it is difficult to bring university students up to speed when they do not have a proper poetry background.

Fortunately, his passion for poetry motivates him to teach and instil a love and appreciation for poetry in his students.

A teacher by profession, Ogodiseng taught Setswana and geography at school level before he became a Setswana lexicographer (someone compiling dictionaries).

He is currently a lecturer in the NWU’s Setswana subject group and is also chairperson of the Setswana Language Board – a structure within PanSALB – and presenter of Tlatlana Ya Setso on Motsweding FM.

Ogodiseng Mokakale recently published an anthology of 60 Setswana poems, Tswina ya Poko.