The Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research entity at the North-West University (NWU) will host its annual public lecture at the Mahikeng Campus on 13 March 2025.
The lecture will focus on the role of indigenous languages in media, with veteran broadcaster and NWU honorary doctorate recipient Dr Masego Ezekiel “Easy” Matjila as the keynote speaker.
Titled “My journey in Setswana broadcasting”, the lecture will examine Dr Matjila’s work in promoting Setswana through radio and television. He has spent over 30 years in broadcasting, ensuring that Setswana remains a central part of media content.
After receiving his honorary doctorate, he emphasised the need to protect Setswana, especially in the digital era. “I am rooted in our Setswana language, and I hope that our mother tongue does not diminish as a result of new technology,” he said.
“Throughout my career, both on radio and television, I made it my mandate to deliver any presentation in the pure and living Setswana language. It is my wish that our upcoming generation should embrace our language and remember that it is passed down from generation to generation.”
A career in broadcasting
Dr Matjila began his career at Radio Setswana, now Motsweding FM, where he worked as an on-air presenter and managed archives for multiple SABC radio stations. He later became a Setswana sports commentator for SABC Topsport, before moving into prime-time news presenting in Sesotho, Sepedi and Setswana from 1993 until his retirement in 2021.
He also advocated for more multilingual youth programming on SABC2, calling for greater representation of Setswana, Sesotho, and Sepedi-speaking audiences. His efforts earned him recognition, including awards such as Best News Writer (SABC, 2008) and Commentator of the Year (AFCON 1996).
His contributions to language preservation have been acknowledged by institutions such as the Pan South African Language Board. Recently, he was honoured at the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMAs) for his role in promoting Setswana in the mainstream media.
Dr Matjila holds qualifications from Unisa, Wits, and the Regenesys Business School.
With the NWU’s public lecture providing a platform for his insights, Dr Matjila continues to advocate for the recognition of indigenous languages in media and education.
