By OBAKENG MAJE
6 August 2026 – The Sol Plaatjie University has appointed Ogodiseng Joseph Mokakale as a lecturer of Setswana Teaching. Mokakale previously served at North West University (Potchefstroom Campus), where he contributed significantly to the advancement of Setswana Language and Literature.
He is an accomplished author whose Setswana poetry anthology, Tswina ya Poko, received the South African Literary Awards (SALA) for Best Poetry Book in 2023. The anthology is prescribed as a Creative Writing text for first-year students at Sol Plaatje University.
Mokakale is the Chairperson of the Setswana National Language Body, a structure of the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), where he plays a leading role in promoting, developing and preserving the Setswana language. His contribution is also immense on MTBbE, the Department of Basic Education project on reading for understanding on Foundation Phase learners.
He is currently pursuing a PhD in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), with a research focus on the relationship between language and culture within Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Mokakale scholarly interests include language preservation, indigenous languages, African cultures, lexicography, Terminography and the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems into higher education.
“Throughout his academic career, he has chaired and coordinated initiatives commemorating International Mother Language Day (IMLD) and International Dictionary Day, promoting multilingualism, language development, and cultural heritage.
“Beyond academia, Mokakale presents a weekly programme on SABC’s Motsweding FM every Friday. The programme promotes the correct use of the Setswana language and celebrates Batswana culture, with a particular focus on engaging young people and students across Batswana communities,” the university said.
Sol Plaatjie University said through his teaching, research, literary contributions, language activism and media engagement, Mokakale continues to make a meaningful contribution to the promotion, preservation and development of the Setswana Language and Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
The Guardian 