Picture: The former SABC newsreader, Masego Ezekiel Matjila/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The North West University (Mafikeng campus) will bestow an honorary doctorate to the renowned broadcaster and former SABC newsreader, Masego Ezekiel Matjila on 18 July 2024. The NWU said in a statement that Matjila has demonstrated significant dedication in promoting the Setswana language at the SABC.
“He started his career more than 30 years ago as an on-air radio personality for Radio Setswana, which later became Motsweding FM after merging with Radio Mmabatho. During this time, he also managed the archives for Radio Setswana, the Afrikaans Service, Radio Ndebele (Ikwekwezi FM), and Radio Swazi (Ligwalagwala FM).
“His exceptional broadcasting skills and language proficiency, led to his appointment as a Setswana sports commentator for SABC Topsport (SABC Sports). He was later seconded to the News department, where he worked as a Sesotho, Sepedi and Setswana prime-time news presenter from 1993 until his retirement in 2021.”
The university said Matjila also served as a bulletin editor and executive producer. It said that he advocated for more multi-lingual youth programmes on SABC2, noting that Setswana, Sepedi, and Sesotho-speaking youth were underrepresented. The university said his efforts at the SABC earned him numerous awards, including Best News Writer (SABC, 2008) and Commentator of the Year: AFCON 1996.
“His contributions to South African society, particularly in promoting the Sesotho, Sepedi, and Setswana languages in broadcasting, are noteworthy. The honorary doctorate from the NWU recognises these significant contributions.”
The Guardian 