Voices from the soil

Moses Seletisa and Sabata Mokae's literary journey, explored through poetry and novels, embodies the power of the mother tongue

- Rolland Simpi Motaung

To be a cultural activist means striving for authentic expression, humility and responsibility — and not just in words.

Such cultural work demands proactive efforts to teach and reach audiences near and far.

It’s the pride a nation has in their cultural identity and heritage that makes all the difference for such activists.

Sepedi poet and cultural worker Moses Seletisa’s work is rooted in both cultural responsibility and the need to ensure South Africa’s linguistic heritage survives and evolves.

“As an indigenous writer, I see it as my duty to preserve and promote languages like Sepedi.

“Language is more than a communication tool — it carries our identity, history and knowledge.

“Just as a geographer defining the concept of ‘sustainable development’, I believe in using and protecting our languages for future generations,” says the Limpopo-born poet.

Seletisa discovered his love for poetry at 15 years old when he wrote his very first poem, titled University of the North, dedicated to the late Professor John Ruganda, who was then teaching creative writing at what is now the University of Limpopo.

He had the honour of writing and performing the poem during Herifest, the largest performing arts platform in what was then Northern Province, now Limpopo.

“That was the moment that ignited something deep within me. It was then that I felt a true calling to refine my craft and grow as a native poet.”

Since then, Seletisa has built a burgeoning career penning poems and short stories in his home language, Sepedi.

His language activism has earned him numerous accolades. His poem Mahlalerwa, for instance earned him a Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Award in 2017, the first recipient writing in a language other than English or Afrikaans.

He penned Tshutshumakgala