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The late Easy Matjila at NWU after an honorary doctorate by North-West University, Mahikeng, in recognition of his significant contribution to the promotion and preservation of the Setswana language.
(The Post News)- Preeminent Setswana broadcaster and SABC news anchor Masego Ezekiel “Easy” Matjila was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities by North-West University (NWU) at the Mahikeng campus on July 18.
This is in recognition of his remarkable contribution to promoting Setswana and other languages through his work with the SABC.
“I want to thank the NWU for celebrating someone like me while I’m alive. I consider myself fortunate and truly honoured,” said Dr. Matjila.
Reflecting on his career, Dr Matjila emphasised how important it is to preserve the Setswana language.
“I am rooted in our language, Setswana, and I hope that our mother tongue will not be lost to new technologies. Throughout my career in radio and television, I have made it my mission to ensure that all presentations are in pure, vibrant Setswana. I hope that our future generations will embrace our language and remember that it is passed on from generation to generation.”
Dr Matjila also calls on the NWU to help preserve Setswana by ensuring that all news anchors and programme presenters give Setswana the respect it deserves.
He also thanks others for the support he has received from them along his journey.
Dr Matjila began his career over 30 years ago as a radio presenter at Radio Setswana, which later became Motsweding FM.
During this period, he also managed the archives of Radio Setswana, Afrikaans Service, Radio Ndebele (Ikwekwezi FM), and Radio Swazi (Ligwalagwala FM).
His exceptional broadcasting skills led to his being appointed as the Setswana sports commentator for SABC Topsport (SABC Sports).
He subsequently worked as a prime-time news anchor in Sesotho, Sepedi, and Setswana from 1993 until his retirement in 2021.
He was also the bulletin editor and executive producer for SABC.
He highlighted that the number of Setswana, Sepedi, and Sesotho-speaking youth was underrepresented and advocated for greater multilingualism in youth programmes on SABC2.
With his efforts at the SABC, he earned numerous awards, counting Best News Writer (SABC, 2008) and Commentator of the Year at AFCON 1996.
He holds degrees from institutions such as UNISA, WITS, and Regenesys Business School.
He has also received an award from the Pan-South African Language Board for outstanding acquisition and promotion of Setswana language and culture.
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