Alumni
Two South African indigenous languages harmoniously blended in anthology
A book launch was held earlier this year at the Unisa Library to introduce a unique poetry anthology written by two academics – one from Unisa, Dr Jack Chokwe, and the other formerly with the University of Limpopo and now retired, Dr Mapula Malatji – who speak closely related South African indigenous languages.
The anthology, titled Melodi le Todi ya Dinotshe Go tswa Metsweding ya Afrika: Direto tsa Setswana le Sesotho sa Leboa, was co-authored by Dr Mapula Martha Malatji and Dr Jack Matlou Chokwe. It brings together poems written in both the Setswana and Sesotho sa Leboa languages.
A brief overview of the anthology describes the vibrant new collection as one that "explores contemporary issues such as politics, economic emancipation, natural disasters, and African historical themes". It further aims to spark academic discussion and reflection on modern society's pressing challenges.
The authors contributed poems that reflect broader societal themes and draw from their personal life experiences, which they recounted during their presentations at the launch. The respondents, Dr Theledi from Wits and Dr Rakwena Monareng, Director of Unisa Language Services, did a sterling job providing a robust critical analysis of the poems. They alluded to the value of indigenous knowledge systems, highlighting some plant extracts used "to delay menstruation" among others and diffusing patriarchal and gender stereotypes sometimes reflected in literary work.
They also highlighted the potential of the anthology being used as a tool for research by scholars and students in universities. The anthology’s foreword was written by Prof MJ Mafela, who spent decades teaching and conducting research in the Department of African Languages at Unisa.
Malatji spoke about her writing journey and said: "It traces back to my days as a university student". She shared how her passion for writing developed during her student days as she highlighted the linguistic similarities between Setswana, Sesotho sa Leboa and Southern Sotho, which are part of the country's official languages.
An anthology of this nature is a disrupter to the African literature discourse. It could be beneficial, particularly in schools or academic departments that teach both Setswana and Sesotho sa Leboa.
Chokwe concluded his presentation by reading a poem titled Ngwana wa dikoti marameng (The beautiful one), dedicating it to his wife, Phillipine Chokwe, who was present at the event and offered her support throughout his presentation.
To order the anthology, e-mail jackchokwe@gmail.com or call 076 471 6881.
* By Nthabiseng Majeng, Intern: Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations
Publish date: Wed Aug 06 09:07:26 SAST 2025
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