Moses Seletiša
Moses Seletiša | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1986 (age 38–39) Ga-Matlala ‘a Rakgoadi, Limpopo, South Africa |
| Occupation | Poet, writer, biographer, translator, language activist |
| Nationality | South African |
| Education | University Of South Africa |
Moses Shimo Seletiša (born 1986) is a South African award-winning poet, biographer, translator, and language activist best known for his work in the Sepedi (Sesotho sa Leboa) language.[1][2] He writes exclusively in his mother tongue and is regarded as one of the leading contemporary voices promoting indigenous-language literature in South Africa.[3]
Early life and education
Seletiša was born on 29 July 1986 and grew up in Ga-Matlala ‘a Rakgoadi near Marble Hall in the Limpopo province of South Africa.[3] He attended his primary schooling at Tsimanyane Primary School and matriculated at Ngwanakwena Secondary School in 2006.[4] Seletiša began writing poetry at the age of fifteen. Seletiša describes himself as a custodian of the Sepedi language, committed to preserving and advancing indigenous linguistic heritage.[5] Seletiša holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Management and BSc honors in Geography from UNISA.[6]
Career
Seletiša is active as a poet, performance poet, biographer, editor, translator, and cultural activist. He has been involved in workshops, mentoring programs, and literary development initiatives centered on promoting Sepedi literature and supporting writers working in marginalized languages.[7][8]
Aside from his literary work, Seletisha has also worked in environmental compliance at the Witbank collieries, ensuring adherence to environmental legislation.[5]
Literary contribution
His writing blends themes of identity, heritage, memory, and social justice, often highlighting the importance of linguistic and cultural preservation. He is widely recognized for pushing back against the dominance of English and Afrikaans in South African literature by championing Sepedi as a powerful literary medium.[7]
Works
Books
- Tšhutšhumakgala—a biography of community leader and freedom fighter Tlokwe Maserumule; his debut publication.[3]
- Di a Galaka—a poetry collection published in 2024.[9]
- Chifundo
- Re Batho le Mmino
- Morwaka Ruri!
Other writing
- Ke Hwa Natso! — drama.[10]
- Ke rata Punky
Awards
Seletisha has received several South African literary honours, including:
- Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Award (2017) — for his poem Mahlalerwa, the first Sepedi poem ever to win the prize.[11]
- SALA First-Time Published Author Award (2017) for Tšhutšhumakgala.[3]
- PanSALB Multilingualism Award 2022.[12][13]
- National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences for Non-fiction Award 2022.[14]
- University of Johannesburg Creative Writing Prize (Sesotho sa Leboa) for Eto la Mofaladi.[15]
- National Heritage Council Golden Shield Award 2019.[16]
- Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans 2021 [1]
- AVBOB Poetry Prize (Sepedi category, 2024).[17][18]
- South African Literary Awards—Best Literary Translators Award 2025.[19]
- Mayoral Excellence Award from Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality 2025
Themes and influence
Seletiša is known for elevating indigenous-language literature within South Africa’s multilingual literary landscape.[20] His work has influenced younger poets and writers committed to producing creative work in African languages and has contributed to the revitalization of Sepedi as a contemporary literary language.[7]
References
- ^ a b "Moses Seletiša, 35 | Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans". Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ "Tša Ka Mafateng - Poetry Project". www.avbobpoetry.co.za.
- ^ a b c d "Moses Shimo Seletisha". SALA. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ Content, Print (19 September 2018). "Getting to know the sepedi author and poet". Review. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ a b "Celebrating seven years of South Africa's poetic heritage". The Citizen. 26 September 2024. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ Content, Print (19 September 2018). "Getting to know the sepedi author and poet". Review. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ a b c "Speaking in tongues: The literary revolution rooted in Sepedi and Setswana". Mail & Guardian. 27 September 2025. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ Content, Print (6 June 2020). "Put pen to paper during lockdown, says award-winning poet". Review. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ "JdL-prys vir poësie ingestel tydens AVBOB 2025-galageleentheid". Versindaba. 19 September 2025. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ "Moses fosters mother tongue". Daily Sun. 4 August 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ "For the first time a Sepedi poem wins the Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Award". The Reading List. 2017. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ "List of nominees - awards categories" (PDF). www.pansalb.org.
- ^ Content, Print (26 September 2024). "Celebrating seven years of South Africa's poetic heritage". Alberton Record. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ "HSS Awards 2024" (PDF).
- ^ "2023 UJ Creative writing prize winners in Sesotho sa Leboa". University of Johannesburg. 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ "The 2019 Golden Shield Heritage Awards winners are... | The Heritage Portal". www.theheritageportal.co.za. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ "'n Viering van sewe jaar van Suid-Afrika se poësie-erfenis". Versindaba. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ Content, Print (27 September 2025). "Polokwane poet wins AVBOB poetry prize". Review. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ LitNet (18 November 2025). "Press release: 20th edition of SALA honours South African literary talents - LitNet". LitNet - Die boekehuis met baie wonings. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ Content, Print (15 May 2022). "Moses pens book for Bapedi people". Review. Retrieved 8 December 2025.