ACSR HONOURS SETSWANA PRACTIONERS

ACSR HONOURS SETSWANA PRACTIONERS

 By Vusi Kama

                  The Throne actor Seipati Setswakae Motshwane receiving 

                  her award on the night. (Photo credit : Vusi Kama)

Fifteen Setswana language practitioners were recently honoured by the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (Acsr) at a special event in Rustenburg.

The honoured personalities included authors, publishers, television and radio scriptwriters and actors. They were each given a certificate of appreciation, signed by MEC Virginia Tlhapi, and a cheque of R15 000.

“The idea is to recognise the valuable efforts of the Setswana language practitioners in contributing towards the development of the language,’’ said MEC Tlhapi. ‘’We developed these awards to inspire young and budding writers to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors.’’

Those honoured were Jack Bahumi Leseyane, Pheko Philemon Leseyane, Oupa Keorapetse, Bogatsu, Vera Khutsafalo Motsilanyane, Prof Jacob Ediya Setshedi, Masego Timothy Mmileng, Dr Joseph Motlhasedi Ntsime, Hilda Tlhapi Maithufi, Thapelo Moraka, Zacharia Sephai Dipale, Seipati Setswakae Motshwane, Letlotlo Zacharia Sikwane, Kabelo Stephen Naledi, Kenalemang Kgoroyadira and Dikeledi Nokwane.

The first Writers Awards event was held in 2019 to honour Setswana writers, composers and similar practitioners. As it was a pilot project one person, Mr B.D.Magoleng, was given an award. He has since passed on.  In 2020, the project grew and 15 writers were given the awards. They were from various genres including short stories, novel, drama, radio drama and music composition.

“We were looking at people who were Setswana activists, who contributed in developing Setswana. These are the people who wanted to preserve revitalize and promote Setswana, thereby enhancing a sense of pride among the speakers of the language,’’ added Mme Tlhapi.