Local poets hailed for preserving Setswana language via writing

Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Wednesday April 9, 2025 06:00

Emmanuel Boefelo and Ikanyeng Molefe each added a book to their numerous collections. They have now each launched their latest publications. The duo is dedicated to writing not only novels but also poetry books in their native languages. Even though they are degree holders who know English language perfectly well, they said they have always been passionate about their mother tongue hence their decisions to recite poems in Setswana and also publish books in the language. According to Boefelo, he has written 17 books so far but only officially launched and published three including the new one titled, Tshoba La Mogodu. He said he did not mind writing as many books as possible to address the book shortage situations local schools were facing but due to lack of funds it was impossible.

He said he saw the great need to write books in Setswana language so that the upcoming generations could use them in the future. He added that social media also posed a challenge to local authors as people no longer read books. However, he also pointed out that social media also had positive impact if used widely. He said he could use it to advertise their books and sell it to far reaching placed. Even though he is good in speaking good English, he said his love for his mother tongue inspired him to write his books in Setswana. Furthermore, he added that he also aspired to preserve his mother tongue because no language is better than the language he inherited from his parents. He urged the public to make it a habit to read Setswana books and also to encourage children to read Setswana books.

He encouraged the youth and aspiring authors to write Setswana books saying there is a huge shortage of books in public schools. He added that reading was also important as it cultivated the mind. 'Tshoba La Mogodu is a Setswana novel based on the life of an unemployed graduate called Modisaotsile who was looking for a job and ended up being employed by a rich man. The rich man was well known for killing people for rituals purposes. The employee almost fell victim but escaped by a whisker from those who were sent to kill him. When his mother learned about the plot, she had a heart attack and died. After the would be victim escaped, the rich man and his boys fabricated a story that he stole some money and ran away, and bribed the police to get him arrested and imprisoned. It was later discovered that he was not guilty and he was set free while the rich man and his friends were arrested for their deeds. For her part, Molefe said they were proud of the Setswana language. Even though she has published 13 books so far, she said the new book, Mokgwa Seeta le Mong, was the first she ever launched. She explained the book campaigns and outlines gender based violence (GBV). 'Recently we had an era whereby men were beating and murdering ladies, and vice versa and now the wave has escalated so very much that it involves murdering kids and it’s a daily pricking thorn worldwide', she said 'My books are about modern predicament. Apart from being an author I play volleyball, I am Setswana teacher in secondary education and also a Setswana poet,' she confidently said.

Meanwhile, Zinani Moalosi said collaborations amongst artists are very vital as they also promote growth. She urged other artists to collaborate so that they could thrive together. 'Let us teach our children our mother tongue. People like saying Setswana only child is an option. Your children will blame you in future for failure to teach them their native language,” she said. Against all odds, these authors through their dedication managed to finally launch this book. Furthermore, local talented poet also an author, Moroka Moreri, stressed the importance of preserving Setswana language. The event was filled with performances from local artists such as gospel artist Tsaone, Letlotlo Traditional Group and a poem by Edwin Moroka also famed as Serurubele.