Board Members

Dr. Mantoa C. Molete is a distinguished academic with a Doctorate in Language Practice, currently serving as the Chairperson of the African Languages Association of Southern Africa (ALASA). As a Departmental Manager and Lecturer at the Central University of Technology Free State, she specializes in English linguistics and African literature, particularly Sesotho. Dr. Molete is passionate about advancing communication sciences and fostering linguistic diversity, making significant contributions to her field. Her leadership and expertise inspire both students and colleagues alike.

Central University of Technology, Free State. (CUT)
Departmental Manager and Senior Lecturer
Department of Communication Sciences at the Central University of Technology, Free State
Specialization: English linguistics, African Literature (Sesotho), and Communication Sciences.
Email: moletem@cut.ac.za
Email: chairperson@alasa.org.za

Dr. Tebogo J. Rakgogo is a distinguished NRF Y2-Rated Researcher and Senior Lecturer, currently leading the Department of Applied Languages at Tshwane University of Technology. With an extensive academic background, including a PhD in Onomastics from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has published over 20 articles and presented more than 30 papers internationally, showcasing his expertise in onomastics, sociolinguistics, and language policy. Dr. Rakgogo actively contributes to various academic and governance committees, including the African Languages Association of Southern Africa and the National Terminology Policy Steering Committee. His commitment to advancing language studies is further exemplified by his role as an external examiner for several prominent South African universities.

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Senior Lecturer
Specialises in Onomastics, Sociolinguistics and Language policy.
Email: RakgogoTJ@tut.ac.za

Prof. Nobuhle Hlongwa is a distinguished Full Professor of African Languages and the Dean of the School of Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, recognized as a C2 rated social scientist by the National Research Foundation. With a robust portfolio of research, including the seminal isiZulu publication “Ukuhlelwa Kolimi”, she champions the intellectualization of isiZulu in higher education. Hlongwa's leadership extends to pivotal roles such as Chairperson of the Community of Practice for African Languages and member of the Higher Education Quality Committee, where she influences language policy and education standards. Her commitment to promoting African languages is further evidenced by her involvement in national and international research initiatives, making significant strides in the field of sociolinguistics and language planning.

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Dean of School of Arts UKZN
Specialises in African Languages and Language Policy
Email: hlongwan1@ukzn.ac.za

Dr. Sanele M. Nsele is a dynamic lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's School of Education, specializing in isiZulu Education. As the Discipline Head and University Coordinator for the Bilingual Tutorial Project, he supervises postgraduate research and actively contributes to national and international conferences. His research focuses on literary pedagogy, multilingualism, and inclusive teaching practices. A recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the NRF freestanding bursary and the Golden Key Honorary Award, Dr. Nsele is dedicated to advancing language policy in education.

University of KwaZulu-Natal. (UKZN)
Discipline Head : IsiZulu Education
School of Education: Senior lecturer
Specialises in IsiZulu Education
Faculty of Humanities
Email: NseleS@ukzn.ac.za

Dr Simthembile Xeketwana is a dedicated lecturer in Curriculum Studies at Stellenbosch University, specializing in language and education. His research emphasizes genre-based pedagogy and the teaching of African languages, particularly isiXhosa, in diverse classrooms. Committed to decolonial education, he advocates for the recognition of African languages as vital intellectual tools. Furthermore, Dr Xeketwana also coordinates honours-level language studies, fostering a new generation of educators through academia ensuring that they are equipped to navigate multilingual environments.

Stellenbosch University (SU)
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Education: Department of Curriculum Studies
Specialises in Language and Education
Email: asx@sun.ac.za

Dr. Gibson Ncube is a distinguished scholar and the Editor-in-Chief of the South African Journal of African Languages (SAJAL). With a C1 NRF rating, he has extensively published on postcolonial African literature and cultural studies, including his notable book, Queer Bodies in African Films. His interdisciplinary expertise spans queer studies, comparative literature, and African cultural studies, and he serves on multiple editorial boards while actively engaging in teaching at various academic levels. A fluent speaker of English, French, and several African languages, Dr. Ncube's work enriches the understanding of diverse cultural narratives across the continent.

Stellenbosch University (SU)
Senior Lecturer
Department of Modern Foreign Languages
Email: gncube@sun.ac.za

Dr. Arnold Mushwana is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of African Languages at the University of South Africa, specializing in linguistics, morphology, and orthography. With a PhD focused on the impact of Thomas Hasani Chauke's music on Xitsonga, he has authored four significant works in the language and actively contributes to language development as Chairperson of the Xitsonga National Language Body. His extensive experience includes roles as Managing Editor at Maskew Miller Longman and a lecturer at the University of Venda, alongside serving as an external moderator and examiner for various institutions. Dr. Mushwana's research interests encompass linguistics and oral literature, making him a pivotal figure in promoting African languages.

University of South Africa (UNISA)
BA (Media and Language Studies); MA, PhD
Senior Lecturer (School of Arts)
College of Human Sciences
E-mail:mushwa@unisa.ac.za

Professor Linda Kwatsha is a prominent academic at Rhodes University, specializing in language and literature. She lectures on literature at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and supervises Master's and PhD students. She has a comprehensive specialisation in Language and literature, intellectualisation of African languages, Language in education, and Applied linguistics. Additionally, Prof. Kwatsha’s research focuses on the intellectualization of African languages, language in education, and applied linguistics, making significant contributions to the field.

Rhodes University (RU)
Senior lecturer, and supervisor (MA and PhD students)
Department of Language and Literatures.
Email: linda.kwatsha@ru.ac.za

Dr. Rofhiwa Emmanuel Nengovhela is a distinguished scholar in Translation Studies and Linguistics, renowned for his insightful research on Tshivenda discourse and idiomatic translations between Tshivenda and English. As a senior lecturer at the University of Limpopo, he passionately champions indigenous languages while mentoring the next generation of scholars. In addition to his academic role, he serves as the media and communications head for the African Language Association of Southern Africa (ALASA) and inspires audiences as a motivational speaker on the transformative power of language in education.

University of Limpopo (UL)
Senior Lecturer
Translation Studies and Linguistics
Email: rofhiwa.nengovhela@ul.ac.za

Moffat Sebola is a dynamic Senior Lecturer at the University of Limpopo, where he expertly leads the Tshivenda Discipline and the Master of African Languages Programme. With a rich academic background, including multiple degrees in African languages, he has published over 40 journal articles and contributed to several academic books. Recognized for his outstanding research contributions, Moffat is an active member of various scholarly associations and serves as an editor for the Southern African Journal for Folklore Studies. His research passionately explores the intersections of folk poetry, identity, and culture within African languages, particularly focusing on Tshivenda literature.

University of Limpopo (UL)
Senior Lecturer
Specialization in African Languages: Tshivenda
Email: moffat.sebola@ul.ac.za

Dr. Keaobaka Omphile Precious Seshoka is a leading linguist and scholar in African language studies, holding multiple degrees, including a PhD from Rhodes University. As the Director of the Language Directorate at NWU, she champions multilingualism and language innovation across South Africa. Recognized as one of Africa's top leaders, she actively contributes to various linguistic organizations and advocates for the cultural significance of language as a vehicle for knowledge. Her commitment to empowering communities through language reflects her belief that understanding one's mother tongue is essential for personal and societal growth.

North West University (NWU)
Director Language Directorate
Email: kea.seshoka@nwu.ac.za
Specialises in African Languages

Mr Sinoyolo Nokutywa is the Manager of the Languages and Indigenous Knowledge System Unit at Walter Sisulu University, where he also lectures in Oral Literature and Linguistics. A passionate researcher, he specializes in African Languages and Social Media, contributing significantly to the fields of Sociolinguistics and Applied Language Studies. With a rich academic background, including five isiXhosa literature books and ongoing PhD studies at Stellenbosch University, he actively engages with multiple academic associations. As an accredited translator with the South African Translators’ Institute. Furthermore, Mr Nokutywa for champions the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages in Southern Africa, as he forms part of the African Languages Association of Southern Africa (ALASA) as the regional coordinator.

Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Lecturer: Oral Literature and Linguistics.
Specialises in African Languages and Social Media
Faculty of Humanities
Email: snokutywa@wsu.ac.za