Dr Eazy Matjila reflects on his legacy in Setswana broadcasting
By Gofaone Cascious Motsamai
The Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research entity at North-West University (NWU) hosted its annual public lecture on 13 March 2025, at the Mahikeng Campus, featuring veteran broadcaster and NWU honorary doctorate recipient, Dr Masego Ezekiel “Easy” Matjila.
Titled “My Journey in Setswana Broadcasting”, the lecture focused on Dr Matjila’s extensive career and contributions to the preservation and promotion of Setswana in media. With over 30 years in broadcasting, Dr Matjila recounted his experiences, challenges, and triumphs in ensuring that indigenous languages remain central to South Africa’s media landscape.
A journey rooted in language and dedication
Dr Matjila began his lecture by recalling his entry into broadcasting in April 1982. He shared how he navigated his way to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in Pretoria, encountering fellow broadcasters from Radio IsiSwati, now Ligwalagwala FM, who helped guide him to his interview.
During his interview at Radio Setswana (now Motsweding FM), Matjila impressed the panel with his fluency in Setswana, despite growing up in Cyferskuil, a multilingual area. “I must say that I became convinced I’ve done pretty well when one of the legends of the station, who at that time was the program organizer, Rre Moagi William Motaung, and the superintendent, Mr Koos van der Merwe (SEPHIRI), wanted to know why I was so fluent in Setswana yet coming from some mixed black languages area, Cyferskuil at Radium, and I told them that Batswana are in the majority at our six villages, thus Setswana being the main medium of instruction,” he shared.
Building a legacy in broadcasting
Dr Matjila officially joined the SABC on 1 September 1982, where he began as an on-air presenter and sports commentator. His first major assignment was to broadcast a soccer match between Orlando Pirates and Witbank Black Aces at Orlando Stadium. Recalling his nervous debut, he said: “I started well but with my hand holding the mike shaking, and because my experienced mentor was flowing, that became the challenge for me, and I forgot that I was only introduced to the learning ropes stage. Instead I pitched my voice and along the way my voice started to rattle, and this being aggravated by first time use of airwave Radio technology and one dedicated Pirates lady-supporter who was shouting above her voice, and even instructing me to tell the listeners was doing better than their opponents Black Aces which was actually not the case.”
Despite the initial struggle, he quickly improved and found his footing. He also reflected on his time managing archives across multiple SABC radio stations:
“During this time, I also managed the archives for Radio Setswana, the Afrikaans Service, Radio Ndebele (Ikwekwezi FM) and IsiSwazi (Ligwalagwala FM). However, my days at Radio Setswana were short-lived after Kgagapa ya Radio and Television, the late Oom Daniel Raymond Setshedi spotted and recruited me to the then Topsport as a commentator for different sporting codes, as well as Sports News Producer and Presenter.”
Advocating for indigenous languages in media
Throughout his career, Dr Matjila emphasised the importance of indigenous languages in media and education. He acknowledged the role of language conferences and the Pan South African Language Board (PANSALB) in standardising Setswana. “I believe the usage of folklore and allegory in most of the news stories was adding to the richness of broadcast in a more proficient Setswana. Therefore, there is no doubt in my mind that my claims in promotion for the Setswana, as well as being vocal about Sesotho and Sepedi languages in the mainstream media was meticulous,” he shared.
Dr Matjila expressed concern over the declining usage of indigenous languages among the youth and the media’s role in reversing this trend. “Indigenous language media still remain a potent vehicle for mobilising people for positive (developmental) goals, which include democracy. It is crucial for their preservation that the media use and promote them. Sadly, there has been a loss in the understanding and usage of indigenous languages, particularly among young people, and less usage of indigenous languages by the media.”
He called for policy changes to ensure the survival of indigenous languages. “Governments should enact laws to conserve indigenous languages, such as mobilising funding, defending linguistic rights, and incorporating these languages into educational systems,” he said.
As he concluded his lecture, Dr Matjila reaffirmed his commitment to promoting indigenous languages. “One of the most effective ways to preserve indigenous languages is to develop effective mechanisms for advocacy and awareness campaigns. I would like to commend the SABC for having introduced radio stations using 11 official languages of South Africa in their broadcast. I would also like to encourage the recognition that education is the main instrument in language preservation,” said Dr Matjila.
