Moses Seletiša
Moses Shimo Seletiša is a South African award-winning poet, biographer, translator, and language activist best known for his work in the Sepedi language. He writes exclusively in his mother tongue and is regarded as one of the leading contemporary voices promoting indigenous-language literature in South Africa.
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. He attended his primary schooling at Tsimanyane Primary School and matriculated at Ngwanakwena Secondary School in 2006. 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. Seletiša holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Management and BSc honors in Geography from UNISA.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.Aside from his literary work, Seletisha has also worked in environmental compliance at the Witbank collieries, ensuring adherence to environmental legislation.
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.Works
Books
Tšhutšhumakgala—a biography of community leader and freedom fighter Tlokwe Maserumule; his debut publication.Di a Galaka—a poetry collection published in 2024.Chifundo Re Batho le Mmino- ''Morwaka Ruri!''
Other writing
Ke Hwa Natso! — drama.- ''Ke rata Punky''
Awards
Seletisha has received several South African literary honours, including:- Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Award — for his poem Mahlalerwa, the first Sepedi poem ever to win the prize.
- SALA First-Time Published Author Award for Tšhutšhumakgala.
- PanSALB Multilingualism Award 2022.
- National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences for Non-fiction Award 2022.
- University of Johannesburg Creative Writing Prize for Eto la Mofaladi.
- National Heritage Council Golden Shield Award 2019.
- Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans 2021
- AVBOB Poetry Prize.
- South African Literary Awards—Best Literary Translators Award 2025.
- Mayoral Excellence Award from Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality 2025