Dr Keaobaka Sehoka
Nominee's Province:
North West
Project Name/Description:
Director of the Language Directorate, North-West University
A language activist and a professional linguist with extensive knowledge in African language studies, and an academic with a firm belief that our indigenous languages should not be allowed to merely disappear.
Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in Information Science, specialising in publishing, a Bachelor of Arts with Honours, a Master of Arts in African languages cum laude, a Doctor of Philosophy in African languages, a neuro-linguistic programming certificate, and a certificate in executive voice and pronunciation programme, Seshoka has indeed earned her stripes when it comes to everything language.
She has over the years been a researcher specialising in African languages, translation, editing, publishing, interpreting, teaching and research. Seshoka’s experience is not only limited to African languages but extends to language policy and planning, translation, and interpreting services. She also has a proven track record of leading projects from concept to completion. Her skills cut across in building cross-functional teams, demonstrating exceptional communication skills, and making critical decisions during challenges.
Among her achievements, is being awarded at the NWU Media and Organisational Behaviour, a Transformational award for Multilingualism initiatives at NWU in 2023. She is a treasurer of the Association for Translation Studies in Africa. She was also awarded as the number 7 Best Leader in Africa in the Top 100 Career Women in Africa, 2024.
Seshoka says her belief lies in Madiba’s words: “If you talk to a man in a language he does not understand, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”
