ERIC MATOME KGOMO
Mohlaletse: Sepedi poet, Matalane Mokgatla, is an extraordinary young man who serves as an inspiration to youth. Mokgatla, from Mohlaletse Village in Sekhukhune, is a multitalented African praise poet, dancer, actor, programme director, motivational speaker, model, athlete and an author who researches and writes custom content.
The multi award winning poet is an ambassador for the Bapedi nation in which he prides himself in documenting the Bapedi culture and taking it to the public through events and social media.
“I decided to express myself in Sepedi , which is my mother tongue to make an impact and teach young people about their roots. I am simply promoting my culture,” he said.
In 2019, the young poet was recognized by NYDA (National Youth Development Agency) and Inside Education as one of the young people who are making a difference in South Africa by preserving culture.
He also launched his Sepedi Folklore debut book titled, “Sebešong sa Matalane”, which was recommended for Gauteng School Libraries by the province MEC of Education Panyaza Lesufi, a Sepedi children rhymes book co-authored by Dr Connie Makgabo who is a Sepedi lecture at University of Pretoria titled “Dikošana Tša Bana eleta monono”, which comprises a love short story.
Among his recent achievements, Mokgatla scooped the best Sepedi poet at the Sepedi Music Awards in December 2020.
He gets invitations from schools where he teaches and encourages learners about the importance of reading, writing and speaking their respective native languages. In these programs, he also plays indigenous games with the learners.
“Currently, I am recommended to work with Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality and Sekhukhune District Municipality to teach people to preserve their culture. The programme will be running jointly with other poets and artists in the country,” he said.
Mokgatla is the ambassador of Bapedi ancestral flower (a flower that has a strong Bapedi identity) appointed by TUPS city agro-economy centre.
He is the official praise poet and ambassador for Sekhukhune United FC and also serves as a social cohesion advocate in the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture duly appointed by Minister Nathi Mthethwa. He is the visionary behind the Bapedi cultural village in which the Bapedi culture and heritage resources will be preserved and commercialized.
