Unisa hosted the Fifth Dr OK Matsepe Annual Memorial Lecture on 19 July 2024 in tribute to the late Oliver Kgadime Matsepe, a revered figure in the realm of indigenous literary work. The memorial lecture was organised jointly by the university’s North Eastern Region, the College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS) and the Matsepe family.

The late Dr OK Matsepe, who made an invaluable and lasting contribution to the tapestry of South African cultural heritage and literature

Watch a recording of the lecture

Themed "Preserving culture, traditions and languages through the legacy of Dr OK Matsepe", the lecture featured a keynote address by Prof Tebogo David wa Maahlamela, Director: Ditsong Museum of Cultural Heritage. In his introductory remarks, Dr Lesiba Molepo, Acting Regional Director: North Eastern Region, highlighted the lecture's significance following Unisa's year-long celebration of its 150^th anniversary, underscoring Matsepe's enduring impact.

Distinguished speakers, including Prof Moloko Sepota, Acting Registrar, Dr Mantepu MaseTshaba, Acting Executive Dean: CEMS, and Prof Mathuku Mogale, former Executive Dean: CEMS, shared their insights into Matsepe's literary prowess and cultural legacy. Ndavheleseni Ramakuela, Chief Director: Provincial Communication Services, Limpopo and Phokwane Phaswane, University of Limpopo, also contributed, alongside Prof Mampaka Lydia Mojapelo, retired academic in African Languages, Unisa, and poet Moses Seletiṧa.

Addressing attendees, Sepota, speaking on behalf of Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, emphasised Matsepe's role as a prolific writer whose works transcended mere literature, and shaped African philosophy and creativity. "We, as the university of the land, do not conduct this memorial lecture as a mere calendar exercise, but as a deeply respectful tribute to a literary giant," he said.

Front row, from left: Keynote speaker, Prof Tebogo David wa Maahlamela (Director: Ditsong Museum of Cultural Heritage), Prof Moloko Sepota (Acting Registrar, Unisa), Dr Mosibudi Mangena (former Minister of Science and Technology), Prof Solomon Magano (Acting Vice-Principal: Institutional Development, Unisa) and Dr Moses Hlongwane (Executive Dean: College of Accounting Sciences, Unisa)
Back row, from left: Prof Mampaka Lydia Mojapelo (retired academic in African Languages, Unisa), Prof Madipoane Masenya (Office of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Unisa), Dr Lesiba Molepo (Acting Regional Director: North Eastern Region, Unisa), Ndavheleseni Ramakuela (Chief Director: Provincial Communication Services, Limpopo), Dr Mantepu MaseTshaba (Acting Executive Dean: College of Economic and Management Sciences, Unisa), Prof Maelekanyo Mulaudzi (Deputy Executive Dean: College of Economic and Management Sciences, Unisa), Dr Dephney Mathebula (Director: School of Economic and Financial Sciences, College of Economic and Management Sciences, Unisa), Manage Matsepe (brother of Dr OK Matsepe) and Dr Benni Lekubu (Acting Deputy Registrar: Governance)

Matsepe, a celebrated author and recipient of the SE Mqhayi Prize, made significant contributions to indigenous language knowledge through works such as Megokgo ya Bjoko and Kgati ya Moditi. In recognition of his immense impact, Unisa posthumously conferred upon him a Doctorate in Languages, Linguistics and Literature in April 2024, acknowledging his invaluable contributions to South African heritage, particularly the Sepedi dialect of the Sesotho sa Lebowa language.

In his thought-provoking keynote address, Maahlamela argued strongly against a one-dimensional view of Matsepe’s contribution and legacy. "The biggest threat facing the scholarship of Oliver Kgadime Matsepe, the leading writer in Sepedi or Sesotho sa Leboa, is analytic binaries resulting in strict rigid dichotomies, leaving no space for its wholeness," he said. "By confining Matsepe to rigid polarities, we deprive his scholarship of the possibility of a middle ground or grey area. My proposition is that Matsepe’s literature exists on a wide spectrum that challenges the limitations of binary thinking and logic. The ontology and epistemology of his literature are spread across thematic thoughts and cannot be boxed into any ideological straitjacket or binaries." He reflected on Matsepe's philosophy, noting his ability to critically examine societal norms without fear, embodying the ideals of integrity and intellectual courage.

Illustrating this philosophy through a latter-day example, Maahlamela said that Matsepe existed in a world in which one can be part of something and still constructively and frankly criticise it publicly without fear of victimisation. He continued: "This is indeed the world that the Chancellor of Unisa, former President Thabo Mbeki, seems to imagine sometimes, where he can be a member of a political movement yet still critically reflect on it. I am certain he has come to terms with the fact that he might be the only citizen entrapped on that planet. Today, to be for something means to be self-blind to its flaws."

Following a critical discussion of the sociopolitical aspects of Matsepe’s work, citing quotations from his poetry and prose, Maahlamela unpacked Matsepe’s peaceful expression of dissent and disagreement, combined with a paradoxical hardness in which no one was spared.

Maahlamela turned to self-reflection in his conclusion. "Matsepe," he said, "seems not to be confused about the distinction between ability and opportunity, 'ga e rutwe kgopolo, e a tswalelwa'. It is possible that I am addressing you this evening, ranting with authority on the work of this great writer I will never be, mainly as a result of opportunity rather than ability. It is humbling to accept that Matsepe would have had a lot to say about you and I more than we would about him and his works."

Manage Matsepe, the younger brother of Dr OK Matsepe, shared heartfelt remarks on his brother's profound impact on indigenous literature, underscoring the enduring significance of his contributions.

Manage Matsepe (second from left) accepts the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Languages, Linguistics and Literature (Honoris Causa) at Unisa earlier this year on behalf of his late brother, Dr OK Matsepe

The Fifth Dr OK Matsepe Annual Memorial Lecture not only honoured Matsepe's literary legacy, but also served as a testament to Unisa's commitment to preserving cultural heritage and fostering academic excellence in indigenous languages. As the university continues to celebrate his life and work, Matsepe's influence will undoubtedly inspire future generations to embrace and uphold the rich tapestry of South African literature and culture.

In commemorating Matsepe, Unisa reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing African scholarship and promoting linguistic diversity, ensuring that his legacy continues to illuminate paths of cultural understanding and academic achievement for years to come.

Read also:

Unisa awards posthumous honorary doctorate to literary maven, OK Matsepe  

* By Rememberance Manganyi, Intern Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement