SPU Faculty of Education

01/10/2026

01/10/2026

30/09/2026

SPU lecturer graduates with a PhD in Setswana literature

The SPU Faculty of Education celebrates Dr Thapelo B. Boya, who was conferred a PhD in African Languages at the University of Pretoria on Friday 4th September 2026. Dr Boya is a Setswana Teaching lecturer at the Department of Human Science Teaching, with research interests in Setswana education, African folklore and literature. His PhD study, titled ‘Tlhotlhomiso ya papiso ka ga mangomo a Aforikaborwa pele le morago ga 1994 mo mabokong a Setswana’ was written entirely in Setswana. In recognition of this remarkable achievement, he received a Merit Certificate for Academic Excellence and was bestowed Academic Honorary Colours by the University of Pretoria.

The study comparatively investigated semiotic representations of South Africa’s dystopian conditions depicted in pre- and post-1994 Setswana poetry. It argues that dystopia is not merely a fictional construct, but also a significant theoretical lens through which poets reveal persisting dystopian realities affecting Black South Africans. Findings suggest remarkable similarities between apartheid-era injustices and the deteriorating socio-economic conditions experienced three decades post-apartheid. Thereby challenging the utopian visions that accompanied democratic transition in 1994.

Dr Boya established a framework for dystopian criticism, introducing a new dimension to Setswana literary scholarship. Most notably, the thesis developed a Model for Comparative African Literary Analysis. The model enables literary criticism to move beyond sequential textual analysis towards realism, relationalism and relevance within real-life phenomenological contexts.
It demonstrates to literary critics, readers, students and educators that Setswana poetry is not merely an artistic artefact, but a significant instrument for social commentary and critique. The study also redefined words such as ‘mangomo’ and ‘tlebebe’ to refer to dystopia and utopia, respectively.

Writing a doctoral thesis entirely in Setswana is not only a personal milestone, but an affirmation that African Languages can express intellectual thought and produce scientific knowledge. Thapelo’s success is an encouragement to young scholars to contribute to the preservation and advancement of African Languages.

We congratulate and celebrate Dr Thapelo B. Boya on this achievement.

16/09/2026

🎓 SPU ALUMNI & PRIDE | FROM SPU FACULTY OF EDUCATION TO A CLASSROOM LEGEND: THE STORY OF MS GOMOLEMO MATEBESI

Some journeys begin with a dream, but perseverance, purpose, and the courage to keep moving forward shape them. For Ms Gomolemo Matebesi, the journey from student at Sol Plaatje University (SPU) to professional educator is a powerful reflection of how education can transform not only an individual, but also the lives of the learners they serve. Today, Ms Matebesi is a professional teacher at Rekgonne Secondary School, under the Ditsobotla Local Education Office in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District of the North West Province. She carries with her the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills gained during her studies at SPU.

She describes SPU as a defining chapter in her academic and professional development and takes immense pride in having started her academic journey at the university. Wherever her career takes her, she remains proud to represent SPU and the Faculty of Education.

📚 THE SPU EXPERIENCE THAT SHAPED HER

Among the subjects that made the greatest impact on Ms Matebesi were Teaching of History and Teaching of Setswana. Their influence continues to be visible in her classroom, where she now teaches Setswana and applies the knowledge and skills acquired during her university journey. She fondly remembers lecturers including Dr Botes, Dr Mavela and Prof Barnett, who taught her that education is about much more than delivering content. Their emphasis on loving the teaching profession, caring for learners and being present for others helped shape her philosophy as an educator.

Her Setswana lecturers, including Dr Moloele, also reinforced the importance of preserving language, culture and heritage. Today, Ms Matebesi carries that lesson into her classroom by encouraging learners to value Setswana, their culture and their roots.

💪 TURNING CHALLENGES INTO LESSONS

Like many students, Ms Matebesi encountered challenges during her university journey. Accommodation was one of her greatest difficulties, as finding suitable accommodation in Kimberley was challenging during a period of continued university growth and increased demand. However, she refused to allow the challenge to derail her studies. She remained persistent and continued searching until she found a solution. That experience taught her a lesson that continues to guide her: Success requires commitment, discipline and consistency.

Her Honours studies further strengthened her research, critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities. More importantly, they taught her that effective teaching does not depend entirely on sophisticated technology or abundant resources. Ms Matebesi learned to be creative, resourceful and intentional, making the best possible use of whatever resources are available.

🌱 THE PEOPLE WHO INSPIRED HER

Three significant influences have played an important role in Ms Matebesi's academic and personal development: herself, her aunt Nthabiseng Shuping, and her high school teachers. Among these influences, she identifies her aunt as her greatest role model.

Her aunt taught her the value of education, perseverance and refusing to give up when circumstances become difficult. Her strength, encouragement and unwavering support motivated Ms Matebesi to remain committed to her education and continue moving forward. Her high school teachers also played an important role by encouraging her to pursue academic growth and believe in her potential. These influences helped shape the determination that she now carries into her professional life as an educator.

👩🏽‍🏫 GIVING BACK AND INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION

For Ms Matebesi, education is not only a profession—it is an opportunity to give back. She hopes to mentor students, share her experiences and encourage future teachers to believe in themselves and their potential. Her message to students is simple but powerful:

“Remain focused and develop a driving force that motivates you every day.”

She acknowledges that studying is not easy, but believes that challenges should never become a reason to give up. Beyond teaching, Ms Matebesi is also embracing her entrepreneurial spirit through her side hustle of selling hair and weaves. For her, entrepreneurship provides an opportunity to develop independence, explore her interests and grow beyond the traditional boundaries of her professional role.

🌟 LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE

Ms Matebesi's ambitions extend beyond the classroom. She envisions continued professional growth, greater leadership responsibilities and potentially further academic studies. In the next five years, she hopes to assume increased leadership responsibilities, while in ten years she sees herself occupying a significant leadership or educational role where she can make an even greater contribution to the quality of education in South Africa. Although she has completed her Honours degree and is not currently studying, her commitment to professional development remains strong.

Her journey from SPU to the classroom demonstrates how education can become a foundation for lifelong growth, leadership and service. Today, Ms Matebesi is not only teaching Setswana—she is helping preserve language and culture, shaping young minds and inspiring the next generation. Her story reminds us that an SPU education does not end when a student graduates. It continues through the lives they touch, the communities they serve and the difference they make.

💙 We celebrate Ms Gomolemo Matebesi as a proud SPU alumna, an educator, a mentor, an aspiring leader and a true SPU ambassador.

From SPU Faculty of Education to the classroom—her journey continues.

👏🏽 Keep inspiring. Keep serving. Keep making a difference, Ms Matebesi!

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