Moses Seletiša

Moses Shimo Seletiša (born 1986) is a South African poet, biographer, translator, and language activist best known for his work in the Sepedi (Sesotho sa Leboa) 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. 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 honours in Geography from the University of South Africa (UNISA).

Aside from his literary work, Seletisha has also worked in environmental compliance at the Witbank collieries, ensuring adherence to environmental legislation. 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 (2017) — for his poem Mahlalerwa, the first Sepedi poem ever to win the prize. SALA First-Time Published Author Award (2017) for Tšhutšhumakgala. National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences for Non-fiction Award 2022. University of Johannesburg Creative Writing Prize (Sesotho sa Leboa) for Eto la Mofaladi. National Heritage Council Golden Shield Award 2019. Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans 2021 South African Literary Awards—Best Literary Translators Award 2025. Mayoral Excellence Award from Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality 2025

Themes and influence Seletiša is known for elevating indigenous-language literature within South Africa's multilingual literary landscape. His work has influenced younger poets and writers committed to producing creative work in African languages and has contributed to the revitalization of Sepedi as a contemporary literary language.