University of Pretoria (UP) alumnus Dinashaneng Sammy Mamogobo (23) recently received the 2024 African Honoree Authors’ Award in recognition of his contributions to promoting African languages and literature. Mamogobo graduated from UP with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 2023.

His journey is rooted in his experiences growing up in the rural village of Lekurung (Vlakplaats) in Masemola, where he faced the challenge of limited infrastructure and essential services. He had high hopes, though.

“My childhood dream was to become the president of South Africa, and I was affectionately nicknamed ‘Mbeki’ because of my leadership aspirations,” he says.

Mamogobo says his primary school principal encouraged him to pursue a law degree at UP, with the goal of advocating for the rights of marginalised communities, as enshrined in the South African Constitution.

Since graduating, he’s dedicated himself to fostering community development and preserving African cultural heritage. Mamogobo founded the Phogole on Poetry Group and Montlhahli Guides to advance creativity, scholarship and technological integration. The Phogole on Poetry Group is committed to the preservation of African languages through poetry and literature, utilising technology to ensure their lasting significance. Montlhahli Guides focuses on authoring and publishing educational material to enhance students’ learning experiences. Through affordable tutoring services and mentorship programmes, especially for matriculants, Mamogobo aims to support learners in collaboration with local non-profit organisations.

He has also published a collection of Sepedi poetry titled Meretlwa Ya Leboa.

Looking ahead, Mamogobo plans to do a Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and FET (further training and education), with aspirations to earn a doctorate, specialising in African languages, particularly Sesotho Sa Leboa (Sepedi).

“My vision is to become a leading figure in promoting African languages, seamlessly integrating technology to enhance artistic contributions, and establishing myself as a trusted innovator in education, art and technology,” he says.

Mamogobo encourages aspiring students to chase their dreams with dedication and persistence, highlighting the transformative power of education. He acknowledges UP as a key contributor to his success, noting the impact of the FLY@UP programme on his academic journey.

His book Meretlwa Ya Leboa is available at the Needful Things stationery store on Hatfield Plaza and in the Africana Collection’s special unit at UP’s main library.