Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Masego Ezekiel “Easy” Matjila |
| Profession | Broadcaster, Newsreader |
| Recognition | Honorary Doctorate from North-West University (2024) |
| Career Start | Over 30 years ago |
| Radio Stations | Radio Setswana, Motsweding FM, Radio Mmabatho, Radio Ndebele, Radio Swazi |
| Roles | Radio personality, sports commentator, news presenter, bulletin editor, executive producer |
| Languages Promoted | Setswana, Sepedi, Sesotho |
| Notable Awards | Best News Writer (SABC, 2008), Commentator of the Year: AFCON 1996 |
| Retirement Year | 2021 |
Biography
Renowned broadcaster and SABC newsreader Masego Ezekiel “Easy” Matjila is set to receive an honorary doctorate from the North-West University (NWU) on July 18 at the Mahikeng Campus. This recognition highlights his exceptional contributions to South African broadcasting and his steadfast dedication to promoting the Setswana language.
Easy Matjila’s illustrious career in broadcasting spans over three decades. He began as an on-air radio personality for Radio Setswana, which later became Motsweding FM following a merger with Radio Mmabatho. In addition to his on-air duties, he managed archives for Radio Setswana, the Afrikaans Service, Radio Ndebele (Ikwekwezi FM), and Radio Swazi (Ligwalagwala FM).
His talent and proficiency in the Setswana language soon led to his appointment as a Setswana sports commentator for SABC Topsport (SABC Sports). Matjila’s versatility and exceptional broadcasting skills saw him transition to the News department in 1993, where he became a prime-time news presenter in Sesotho, Sepedi, and Setswana until his retirement in 2021. His roles also included bulletin editor and executive producer.
Throughout his career, Matjila was a fervent advocate for greater representation of multilingual youth programs on SABC2, emphasizing the need for more content in Setswana, Sepedi, and Sesotho. His dedication to this cause significantly impacted the SABC’s programming and earned him numerous accolades, including the Best News Writer award in 2008 and Commentator of the Year for AFCON 1996.
Matjila’s contributions to South African society extend beyond his broadcasting achievements. His efforts in promoting the Sesotho, Sepedi, and Setswana languages have left an indelible mark on the country’s media landscape. The honorary doctorate from NWU is a fitting tribute to his lifelong commitment to enhancing cultural and linguistic diversity in South African broadcasting.
As Easy Matjila receives this distinguished honor, his legacy as a pioneer and advocate for the Setswana language and multilingual broadcasting continues to inspire future generations.