Marketing and Communication
We had the privilege of welcoming Dr Keobaka Seshoka, our new CEO, to our institution during a hybrid meeting on Monday, 1 June 2026, chaired by Mr Julius Dantile, the Executive Head of Languages. Employees from the head office attended the event in person, while staff from the provinces participated online. Mr Dantile began the meeting by expressing his gratitude to everyone for their support during his time as acting CEO, describing it as a highly rewarding experience. He emphasised to the staff that leadership is both situational and ongoing.
We were also fortunate to have the Chairperson of the Board, Prof. Lolie Makhubu-Badenhorst, with us as well. Prof. Makhubu-Badenhorst provided an honest recognition of Mr Dantile’s contributions to PanSALB. “I would like to extend my thanks to you for everything you have accomplished and for the amount of effort you put forth. Regardless of what you do, you do so out of a passion for languages,” she stated sincerely. She also expressed the Board’s appreciation for the CFO, Mr Tebogo Matabane. She continued to welcome Dr Seshoka and said that Dr Seshoka was “the second woman to hold the CEO position since PanSALB has been in existence for 31 years”. She’s proud of the glass ceilings that Dr Seshoka has broken for women at the executive tables. She went further to say that leadership in our country does not only mean breaking barriers. It starts with Ubuntu; leadership rooted in ethical governance with innovation at the core. “In her speech, Prof. Makhubu-Badenhorst said, “we hope with your leadership, we will succeed; and excellence is never attained by exclusivity, but by drawing the best from everyone’s ideas and experiences.”
Dr Seshoka began her speech by expressing her gratitude towards the staff for the lovely welcome. She stated that the manner in which she was welcomed was reflective of the kind of work environment that has been cultivated at PanSALB. The CEO went on to deliver her message of hope. She made it clear that she was going to drive digital transformation, as she is passionate about it. Not only is the world changing rapidly, but artificial intelligence is taking the world by storm. “Will our official languages be part of this digital revolution?” she asked.
It is on this basis that the CEO presented her five-point plan:
- To advocate for digital multilingualism by utilising artificial intelligence.
- Promoting digital transformation and innovation in language technology. The future should reflect the use of African languages.
- Collaborate to ensure that we lead in advocating for linguistic rights, fairness and adherence to the constitution.
- Strengthen community language empowerment and social cohesion.
- Create avenues for PanSALB to explore alternative funding sources.
In summary, she stated that she does not convey a message of fear. Rather, she offers a message of hope and renewal. “I come as an advocate for action; we do not only talk, but we must also build,” she stated at the end of her comments.
