The Accounting Authority (Board) of the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) has announced the appointment of Dr Keaobaka Seshoka as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from 1 June 2026.
In her role as CEO, Dr Seshoka will serve as PanSALB’s Accounting Officer, overseeing operations and leading initiatives to promote multilingualism and protect linguistic rights across South Africa during her fixed five-year term. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in African Languages, Master of Business Leadership (MBL) and several academic qualifications in language and information science. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Leadership (DBL) at UNISA.
She joins PanSALB from the North-West University, where she held the position of Director of the Language Directorate and brings over 20 years of experience as a linguist, academic and strategic leader.
“We are thrilled to welcome someone of Dr Seshoka’s caliber as our CEO,” said Prof. Lolie Makhubu-Badenhorst, Chairperson of the Board. “Her extensive experience in elevating the previously marginalised languages, along with her dedication to ensuring that every language has the right to be, will greatly benefit us.”
She added that the Board has complete confidence in Dr Seshoka’s commitment to advance the Board’s strategic vision in fulfilling its constitutional mandate. “We also want to express our gratitude to the Executive Head of Languages, Mr Julius Jabavu Dantile, who stepped in as Acting CEO and ensured the continued smooth functioning of the organisation during the vacancy period.”
Dr Seshoka’s appointment follows a thorough recruitment and selection process conducted by the Board.
About PanSALB
The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) is a constitutional body mandated to advance multilingualism, protect language rights, and develop South Africa’s previously marginalised languages. It promotes linguistic diversity across all official languages, including Khoi, Nama, San, and SASL, strengthening social cohesion through equitable language policy.
