Guest speaker Mr Tseliso Masolane delivering his address at the 5th Annual Dr Khotso Nkhatho Public Lecture, reflecting on the legacy of Dr Khotso Nkhatho and the importance of preserving heritage and supporting cultural practitioners.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) Welkom Campus, through its Faculty of Humanities and in partnership with the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, hosted the 5th Annual Dr Khotso Nkhatho Public Lecture on 15 May 2026. The event brought together academics, students, cultural practitioners and community stakeholders to honour and celebrate the life, legacy and contribution of Dr Khotso Nkhatho, a distinguished figure in Sesotho literary and performing arts.

Guest speaker Mr Tseliso Masolane from the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation paid tribute to Dr Nkhatho's exceptional acting and enduring impact on the creative sector, describing his performances as "so remarkable that they are memorable till today." Framing the lecture as a celebration of a multi-talented man, Mr Masolane reflected on the deep relationship between creativity and lived experience, remarking that "pain is the sole reminder that you are still alive." He further emphasised Dr Nkhatho's profound respect for the creative trades and urged continued recognition and support for cultural practitioners who dedicate their lives to preserving heritage.

Ms Refiloe Makibi, a Sesotho lecturer in the Faculty of Humanities, highlighted the richness and cultural significance of the Sesotho language, noting that its continuous development is "crucial for its growth and preservation for the upcoming generation." Echoing this sentiment, Dr Lehlohonolo Motake, Deputy Director of the Language Services Unit, described the public lecture as both a celebration of the Sesotho language and a fitting tribute to Dr Khotso Nkhatho, whose lifelong contribution to literature, drama and the performing arts played a vital role in preserving Sesotho heritage.

Dr Khotso Nkhatho’s legacy stands as a powerful testament to the role of art and language in shaping a nation’s identity. Through his plays, books, and performances, he gave Sesotho culture a vibrant and enduring voice that continues to resonate across generations. His work reminded all who gathered that preserving a language is, ultimately, preserving a people and their heritage.

The 5th Annual Dr Khotso Nkhatho Public Lecture reaffirmed CUT's commitment to cultural preservation, academic engagement and community partnership, uniting government, academia and cultural stakeholders in a shared effort to protect, promote and develop the Sesotho language and heritage for generations to come.