Secondary school teachers` insights on Motsweding FM broadcasting episodes for learning the Setswana language

Abstract

This study explores secondary school teachers’ insights on Motsweding FM broadcasting episodes for learning Setswana. The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) uses radio for learning in South Africa. However, concerns have been raised regarding the Setswana spoken on Motsweding FM in enhancing learners’ understanding of the language in secondary schools. Using message learning theory, this study analysed the complexity of teaching and learning Setswana on the radio in South Africa. A qualitative approach in the interpretivist paradigm is adopted. Five secondary school Setswana teachers in the Nokaneng circuit in Mpumalanga province were purposively selected using a case-study design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect and analyse the data using a data analysis spiral. The findings reveal that some of the Motsweding FM presenters do not speak a standard Setswana when presenting on radio. This study recommends further studies regarding appointment of presenters, continuous development for presenters, sourcing of expert knowledge to assist presenters, assessment of their presentation as well as rigorous monitoring of broadcasting episodes.