In celebration of the Tshwane University of Technology’s National Research Foundation (NRF) rated and re-rated researchers, we will commence with a series of articles on these incumbents over the coming weeks.
The National Research Foundation (NRF) has awarded Dr Tebogo J Rakgogo from the Department of Applied Languages a Y2 rating. This rating acknowledges Dr Rakgogo's outstanding contributions to language practice and academic leadership, recognising him as a rising star in the research community. His research has demonstrated his potential to establish himself as a leading researcher in his field.
Dr Rakgogo, the Head of the Department of Applied Languages, is also a passionate linguist and educator who boasts an impressive academic journey. He has multiple qualifications, including a PhD in Onomastics from the Wits University, has more than 10 publications in DHET accredited journals and has delivered more than 20 paper presentations local and international conferences. His research interests encompass onomastics (the study of the etymology, history and use of proper names, especially personal names), historiography, sociolinguistics, dialectology, language and law, as well as language planning and policy.
Dr Rakgogo is actively involved in national language authorities and contributes significantly to language planning and policy discourse. His role extends beyond academia, as he serves on various committees and boards including the SsL National Language Body and the Board of Directors for the SsL National Lexicography Unit. He previously served as the President of the Humanities and Social Sciences Alumni Association (HSSAA) within the framework of the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS). In addition, he has been appointed to serve on the DHET Review Panel on the Implementation of the Language Policy Framework for Public Higher Education Institutions. He currently also chairs the National Terminology Policy Steering Committee instituted by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.