Setjhaba Kenneth Maphalla

Setjhaba Kenneth Maphalla is an accomplished communication and media professional with a rich background in journalism, government communication, and strategic media liaison. His journey, defined by academic excellence and professional versatility, reflects a deep-seated passion for storytelling, public relations, and impactful communication.

Born on September 16, 1985, Maphalla's early education at the prestigious Grey College Secondary in Bloemfontein laid the foundation for his dynamic pursuits. Active in cultural and sporting activities, he earned school colours for cultural participation and demonstrated early prowess in debate, music, and leadership. His high school years were punctuated by his involvement in soccer, choir, and the prestigious Grey College Indomitus Vocal Ensemble.

Following high school, Maphalla transitioned to the Motheo FET College, where he obtained a Certificate in Communications and Computer Literacy with Distinction. His academic diligence earned him an Irish Bursary for merit.

He furthered his studies at the University of the Free State (2005–2008), graduating cum laude with a BA Degree in Media Studies. During his time at the University of the Free State, Maphalla demonstrated remarkable leadership, communication, and marketing acumen through his progressive involvement in IRAWA, the university’s official newspaper. Beginning as a junior journalist, he rapidly ascended to become Head of Public Relations and, subsequently, the more demanding role of Head of Marketing. In this capacity, he not only broke barriers as the first black student to hold the position but also pioneered the acquisition of corporate sponsorship for the publication—a groundbreaking achievement at the time. His strategic thinking, persuasive communication, and stakeholder engagement skills were instrumental in securing financial backing, showcasing his early proficiency in brand development and partnership cultivation. Maphalla’s exceptional versatility and dedication earned him unanimous recognition at the publication’s year-end awards ceremony, as the most versatile member of the publication’s Executive Committee, further affirming his reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking leader. Furthermore, his hard work and dedication to his studies earned him academic accolades such as the Volksblad Prize for best Afrikaans student (non-mother tongue), the Richard Miles Memorial Prize for academic merit, and induction into the Golden Key International Honour Society as a member, an international collegiate organization recognizing top academics from all over the world in various fields.

Professionally, Maphalla has worked across a broad media spectrum—from reporting for the Vaal Weekly and reviewing for Channel24 under the mentorship of the distinguished Miles Keylock, to being a senior writer for DRUM magazine, where he was named Star of the Year (2010–2011) and listed in Media24's Top 30 Under 30. It is worth mentioning that he formed part of the first-ever Journalism Academy cohort led by the reputable Mathatha Tsedu at Media24, emerging from a group of 20 skilled individuals to be the only one immediately employed permanently after a grueling internship programme.

During his tenure at DRUM Magazine, Maphalla distinguished himself as one of the most adaptable and skilled young writers and journalists of his era, earning recognition as a leading voice among the Drum generation of the time. The magazine's prestigious legacy and influential platform not only showcased his exceptional talent but also reinforced his reputation as a dedicated and industrious professional. His work at Drum allowed him to hone his craft, solidifying his status as a key literary and journalistic figure of the time.

His brief time with Ndalo Media's Destiny Man in 2013 further solidified his reputation as a talented content creator and communication specialist dedicated to his craft.

Since October 2013, Maphalla has been an integral part of the Free State Provincial Government, initially serving as Deputy Director of Media Strategy and Liaison in the Office of the Premier, and currently as Director of Corporate Communication in the same office. Between March 2024 and January 2025, he assumed the arduous role of Acting Chief Director of Government Communication Services, during which he, among his many achievements, spearheaded and facilitated the drafting and approval of the Provincial Government Communication Policy—a significant milestone in the province's communication strategy. His leadership has been pivotal in coordinating communication strategies across departments and enhancing the province's media relations and integrated communication efforts.

Maphalla’s leadership capacity extended beyond his formal roles within the Free State Provincial Government. Over the past ten years (2015-2025), he voluntarily and unofficially chaired the strategic Provincial Government Communicators Forum, known as the Central Communication Coordinating Unit (CCCU), demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to advancing government communication in the province. His stewardship of this critical platform was later formalized during his tenure as Acting Chief Director of Government Communication Services between 2024 and 2025. His willingness to shoulder such responsibilities—both officially and unofficially—illustrates his consistent dedication to going above and beyond the call of duty, further reinforcing his reputation as a trusted leader in the public communication space.

In recognition of his profound expertise, unwavering integrity, and deep-seated commitment to excellence in governance, Maphalla was, as of April 2025, formally appointed as a member of the Risk Management Committee of the Office of the Premier. His appointment, set for a three-year term, is a testament to the trust and respect he commands within the highest echelons of provincial government. It affirms not only his technical knowledge and institutional memory but also his steadfast loyalty to the principles of public service and good governance.

Maphalla's commitment to professional development is evident through his completion of the Compulsory Induction Programme (CIP) for the public service, the Khaedu Training for Senior Managers, and the Executive Development Programme with a focus on Finance and Budgeting in 2018 - all with the National School of Government (NSG). He also holds a Nyukela Certificate for SMS Pre-Entry in the Public Sector through the NSG, and completed a Conflict Resolution and Stakeholder Management short course with the University of the Free State in 2019, further enhancing his managerial expertise and leadership output.

Maphalla's role and rare expertise in government have also afforded him opportunities to contribute on global platforms. He has traveled internationally to represent the Free State Government and the Republic of South Africa in countries such as Rwanda, Switzerland, Kenya, and Turkey.

In March 2015, he was selected to form part of a national delegation led by the then Minister of Communications to the World Communication Forum in Davos, Switzerland. There, he participated in high-level discussions and made valuable contributions to global dialogues on the evolving communication landscape. His participation in these international forums has significantly shaped the South African communication landscape, broadened his strategic outlook, and enhanced his expertise in communication governance.

In 2019, he represented the Free State Government at the Africa Public Service Summit in Kenya—a prestigious gathering of public sector leaders where he contributed to the drafting of modern-day policies with critical inputs.

Maphalla's commitment to media development is evident through his strong relationships with key commercial media partners, government stakeholders at both provincial and national levels, and the community media sector. He has led numerous workshops and training programmes aimed at empowering community media, reflecting his dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive media landscape. In recognition of his contributions, he was voted by an independent panel as one of the 100 most influential young Free Staters in the public sector in 2021, receiving his certificate and honour at a prestigious event held at the Civic Theatre in Bloemfontein. Notably, he has served under an unprecedented four Premiers of the Free State at the highest level, accentuating his enduring presence and influence in governance at a young age, having become a Director at the age of 28. His distinguished service under four successive Premiers of the Free State stands as a remarkable testament to his professional longevity, stability, and unwavering dedication to public service. This accomplishment illuminates his continuous tenure across four consecutive provincial administrations of the South African Government—covering the periods 2009–2014, 2014–2019, 2019–2024, and 2024–2029 (from the fourth to the current seventh democratic administrations). Maphalla’s enduring presence throughout these dynamic and often challenging political cycles stresses not only his exceptional adaptability and resilience but also his deep institutional knowledge, leadership acumen, and steadfast commitment to the principles of governance and service delivery across varying political landscapes.

He continues to grow professionally, having obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Government Communication and Marketing from the reputable University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in 2022. He is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management and Administration at the prominent University of Pretoria (UP).

Fluent in multiple languages, including Sesotho, Setswana, isiZulu, English, Afrikaans, and German, Maphalla brings cultural intelligence to his communication expertise. His skills in writing, public relations, and strategic media engagement are complemented by his interests in poetry, sport, politics, music, and travel.

Maphalla, who is the son of the late literary luminary Dr. K.P.D. Maphalla (OIG), a posthumous recipient of the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold, exemplifies a blend of intellectual rigor, creative excellence, and public service. These qualities and more, have irrevocably positioned him as a valuable asset in both media and government spheres.

Maphalla is a passionate reader and a deep thinker who holds certain writers in particularly high regard. He openly acknowledges his admiration for Daniel Canadoise “Can” Themba, a writer he greatly respects. Additionally, of course, he cherishes the literary works of his late father, Dr. K.P.D. Maphalla, whose writings clearly hold a special place in his heart. These two authors stand out as his most cherished influences in literature.

Grey College Secondary, 1999 - 2003, Bloemfontein, Grade 12, 2003, 1999, Grey College debating team: Best bilingual public speaker, Under 14 A soccer team, 2000, Under 15A soccer team, 2001, Under 16A soccer team, Under 17A soccer team, Grey College Choir, 2002, 2nd Soccer team, Grey College Choir, 2003, Grey College Choir, Grey Chamber Choir, Grey Indomitus vocal Boys Ensemble, Awarded School Colours for cultural participation, University of Johannesburg, 2004, Johannesburg, Bcom: Real Estate, Discontinued, Motheo FET College, 2005, Bloemfontein, Communications, Certificate in Communications (distinction), Certificate in Computer Literacy, Irish Bursary for academic merit achievement, Cum Laude, University of the Free State, 2006-2008, BA: Media Studies, 2006, Class Representative (captain) for first year students, Junior Journalist - IRAWA (the official UFS newspaper), VOLKSBLAD prize- Best 1st year non-mother tongue student: Afrikaans, Dr Elsabe Pepler lecture (Level 1 to 4 Newspaper training), Academic merit bursary for academic achievement, 2007, Class Representative (captain) for second year students, Senior Journalist - IRAWA (January 2007 - August 2007), IRAWA Executive Committee member: Public Relations Officer (August 2007 - October 2007), Inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society, Best 2nd year non-mother tongue student: Afrikaans, Level 4 training: Willemien Marais (Volksblad), and Margaret Linstrom (Ofm), Richard Miles Memorial prize for academic merit achievements, 2008, IRAWA Executive Committee Senior member: Advertising & Marketing Manager (October 2007 - August 2008), IRAWA Executive Committee member: Head of Marketing & PR (August 2008 - January 2009), Awarded 'Most Versatile IRAWA Executive Committee Member' award for the term 2007/2008, Qualified for the 1st and 2nd round of the Golden Key Leadership awards sponsored by SASOL, Top black student and third in entire department, Obtain qualification (BA: Media Studies) with distinction: Cum Laude, Wits University School of Governance, 2022, Postgraduate Certificate - Government Communication and Marketing (Executive Education), Certificate Obtained, UNISA, 2023,  University of Pretoria, 2024, PGDip Public Management, Registered

• Golden Key International Honour Society
• Free State Provincial Government
• Media24
• Ndalo Media
• University of the Free State
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Witwatersrand