Nyati-Ramahobo was born on 24 October 1957 in Botswana.[1] She studied her masters degree and PhD in applied linguistics at the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, United States,[2] graduating with her doctorate in 1991.[3] Nyati-Ramahobo worked at the University of Botswana[4] as head of the Department of Primary Education and as Dean of the Faculty of Education.[3]
Nyati-Ramahobo was a founder member and chairperson of the Kamanakao Association,[5] founded in 1995, a pressure group for the linguistic and cultural rights of the Wayeyi tribe, promoting the Seyeyi language, and preserving cultural heritage.[1][2] Although the Wayeyi tribe are a majority in Botswana, theirs is a minority language.[2] She published The National Language: A Resource or a Problem? The Implementation of the Language Policy of Botswana in 2001.[6][7]
Nyati-Ramahobo also raised concerns about governmental assimilationist policies,[8] tribal questions on police booking forms,[9] and the alleged negligence in the investigation process after the death of paramount chief, Shikati Calvin Kamanakao, who was unrecognised by the government at the time of his death.[10] Due to Nyati-Ramahobo's campaigning efforts, the work of the Kamanakao Association and a tribal coalition, the Government of Botswana set up the Balopi Commission to investigate tribal discrimination and review Sections 77, 78 and 79 of the Constitution of Botswana.[2] The commission found that the structure of the House of Chiefs of Botswana, later renamed Ntlo ya Dikgosi, "tended to be discriminatory" and the Bogosi Act was passed in response.[11]
In 2005, Nyati-Ramahobo was named a Nobel Peace Prize 1000 PeaceWomen Across the Globe (PWAG).[2]
Nyati-Ramahobo died on 9 May 2025.[1][4]
