The study investigates ultrafast spin dynamics in hexagonal α-MnTe, an antiferromagnetic semiconductor with a high Néel temperature of 310 K, using pump-probe magneto-optical measurements in the Kerr configuration. At room temperature, a 55 GHz oscillation mode is observed that disappears in zero magnetic field, indicating it is a magnon. This mode persists up to at least 335 K, suggesting the presence of short-range magnetic order above the Néel temperature. Additionally, two optical phonons at 3.6 THz and 4.2 THz are identified, which broaden and redshift with increasing temperature. The magnon and optical phonon modes are sensitive to pump polarization, indicating non-thermal generation. The persistence of the 55 GHz mode above the Néel temperature suggests the presence of magnetic anisotropy and coupling to short-range order, providing new insights into the unique magnetic properties of MnTe, which is promising for spintronic applications.The study investigates ultrafast spin dynamics in hexagonal α-MnTe, an antiferromagnetic semiconductor with a high Néel temperature of 310 K, using pump-probe magneto-optical measurements in the Kerr configuration. At room temperature, a 55 GHz oscillation mode is observed that disappears in zero magnetic field, indicating it is a magnon. This mode persists up to at least 335 K, suggesting the presence of short-range magnetic order above the Néel temperature. Additionally, two optical phonons at 3.6 THz and 4.2 THz are identified, which broaden and redshift with increasing temperature. The magnon and optical phonon modes are sensitive to pump polarization, indicating non-thermal generation. The persistence of the 55 GHz mode above the Néel temperature suggests the presence of magnetic anisotropy and coupling to short-range order, providing new insights into the unique magnetic properties of MnTe, which is promising for spintronic applications.