SEKGOSESE COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS, a division of Kwa Maisha Group of companies hosted a ceremony of its own kind in Sekgosese area on the 15^th of June wherein community volunteers and individuals who went extra mile in touching other people’s lives were honoured.

Community Champions after receiving certificates

The ceremony was held at Itieleng community hall and it was focusing on honouring community volunteers and heroes around Itieleng village. However, it will rotate in villages around Sekgosese.

“The next village is Mahembeni (Soetfontein). I’m busy with arrangements. I will let you know of the date after we finalized everything”, said Nathi Maisha who is the vision-carer of Sekgosese Community Champions.

He further told Sekgosese Insider that the courage to host such a ceremony came from seeing people doing great things in moving the community forward but not being appreciated.

“So I wanted to put them in front of everyone to gain the recognition that they deserve. In that way it encourages other community members to touch others people’s lives and contribute positive deeds in moving our community forward”, he added.

During the day of the ceremony 13 community members were honoured and awarded with certificates. Their names were suggested by an organizing committee.

One of the honoured community volunteers is Mokgadi Elisa Raseasla who has volunteered as Ward Committee member, Home based care carer, deputy chairperson of SGB at Nkei primary school, Board member of SRDA and member of Fetogang Makgarebe.

Elisa Raseasala posing for the picture

“I would like to thank Kwa Maisha for this initiative and honouring us while we are still alive”, said Raseasala.

Full list of honoured individuals:

Mr. Albet Manyasha

Ms. Elisa Raseasala

Mr. Paulus Ramaremela

Ms. Elida Lehomo

Mr. Mohale Sebelemetja

Ms. Sophy Mphelo

Mr. Malapisa Mashao

Ms. Selina Mahoma

Mr. David Mohale

Mr. Griezel Raphahlelo

Ms. Lizzy Mashaba

Mr. Eric Rasethe

Mr. Charless Seala

“I would like to thank Raphahlelo and Phooko tribal authority for hounoring our invitation. That means a lot to my company”, Maisha told Sekgosese Insider.

He further appreciated the presence of community champions, Poshy Girl for musical performance, Queen Selebatsi for decorations, Mamanyoha Business Group and Lucky Mulima for the donation, Ntswaki Ralekgokgo for her help in organizing the ceremony, her mother, Sophy Maisha  for the support and Verynice Sarila for contribution he made to make the event possible.

By Joey Wa Rabapane

2018 SEPEDI MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEE DREAMS HIGH

Prince Jaguar Oscar whose real names are Molatelo Oscar Rampyeshe dreams to become one of South Africa’s best musicians and performing all over the big platforms in the country with the best music that trend worldwide.

Prince Jaguar in Studio

He is a Hip Hop artist and producer and his music is trending around Sekgosese. Some of his famous tracks include ‘Ba nteka tumelo’, ‘Ke nyakile o hwa’ and ‘No love after death’.

In 2018 he released a song titled ‘For my mommy’ which he dedicated it to his mother who has sacrificed so much to make sure that she puts a bread on the table for him while growing up.

The very same song was the reason why he was nominated in Sepedi Music Awards under the category Best Sepedi Hip Hop Artist last year.

“The nomination alone was an achievement for me because I was nominated against the already established Hip hop artists such as Lekkersweet and Mopedi”, Prince Jaguar told Sekgosese Insider.

Ever since he stepped in the music industry he has performed in different events such as school functions, annual birthday bashes and promotional events in and outside Sekgosese area.

“I am patiently growing a brand in me and I am getting there. It won’t come as a surprise when I one day become a well celebrated artist because I am talented and putting more effort to what I do”, said the 22-year-old from Roerfontein village in Sekgosese.

In the music industry he firstly got inspired by American rappers and singers while he was still at school. Therefore his passion for the industry kept on growing until he decided to build his mini recording studio in 2013 wherein he started to record and release his own hip hop and Rnb songs in Sepedi and English.

To get the taste of his music send a WhatsApp text to 071 902 4182.

By Joey Wa Rabapane

PLEDGE A PAD DRIVE

Murhungo Foundation is in a drive to collect sanitary pads from donors and distribute them to female learners around Sekgosese area.

Their project is called Pledge a Pad Drive.

“We saw that there is a need to help female learners with toiletries especially sanitary Pads. Our drive is about helping the disadvantaged young women by donating Sanitary pads”, said Malebo Malema, the project Coordinator.

She further told Sekgosese Insider that what encouraged them to initiate this drive is that they realized that some young women use toilet papers and other materials during their menstruation period of which may cause cancer and damage their internal systems. So they saw it as a good idea to start Pad Drive.

According to Malema the drive aims is to keep girls in school during their menstruation period as some of them often miss school because they can't afford sanitary Pads.

“If we manage to collect many pads we will distribute to all schools around Sekgosese and our beneficiaries will be grade 7 to 9 learners”, she added.

Those who want to pledge sanitary pads can call Malebo Malema on 0721822010 or text her on WhatApp on 0711143397. The foundation will then distribute donated sanitary pads next month during Mandela Day.

“We as the Murhungo Foundation are very positive about this drive but in order for it to be successful we are relying on our community to please assist us by donating. This is not about us but is about helping the disadvantage young women in schools”, Malema concluded.

Murhungo Foundation is a community youth development organization which through is initiatives hope to help the youth and the challenges they face. This year they have started with free Mathematics and Science classes for grade 12s in Khudugane sec school.

By Joey Wa Rabapane

WORLD VISION CLUSTER MANAGER RETIRES

The 62-year-old Dr. Maria Kgabo from Enable village in Ga-Sekororo retired from the World Vision after serving the organization for about 29 years.

Dr. Kgabo

However this is not her first retirement as the Manager of both Enable and Thusalushaka Area Program (AP) under a Christian and child-centered organization, World Vision.

“My first retirement was in September 2017 but 6 months in my retirement I was called back to resume my duties as from April 2018”, said Dr. Kgabo.

She again retired in March 2019 nonetheless she was requested to continue with her duty as manager for another two months until what looks like a final retirement in May 2019. She officially left World Vision early this Month.

Dr. Kgabo firstly joined World Vision as a volunteer in 1990 when she was still a Principal at Magatsane Pre-Primary and became a full-time employee in 2004 at Enable AP in Sekororo area where she later became the Manager.

“Children at my school were coming without lunch boxes; I therefore felt sorry for them and decided to start a feeding scheme at the school.  I went out for funds and that's when I met World Vision”, said Dr. Kgabo.

Ever since she joined World Vision she never looked back. In 2010 she became the Manager of Thusalushaka AP in Sekgosese area. In 2017 she was entrusted with the responsibility to manage World Vision Limpopo cluster which is made up of Thusalushaka, Enable and Giyani AP.

She is positive that a lot has been achieved during her era.

“Crèches, drop in centers, milling and chicken farms were established, class tools were constructed, women and youth were empowered, trainings were conducted, resources were provided to schools, support was provided to local farmers, boreholes were donated to different institutions and many other things were done”, she said.

Dr. Kgabo announcing her retirement to community members

She further told Sekgosese Insider that she will miss children, colleagues, travelling, team work, lively devotions, love, humanity and respect given by all World Vision staff members.

“I am now going to focus on my business, farm and my role as both motivator and counselor,” said Dr. Kgabo who is also a leader of Roman Catholic Church (RCC) in Sekororo area.

She obtained Doctorate in Education from University of South Africa and was employed as a teacher for ten years and as deputy principal for three years at Kobjaname primary school before joining World Vision fulltime.

“One step a day will lead to 31 steps a month therefore start today. When you fall get up and be stronger. Word hard and note that challenges I meant to strengthen you”, she advised.

Facilitator of Literacy Initiative and Empowerment at Thusalushaka AP, Fridah Seakakgole said Dr. Kgabo was her leader not a boss and her leadership skill inspires her.

“She is a very humble person and passionate woman who know how to handle the rage in situations without argument. Actually she understands the Batho Pele principles”, Seakakgole told Sekgosese Insider.

She further mentioned that under the guidance of Dr Kgabo she managed to write and publish a religious book titled ‘Return to Bethlehem’.

By Joey Wa Rabapane

NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL MODELS

TruCam Ultimate is giving local youth a platform to challenge themselves and open new doors in the modeling industry.

TruCam crew and Miss & Miss Teen Sekgosese contestants

Currently TruCam Ultimate is planning to host Miss & Miss Teen Sekgosese on the 16^th of December. However they have already started with hosting auditions. On the 16 of June they have hosted auditions at The Look Community hall in Soetfontein village, Sekgosese area.

“The auditions didn't go the way we expected, however we managed to get 13 promising contestants”, said the 22-year-old Lebo Ratshijane, the founder of TruCam Ultimate.

Rashijane who is the 2^nd Princes for Miss Mopani 2018 further told Sekgosese Insider that as TruCam Ultimate were not satisfied with the attendance of contestants because they know that there is a lot of potential in Sekgosese.

During the auditions contestants get lessons about beauty pageant and modeling in general such as how to behave as models.

“There is more to pageantry than walking on stage of which our community lacks information on, but we are here to fill in the gab”, she added.

She co-founded TruCam Ultimate with the 21-year-old Kamogelo Rapeulane both from Sephokhubje in Sekgosese. Their company’s main purpose is to motivate, empower, inspire and bring hope to the youth.

TruCam Ultimate Founders: Kamo and Lebo

They are both models and on the 06th of July they will be attending a pre-event for Face of Spring Limpopo as contestants at Nkowankowa near Tzaneen.

“Please go to Face of Spring Limpopo Facebook page and like our pictures. Your support is highly appreciated”, Rashijane made a request to Sekgosese Insider readers.

She will also be contesting for the Miss Ngobs title on the 29^th of June at Nobody outside Polokwane.

According to both founders of TruCam Ultimate modeling is not about beauty but the way one carry herself to the public and also the spirit of Ubuntu. They believe that modeling teaches one on leadership skills, how to behave as a leader and somehow brings hope to someone's life.

They are going to host 2nd Auditions for the Miss & Miss Teen Sekgosese on the 17th of August 2019 at Sekgosese school hall in Senwamokgope township from 11:00 to 15:30.

“We would like to thank the Circuit Manager and Principals for giving us permission to recruit their learners, Martin Mamatlaruma for transporting us to different schools, Sekgosese FM for radio interviews and sponsoring us with the venue (The Look Community Hall), Mr Rudzane Masutha for sponsoring us with drinks and Thabo Malakapatlo known as Vora for sponsoring us with music system during our drive for first auditions,” said Rashijane.

TruCam Ultimate is currently looking for sponsors in terms of anything that will contribute positively to the success of their event. 

“We plead with parents to support and motivate their children to take part in this event,” she concluded.

By Joey Wa Rabapane

ELITE ELEVEN DEFENDS MCR CUP

Elite Eleven FC from Ga-Raphahlelo village in Sekgosese was the only team outside Ga-Mamaila Village in the Top 4 Knockout Tournament which took place on the 19th of April 2019 at Golden Sports Ground.

By Manthole Mashala

In the first match of the tournament Mamaila Eleven forced the hosts Mamaila Golden to take an early shower after crushing them out by 1-0. In the second match Elite 11 were too hot for Mamaila Shiners to catch them, therefore Elite Eleven cruised to the finals with a 2-1 win.

The Champions: Elite Eleven

The tournament got more interesting when the first round winners locked horns and it was the survival of the fittest. The match was decided on penalty shootouts whereby the defending champions, Elite Eleven won the match with 3-2 when the game ended 1-1 in a full 90 minutes play.

“I feel grateful and proud of us as a team to be able to deliver good results and staying champions two years in a draw”, said the Captain, Kagiso Ramoba.

His team walked away with a trophy, 17 gold medals and R2 000-00 cash. If they win it again next year they will take the floating trophy permanently.

“It was not simple and soccer is a sport that doesn’t have therefore. Though you are the best you can still be beaten by the under dogs but focus and determination of wanting to stay the champions back to back are two things that made things easy for us”, added Ramoba.

He told Sekgosese Insider that with R2 000-00 prize money they are going to buy soccer balls and save the other cash for the upcoming tournaments.

Ramoba further congratulated the organizers for hosting a successful tournament.

The original idea was to host top 8 soccer tournaments however they had to cut it to four teams because other teams did not avail themselves.

“I was told that we should change from top 4 to top 8 soccer tournament and we went with it in order to accommodate Everyone but at the end of the day those people (other four teams) where nowhere to be seen”, said one of the Organizers, Mahlatse Cassias Rantlhakgwa who is better known as ManCash.

He further told Sekgosese Insider that as a community they should work together to promote and develop talent not to try and destroy one another.

Sekgosese Insider was covering the tournament with live updates on social media platforms and our reporters witnessed the event as a success.

BALOYI BUILT AND UNVEILED A STATUE IN HIS HONOUR

The Managing Director of Vutlhari Stimulation & Disability Centre told Sekgosese Insider that he had spent 26 years carring for disabled people and for that reason he deserved to be honoured.

By Joey Wa Rabapane

However, he decided to honour himself because no one “recognized him”.

The statue was officially unveiled during his birthday on the 12th of April at Roerfontein village outside the centre. He shares his birthday with the former president Jacob Zuma.

He advised disabled people to never be afraid to voice their concerns to South African government.