Katso: Cyberbullied to Fame
WeekendLife
When she chose an oversized outfit for a Red Tie party recently, she never thought the entire world will be throwing tantrums at her the next day – in the cyber space. But that was her gateway to a dream she fashioned years ago.
Katso Tlhobogang, a 22 year-old from Ramotswa was bullied on social media for her choice of outfit, but things turned different when eventually everyone was coming on board to assist her become the person she really is. The stunning beauty had tongues wagging across social media plartforms after she transformed into a butterfly following the intervention of several good samaritans. When her bullies were making her an object of scorn, they did not know that they were transforming her for the better – overnight.
She shared with WeekendLife that when she saw the many negative comments about her outfit on social media, especially Facebook, she was crushed to the core and had herself isolated for days. “I could not eat for many days. I honestly thought my outfits covered my whole body as I did not want clothes that were revealing,” she said.
“I have never been subjected to so much hate,” she said, adding that many people will never understand what bullying can do to them until it actually happens to them in person. Despite everything, many people were calling to comfort her and stood by her. “People should stop cyberbullying others because it kills them inside. Most of the people who bully others are those who are bullied too and are taking it out on other people. They spend most of their time doing nothing but pulling others down,” she said.
She highlighted that if she was alone that day, the worst could have happened to her. “My mother was there to comfort me and to make sure I was okay. My relatives also stood by me,” she said. The now blooming personality said growing up she wanted to be famous through modelling like Kendall Jenner from the Kardashian family but now that she is in the limelight – albeit by default – she said it is already an amazing experience.
“I can walk in a mall and a lot of people are staring and want to take pictures with me. The love is amazing and I never thought things could turn out this way for me. I have a lot to do now and every day is a very busy day,” she said. After Katso met with the energetic and proactive Cabinet minister Thapelo Olopeng, he did not waste time, contacted Woolworths immediately and asked them to make her their face of spring and she was showered with a lot goodies from the store.
Amongst many things given to her, she was offered a shopping spree to Turkey courtesy of Mrs Makgalemele. She will also be travelling to Namibia, Sun City and Okavango. She has received clothing deals from different companies to last her the next years to come.
Despite the hurricane-force insults aimed at her on social media, Katso observed that lately Batswana have been very supportive and that she can now walk tall and face her shortcomings.
“Someone told me, ‘they have dragged your image in the mud, but we are going to give you a new image’. I am now confident and not afraid anymore,” she highlighted. Katso is active on the ground and she said a lot of people are offering many things to her every day.
WeekendLife
Creatives taking over 2023
Creativity is seen everywhere and these individuals did something recently that’s never been done before, and some are still killing it. We see creativity on streaming platforms, stages, runways, social media and boardrooms even. Some of them are revamping their businesses, and lately, clothing sale is thriving.
They love concept-driven designs, storytelling and they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that will leave footprints in the sand. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, these creative minds utilized the drawing board and they became cognizant that monetizing content will actually take them far, which is frank nonetheless.
This is commendable though, but the creative industry will still need support from government in order for it to flourish further. Allocation of resources (funds, facilities and empowerment) should be done consistently, creativity must be raised and at the end of the day, the economy benefits from that kind of investment.
HAN C
Ever since he parted ways with his former manager, DJ Bougee Sid, Mahalapye born-pint sized, multi-award-winning artist, Hanceford Magapatona has been taking up space, unapologetically so. Han C has shown a strong will to take over the entire world, and he is in the right direction. He’s solely organizing the annual Mahalapye Spring Festival, which is taking place next weekend.
The Pepetetsa hitmaker raked some monies from his savings to put together this event. Mahalapye Spring Festival will feature Paige, Ubuntu Band, Khoisan, Amantle Brown and Double Up among others. Even though it didn’t come as a surprise, Han C was nominated at African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in the US, under Best Male Southern Africa category.
However, the award was snatched by the late South African rapper, AKA. Its not all lost as Han C secured two nominations at the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs): People’s Choice of the Year and Best Male Single.
KOKETSO MOTSWAGOLE
This entrepreneur has turned his dreams into reality, and his promising apparel business is now a fashion destination. Matter of fact, Motswagole weathered the storms to be where he is now because through criticism and social media bullying, he still leads the pack in fashion.
His social media accounts got deleted but through his online store, KM Sales, Motswagole is able to rake in some profits. He initially started selling from his car but now owns a busy store and has employed a number of young people.
KM Sales has been offering fashionable items (shoes, t-shirts, pants) and has been participating in various lifestyle events such as Garden of Drip where it showcases its products.
If there is one young entrepreneur to draw motivation from is Koketso. The business started from humble beginnings, at the time when he worked part time at Ipelegeng as a casual labor. Indeed, good things come to those who wait, or well, work like a slave today, live like a king tomorrow.
KAGISO LUDO DE KLERK
Vee Mampeezy’s ex-wife Kagiso De Klerk clearly did not sit and weep over their dramatic divorce. The famous social media influencer hurriedly picked up the pieces and went hard on promoting business online. She literally took social media influencing to the head and it is working for her.
This year saw her partnership with Shell reach greater heights, and obviously, she is raking lot of pulas from the deal. Kagiso has been making frequent appearances in top events in South Africa such as Bubbles in Spring and Gold and Diamond Experience.
GAONA DINTWE
After a long break from the limelight, renowned media and radio personality, Gaona Dintwe is back. She was missed by many on TV, and she’s back where she belongs, news anchoring on BTV. Gaona has also found a niche in podcasting. She is a host of her own podcast, Gaona Live Conversation, where various people share their stories on camera.
Some of what they discuss is Gender Based Violence (GBV), polygamy and drug addiction. This is highly commendable because even BTV doesn’t have programs that discuss these crucial social issues. The Lentswelemoruti native is also seen in various corporate events where she is engaged as a host.
WeekendLife
DITIRO LEERO ONE MAN SHOW ON THE PIPELINE
Now that one-man shows are made fashionable, traditional dance guru and ex-convict, Ditiro Leero is joining the crusade and he will be hosting his also. The show will be held next month at Zone 4 Farm in Selokolela, but the there are traditional dance music artists who have been lined up to perform at the show. Matshana, Morwa Leka and Maswailathota will be doing their thing and probably bring some heat too. Ditiro Leero will be making history as the first traditional artist to host a one-man show in Botswana.
WeekendLife
MISS BOTSWANA HAVING MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE
With only two months before Miss World 2023, the reigning Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo is having many irons in the fire, preparing for the much-anticipated beauty pageant. Miss World 2023 will be the 71st edition of Miss World pageant and it will be held in India. Chombo has been spotted toning her body at Jack’s gym, a requirement that is taken seriously at the pageant. She has also been participating in charity events, something that should add to her profile at the Miss World.