Child Star, Marang joins BYM alumni
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Former child star, Marang Molosiwa of Mantlwaneng fame was among 100 other young Africans who attended the week long Brightest Young Minds (BYM) Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. The summit started on September 24 and ended yesterday (Friday 29th).
Each year, BYM identifies 100 young people (between 20 and 35) who are creating a positive social impact and are interested in learning from innovative young people. According to their website, BYM not only connects but mobilizes Africa’s most innovative and responsible people. At the annual summit, the young leaders are challenged to think about and act on solving social and environmental challenges. Molosiwa could not contain her excitement when she openly expressed her joy for being among the chosen 100 for the BYM summit.
“Proud to announce my participation in this year's Brightest Young Minds! BYM brings together 100 of Africa's top minds who are young, creative and impactful change makers! It is a privilege to be in the presence of youth from across Africa making incredible contributions in their communities! Let's turn Africa's potential to reality! We are its future leaders,” she posted on her Facebook page on Monday.
Molosiwa came onto the spotlight at only 11 years old as a budding presenter on the national broadcaster’s only children’s program, Mantlwaneng. She would later resurface years later, co-hosting My African Dream, a talent search show by Maru-a-Pula school. She then moved away from the small screen and tried her hand in radio drama- a feat which landed her even more fans. In 2009 she took on the lead role in an HIV themed short film that formed part of the Soul-City/BP 10 part series, One Love Stories, another feat which probably inspired her to enrol for her first degree in drama at the University of Pretoria and for a Postgraduate degree in Drama and Film at the Wits University.
A self confessed advocate for the arts, Marang has been using her artistic skills to further promote the arts and encourage social change through performance. Beyond all this, the 25 year old has also been involved with an association that engages young women in relevant conversation about adulthood- “Minds for Tomorrow” which was founded in 2014. The association’s objective to provide a space for conversations aimed at yielding meaningful exchanges and calls to action amongst Botswana’s youth.
In 2015, in honour of International Youth Day she was recognized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as one of the young Batswana who “engaged in any community work, and had civic engagement in the community”. She has been actively tweeting and posting on Facebook about the summit: “Amazed by the work my fellow young Africans are doing in their countries and for the continent. We are all trying to effect change in our communities with the use of our unique interests and strengths! Connecting, engaging, and collaborating,’ she wrote on her Facebook wall on Wednesday.
She declined to comment on the development, telling WeekendLife that she would not be doing any interviews for now. “I trust you are well! Unfortunately it won't be possible. I am currently not doing any interviews for some time,” she wrote in response to this reporter who had requested an interview with her.
Brightest Young Minds (BYM) is a 17-year old non-profit company that exists to create a positive social impact by identifying, connecting and mobilising 100 high-impact leaders between the ages of 20 – 35 across the African continent. Established leaders, which have included Ahmed Kathrada, Advocate Thuli Madonsela, Michael Jordaan and Ketso Gordhan, have been involved with the program, inspiring delegates at the summit.
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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.
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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.
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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.