Melody Gospel TV Show finalists win scholarships
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Sunday December 5, 2021 06:00
In an interview with Arts & Culture, Melody Gospel TV Show 2021 winner Atlang Sebetwane said she started singing when she was still at primary school. She also said she learnt about The Melody Gospel TV Show last year and then decided to go for auditions where by the grace of the Lord she made it.
She explained that voting started at top 20 where they had to ask for support from Batswana since it was hectic proceeding to the next round. "Being crowned winner is one of the biggest achievement of them all because the competition was very tight, as all the contestants were talented. Securing a spot to study the course of my choice at GUC on its own is the greatest achievement and a blessing. I thank God for that," she said.
Sebetwane added that she chose to study Purchasing and Supply Management which her late mother Bontlogile Bonnie Mogotsi had always wanted her to do. She said she will be starting next year January 2022 and would give her studies the best attention to ensure that she passes with flying colours. She explained that an opportunity like that comes once in a lifetime hence the reason to grab it and use it wisely. For his part, former Melody Gospel TV Show second runner up who also had an opportunity to benefit from the scholarship, Tsaone Raditladi said he was thankful to both GUC and Melody Gospel TV Show producers for making it possible for him to study a course of his dreams.
He said he studied towards Diploma in Occupational Health where he passed with distinction. "Before being given the scholarship, I was unemployed and staying home. I was worried about what my future would be without qualifications or a job. This scholarship was a great opportunity for me and I am elevated. Thank you GUC for changing my life. I got a job at Debswana through my diploma and I will be starting soon," he said. Raditladi further advised fellow contestants to do assignments, study hard and listen to lecturers so that they pass. He added that getting the opportunity should be a motivation for them to work hard. For his part, GUC managing director, Anthony Joseph said they were celebrating the last phase of about P481,000 sponsorship they gave to the show's season three.
He explained that the money was used to pay the venue for auditions and elimination shows, filming and shooting, GUC mechandise and backdrop banners and scholarships for winners both certificates and diploma. "This is the second cohort of students we are sponsoring after winning the Melody Gospel TV Show. Our inclination of supporting the community had been deliberately tilted towards investment in the human resources especially the youth because we believe that there is much potential in them.
This is the potential that needs to be nurtured through skills development for the benefit of the entire community. We also believe that an investment in fellow individuals is an investment in the whole community," he said. Joseph further advised the beneficiaries of the scholarship to take that opportunity seriously saying that he was aware that pressures for shows and other social activities will always be there. He advised them to make time for their studies. The director of the show, Pagson Ntsie said broadcasting the show on Botswana Television (Btv) was not easy since it took seven years for the show to be approved. He added that he had to call on fellow music gurus for assistance and advice.
However, he admitted that even though at the beginning securing sponsorship for the show was difficult, GUC came to their rescue last year during Season Two of the show. He said he was very grateful to the university for making an impact in ordinary people's lives.