Miso takes her bow

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Thursday March 1, 2007 00:00

 

Mmereki, who was freelancing for Btv, presented her last show on Saturday having been snatched up by local radio station, Gabz FM. She is going to work for the radio station as an accounts executive and a roving reporter. 'Mega V' starts her new job with Gabz FM today (Thursday, March 1).

Mmereki who started presenting Mokaragana in 2003, served her notice for the whole of February. Initially, she presented the TV programme with the late Bisto Kgotle. Since Kgotle's passing away, Mmereki has been the anchor of Mokaragana programme and also the centre of attraction because of her boundless energy. The out-going presenter never failed to amaze on the screen.

The programme used to be sponsored by (Sugar Packers) Sukiri until last year when it was taken over by Orange. Mmereki said she started to lose interest in presenting Mokaragana late last year when Btv decided to reduce the allowances for freelancers. 'That was when I realised that it was time to move on,' she said, adding that even though the viewers did not notice it, she was demoralised. Mmereki said Gabz FM came with the right offer just as she was contemplating her next move. She felt it was time for growth and confesses that she has always loved radio.  Actually, she started as a newsreader on Radio Botswana.

'When the offer came, I felt that this was the beginning of my radio career and I can't let it go. I have waited for long and I feel this is it.'
'I felt I needed change. If you do not change you don't grow.  I wanted something challenging.  I felt I needed to go out there and see the world.  This is an opportunity that I can't let go,' she said about her new job. After working for Btv for so long, Mmereki said it was sad to say good-bye. 'It was my home for all these years. But I am happy that I am leaving behind a mark.

I know I have done my best. I am grateful to Btv because it has opened doors for me. It opened doors for me to the world,' she said.
Mmereki said working for television was an eye-opener and conceded that she learnt a lot in terms of production and studio work. 'I have learnt how to work with people as a team.  I will take that wherever I go.' Presenting Mokaragana, she said, was quite hectic. 'You worked under pressure.'

She said the presenter had to be on her toes because the programme is also watched outside the country. She added that the sponsors also expected a good delivery.  'They sponsored the show because they believed the presenter was doing a good job.  As a presenter, you need to put up a good show,' she said.  Mmereki said the Mokaragana crew was also supportive. 'The crew members were good.  Everybody, from the security guard to the make up artist up to the director, was good.

I had a good time.  I enjoyed every minute,' she said fondly. The highlight of her sojourn into television was when the programme acquired sponsorship. She said it was a vote of confidence and encouragement and it showed that the programme was big.   Mmereki said she would continue to play her role as a goodwill ambassador for the Global Coalition Campaign Action Against Poverty. Of course, she said, she intends to return to TV at some stage. But this time around she hopes she would be doing a mature programme.
Meanwhile, gospel singer Ketumile would be taking over from Mmereki as the Mokaragana presenter.  Ketumile is not a newcomer to television as he has been one of the presenters of the Sunday gospel music programme.