Why Kgajwane is making a name for herself

Kgomotso Molelekeng
Correspondent | Friday March 8, 2013 00:00

 

Her enthusiasm is contagious, her passion infectious and her dreams make you think hard about how high you're aiming for yourself.  It's amazing just how far she has come, but once you sit down and chat with her, you realise, with a vision and drive as strong as hers, it isn't surprising at all that she's already making such a big name for herself.

In an industry where comparisons are rife and individuality is hard to carve out - this Moshupa-born native has had no trouble stamping her mark and standing out as her own person.Born in 1970 in Moshupa, Kgajwane did all her schooling there before the bright lights of the city beckoned her.  Growing up listening to radio when she had free time, developing love for it and admiring radio giants like Mogatusi Kwapa, drove the young Kgajwane to apply for a vacant post in the world of broadcasting at Radio Botswana (RB1) as it was then the only radio station in the country.

'I remember applying for a post at RB1 years back and getting rejected but that did not pull me down as I applied again whenever there was a vacant post,' she reminisces.  After trying her luck four times, Kgajwane finally got the call she had been waiting for.  She was among the four candidates who were hired for a post in News and Current Affairs, but having a deep love for presenting Kgajwane managed to convince her bosses that she was the right person to be in the Arts and Culture section as a continuity presenter - and a star was instantly born.

'I was attached to Mokgankgara to co-present with and I must say, I learnt much from that man and he always gave me space and time to present as I was still a learner,' she says.In 2001, Kgajwane did her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communications at North West University in South Africa (SA) and completed it in 2003 where she continued where she left off at RB1.  Around 2009, RB1 was now re-branding and introducing new slots for the presenters and this saw Kgajwane being given a morning slot, being given a morning slot in radio only meant one thing - that this ambitious woman was making a huge impact on radio. 'Being given the 8-11 am slot meant a lot to me and motivated me to even perfect my skills,' she points out.  Kgajwane started presenting Mosalagae from 2009 till present and she has managed to maintain and increase his listenership everyday.

The show airs every week day in the morning and so far judging by the amount of call-ins and feedback she has been getting from the public, this morning show has proved to be one of the most listened to and biggest show to ever come out locally. Kgajwana explains to Arts & Culture that the show was done initially for those people who remain home when others have gone to work but it now looks as if the show is for everybody as even those at work sometimes call during the show.  She further mentions that the show has book reviews, call-ins and plays a lot of local music.  'This show airs in the morning and that's the time when I am still energetic and full of enthusiasm; so I give it my all and I think that is why a lot of people can relate to me as they can feel my energy,' she says.

The talented Kgajwane is also a producer and presenter of another famous and much-loved show Maokaneng, which airs every Wednesday from 1615 to 1800 hours.  Maokaneng is mostly famous among the elderly people as it discusses social issues that happen in life and gives people a platform to air their grievances. For her, radio is a powerful device that has the ability to drive home a point.  To give accurate information to the public she researchies her materials well.  She feels her fans are able to remain loyal because of her easy to relate to character and mostly her style and laughter.  'I like laughing a lot and most of my listeners sometimes call in to just tell me that they miss my laughter and also my ability to make some sort of conversation with the listener, to talk to them as if they were there with me is what sets me apart from other radio personalities,' she says.

Her most nerve-wracking moment was the first time she read the news bulletin as she freaked out the whole time and feared never to be called again but she was surprised to be called in again the following day.  She is still a news reader for RB1.  She points out that she is also part of the management team of the programmes section of the station and Kgajwane's most proud moments on air are always when the listeners call back to give her feedback on her shows, be it negative or positive as it grows and moulds her. 

Ten years from now Kgajwane sees herself as a retired somebody operating her own business.  She says a career in radio is a profession that she would advice young people to venture into, as it is an interesting job that can make a name for someone and take him/her where many failed to reach.  Kgajwane then points out that radio has been good and welcoming to her as she is a reserved person.

It's hard to believe anyone can be as smart and as well informed as Lesego Kgajwane is and still manage to effortlessly be equally vivacious and warm. My advice - however much respect you have for her right now - this is one woman who is worth every bit of it.