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Tuesday, 14 July 2009 |
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Mpho Molefe
At the end of 2006 Mpho Molefe had almost completed her Bachelor of Commerce (Information Technology) degree with the University of Venda for Science and Technology.
The snag was that there was a short course that she had to write early in 2007 in order to satisfy all the requirements for graduation. However, something strange happened. Although she had not qualified to graduate early in 2007, a friend called her and informed her that her name was on the graduation list. Without any waste of time the young woman rushed to the university to claim her degree.
After some investigation, the authorities informed her that the appearance of her name on the list was a printing error. Although she knew she still had to write and pass an outstanding course before graduation, she thought that perhaps there was divine intervention that made her graduate without the course. It was not to be. She wrote the course, passed and graduated in September of the same year. That was just another episode in the life of Mpho Molefe, Capricorn FM’s afternoon drive heartthrob.
Every afternoon between 15h00 and 18h00, commonly known as the Afternoon Drive, thousands of Capricorn FM listeners tune in to listen to this radio phenomenon. With her melodious voice and thought provoking topics, Molefe has carved herself a niche among the over 1, 5 million listeners of Limpopo’s “hottest frequency.”
Mpho Molefe’s arrival on the radio scene happened in 2002 while she was studying for her B.Comm degree at the University of Venda. Although she had registered for a commercial degree, her heart lay elsewhere. There was a relentless restlessness that was bugging the young woman.
The idea of graduating and sitting in a corporate office in a large company and working in air-conditioned offices as a B.Comm graduate did not sit well with this extrovert.
Bored by her studies she ventured into something that came naturally to her. She auditioned for the position of presenter at the university’s Radio Univen. As a natural communicator, she cruised through the auditions and was snapped up by the university radio station.
Her life at university became meaningful, full time student and part time radio presenter. The beautiful young woman had found her career long before graduation. Starting as a news presenter, Molefe did her work with dedication, passion and enthusiasm.
In 2005, while still studying, she was appointed news editor and had a staff of eight journalists reporting to her. By the time she finished her studies, she had acquired some substantial radio experience.
Even before Molefe took her first full time job as a journalist, she had the opportunity to travel overseas and this was an experience of a lifetime. She had sent in her essay in a national competition on “Bridging the Digital Divide” and the adjudicators were impressed with her perspective on the subject. She was off to Hong Kong to attend a week-long international conference on the same topic.
Now, this little girl from rural Limpopo was going to fly for the first time. It was both an exciting and daunting experience.” When I arrived at O.R. Tambo Airport I was overawed by the airport facilities, the large crowds and the giant aeroplanes. I couldn’t believe it was me on this big stage en route to such an exotic destination. I had arrived. I was very happy,” reminisced Molefe.
But who is Mpho Molefe? Mpho Molefe was born on 10 November 1982 in Seshego, Polokwane. She is the first child of Sidney and Sophy Molefe. She started her primary education at Dorothy Langa Primary School and later transferred to Tsotsometja Primary School in Seshego.
On completion of her primary education, the little girl was sent to the famous Harry Oppenheimer Agricultural High School. Under Mr Phalane, this school built a formidable reputation as one of the best two schools in Limpopo in which all matric candidates were guaranteed of an exemption pass. Its main rival was and still is the distinguished Mbilwi Secondary School.
It was while at Harry Oppenheimer that Molefe began to discover herself as a communicator. “My two English teachers, Mr Varughese and Mr Thema, had a positive influence on me. Besides the ordinary teaching that they did in class, they also coached me on public speaking and writing. I entered for several speaking and writing competitions and these teachers would help me prepare for these competitions. I am really grateful to them for that extra mile they went to assist me to do well in these contests that exposed me to the world of communication,” Molefe explained with humility.
Mpho Molefe passed her matric well in the year 2000. She obtained an A symbol in English, a remarkable feat indeed. In 2001 she began her tertiary education at the University of Venda for Science and Technology. As alluded to earlier on, it was at UniVen that she launched her radio career and she is now in her eighth year as a radio personality.
After UniVen Radio she joined Thobela FM from which she was head-hunted by the Capricorn FM management. It was a move that happened at the right time and the Seshego girl is having the time of her life.
To the youth of Limpopo Mpho Molefe has a simple message,” the only way to achieve success is through hard work and dedication.” She herself is involved in a long term project to contribute to the bridging of the digital divide between the developed world and the third world. It is going to take hard work and dedication to succeed in this endeavour.
As we part company after our breakfast interview at the upmarket Cappello Restaurant in Thornhill, Polokwane, Molefe, dressed like a company executive, bids me farewell as she rushes to the equally upmarket Bendor suburb where the lavish offices of Capricorn FM are located. She is a lady with a mission.
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