Kibler Park’s Thabelo becomes a junior TV presenter for SABC

At just 13 years of age, Thabelo Makhode has a head-start in his career as the youngest TV presenter on SABC for Kids News and Current Affairs.

The Kibler Park resident from Kibler Park Secondary School was ecstatic because he wanted to do this since he was four years old. He believes his current position in the media is a dream come true.

Thabelo’s dream of working in the media, specifically at the SABC, began when he watched the breakfast news show, Morning Live hosted by Leanne Manas, while still living in Limpopo, as he prepared for school. His interest then grew when his grandfather gave a speech for the SABC.

The dream which turned into reality

When asked about how he learnt about the position, Thabelo explained Astron Energy came to their school to donate a digital library. The SABC covered the story, and they chose him as one of the learners to be interviewed about the donation.

“After the interview, the teacher and event coordinator at our school informed us that we needed to take part in the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act proposal to include our insertion about the new rules that needed amendment. I participated in it, and when the SABC came and learnt about our school’s insertion, they saw my potential and I was scouted.

“I was invited to an interview and a few auditions. I was told that if they did not respond within two days, I should consider it unsuccessful. They never called, and I had given up hope. After a month, they called to inform me that I had been chosen as one of their junior presenters. I couldn’t believe it. I was overjoyed,” said Thabelo.

The interplay of work and school

Thabelo emphasised he will be able to balance work and school because he will only be presenting during school holidays and weekends.

“The best about this presenting is that you do it as a group and get to adapt to the atmosphere. They give you a school-like experience and monitor your school report and how you are doing academically. I know how to balance school and work because they provide time to get used to our surroundings.

“My parents help me academically. My father is a disciplinarian because he is the one who usually puts me in the right direction when they notice that I am falling behind in school, and my mother is an encourager.

“I follow their instructions because I want to encourage the younger version of myself who grew up in the villages, and who wonders what it is like to be in the media. In the majority of my shoots, I always reflect on where I started and where I am now,” said Thabelo.

A message to aspiring young presenters

“When I wanted to work in the media, I wanted to be perfect and realised that is not the way. My advice to others is to not strive for perfection. Remember that simplicity is the height of sophistication. Be whoever you are and strive to be the best version of yourself,” Thabelo advised.

“I am grateful to the SABC, my family, and my teachers for providing me with this opportunity,” Thabelo added.

A word from the principal

Hosea Mabuya, the school principal said they are proud of Thabelo and hope he represents the school well, as he always does.

“At our school, we always say that a school must nourish a wide range of characters and qualities in learners. We as a school must attempt to identify different types of talent in our learners so that we can guide them and their parents in the right direction. So it is with Thabelo. He is profound in debate and public speaking, and demonstrates that he is a leader,” said Mabuya.