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Teenage artist’s perseverance pays off

A 17-year-old artist from Matipane village had his dream come true when he met his role model, the mayor of the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) last week.

Masedi Sebola, a Gr 11 learner at Motloboni Combined School, presented GTM Mayor Gerson Molapisane with a portrait created by the youngster by cracking and chipping black glass. “The mayor inspires me because he grew up facing many challenges,” said Sebola. Although Sebola has not yet decided what he wants to study after school, he says that he is interested in graphic design and civil engineering as possible careers, among others.

“This is a good story to tell. This is talent. This is perseverance. In life, we all have skills and talents. This is serious art and you have a talent, but I want to inspire you to live in your books and to concentrate on your studies. You need education to pursue your gifts,” Molapisane said. He also took a keen interest in Sebola’s school results saying:

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“Today when I am done with you, you will realise that something has started, I want to see your results in December next year. “I will walk side-by-side with you,” Molapisane added. The mayor emphasised that he is committed to Sebola’s future. “I have assisted others, some are now graduates. “I will assist you who have already displayed something that you are capable of,” he said.

Sebola’s talents came to light after one of his supporters, Delmarie Geldenhuys, manager of PNA in Tzaneen, reached out to the Herald and the communications department at GTM a few weeks ago. “He is such a talented young man. Honing your artistic skills takes commitment, practice and perseverance and I am very proud of him,” said Geldenhuys.

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Anwen Mojela

Anwen Mojela is a journalist at the Letaba Herald. She graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Journalism at the Tshwane University of Technology. Including an internship and freelancing, Anwen has four years’ experience in the field and has been a permanent name in the Herald for nearly three years. Anwen’s career highlights include a water corruption investigative story when she was an intern and delving into wildlife and nature conservation. “I became a journalist mainly to be the voice of the voiceless, especially working for a community newspaper. Helping with the bit that I can, makes choosing journalism worth it.

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