Limpopo teen and mentor shine on national TV show
Future Leaders is a show that has left many South African audiences captivated with its unique way of solving one of society's biggest problems, namely, alcohol abuse.
POLOKWANE – Last Tuesday, the much-anticipated season four of Future Leaders officially aired on SABC 1 at 21:00.
The 13-episode reality television series follows the lives of South African youths who are tackling issues of alcohol abuse and other related social problems. The show also documents the teens’ journey to becoming positive role models and agents of positive change within their respective communities and among their peers.
One of the teenage contestants is from Turfloop, right here in Limpopo.
His name is Khutso Mamabolo (17), a Gr 10 learner from Ga-Thoka. Mamabolo was raised by his grandmother from the age of four and is described by all his teachers as a dedicated, confident and active learner.
After a nationwide search for the new season of Future Leaders’ contestants was undertaken in schools, Mamabolo became one of six shortlisted youths from all around the country to take part in the show.
His mentor is popular DJ and radio personality, Makwena Makgakga, who is most affectionately known as Kwenisto. Makwena listed some of his mentee’s projects.
“He has already distributed posters with under-age drinking messages in taverns we both visited, and on 22 October, he will hand over the computer lab he built for his school.
“It is not easy to keep a young person motivated because things don’t always go as planned. But I make sure I’m there when he wants to talk and when he needs guidance,” Makgakga explained.
According to Makwena, they have a good relationship and they love working together.
“We are like brothers. We understand each other and we can talk about anything from music to our ambitions. We have both learnt a lot from this show,” Makgakga said.
vella@nmgroup.co.za
