Kgaugelo Matsi graces Standerton with her voice

Kgaugelo Matsi, the Pedi-name for ‘grace’, difficult to pronounce in English, has been heard on more than one singing occasion.

Grace’s clear soprano-voice was put to good use when the Replica Church hosted a Christmas-concert in their auditorium last year.

She sang Noelle with the symphony orchestra of Richard Cock captivating the audience.

“I have been singing since the age of four,” the 22-year-old said.

Her father, Past Andrew Matsi who passed away nearly a year ago, was in front of the piano, accompanying her.

Grace aims to cut a CD in the foreseeable future and frequently sings at parties, weddings and church gatherings.

She won a Showville-television series in 2018 with her rendition of Beyonce’s Listen, and a private concert sometime this year, is also on her to-do list.

Her days are full, with studies at a private college and tutoring children from around Standerton.

“I have been studying towards a teaching diploma for the past five years,” she also said.

“Although it’s hard work, I enjoy it.”

Assignments for six modules and on-line tests keep her occupied.

She is focusing on the foundation phase and doing a practical at her alma mater, Standerton Primary School.

“It is quite an adjustment to have the authority figures now as colleagues.”

She received an award for the most enthusiastic reader in Grade 5 and also played a stowaway at a concert in Grade 7.

“I never knew I could act.”

Grace played netball at school and progressed to provincial level in a defence position.

“I am trying right now to get my momentum back.”

She became involved in a workshop, hosted by her church, where teachers from the township are assisted with learning programmes.

Her private tutoring picks up speed towards the second term when parents begin calling her.

Disciplining learners poses no problem for her as she builds a relationship with each and every learner.

“I learnt how to deal with children at an early-childhood-centre after completing matric.

“It is of paramount importance to know them by name.

“I believe God helps me with that part of my life.”

Grace has two older sisters, Tsholofelo and Khutso, and the house can get pretty full when nieces and nephews arrive for a visit.

Mother Thembi handed over the reins to Grace for their Christmas lunch and her daughter made a beef pie.

She recently began baking as well and making pizzas for the Matsis is a firm favourite.

After reading mostly fiction from the library at school in the past, she now focuses on books that add value to her life.