Makwane star receives hero’s welcome

By Libuseng Nyaka

QWAQWA – A grade 10 learner from Makwane Comprehensive Articon School Tshepang Monare, who has won third position in the ‘Our Generation Music Without Borders competition in Moscow Russia on November 11 ,2023 has described her experience a turning point.

Fifteen-year old Monare had represented South Africa in the children’s singing competition against other 12 countries across the world.
She said the experience was overwhelming yet exciting. The competition aims at developing and supporting young authors and performers to popularize their creativity and also preserve culture around the world.

“It is an experience that I will never forget in my life. It was my first time to fly overseas. Russia is beautiful country, I managed to make lots of friends from other countries such as China, Brazil and Russia.”

Monare said her interest to join the competition was influenced by her participation in drama.
“In our school I do music as a subject and that is the reason I chose to enter the competition.”
The principal of Makwane combine school, Vusimuzi Nyama, said the journey to Russia was made possible by the department of Sports Arts, Culture and Recreation.

“There is centre here in Qwaqwa led by Mr Ntsane Mopeli. Children between 13 and 15 years were screened locally, by the centre and the next competition was at district level, then provincial and ultimately national where Monare scored the opportunity to represent the country in Russia.”

On arrival back home Monare was received in a befitting welcome. She was met by a convoy from the University of Free State Qwaqwa campus led by Maluti-a-phofung local municipality and made up of community members and students.
Applauding young Monare, Maluti-a-Phofung single council whip Moeketsi Lebesa expressed immense pleasure to extend his heartfelt congratulation to Monare.

“As we celebrate Monare success, it is important to acknowledge the tremendous potential and promise that young people hold, especially in the realm of music and arts.
“However, it is equally crucial to recognize the challenges and dangers that can threaten the bright futures of our talented youth. One such peril that looms over many young individuals in the music industry is the destructive influence of drugs.”

Raising her country’s flag high in Moscow, Tshepang Monare.

Meanwhile, department of sport, arts, culture and recreation spokesperson Tankiso Zola had this to say in a media statement:

“The Free State department of sport, arts, culture and recreation would like to convey its congratulatory message to Ms Tshepang Monare who has made her province and country proud by obtaining third place in the ‘Our Generation Music Without Boarders Competition that took place on November 11 2023 in Moscow, Russia.”

The trip to Russia was made possible by the department DSACR in partnership with National Youth Development Agency.