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Inspiring Teachers: Kelebogile's Journey

Kelebogile Boikanyo is a 24-year-old soprano singer who is employed by Opera Africa. She grew up in Mabopane, north of Tshwane, where she attended Selelo Primary School and technical and commercial high schools in Hebron. Her favorite teacher was her choirmaster, Mr. Mokgethi, who inspired her to pursue a career in music by showing faith in her talents and enthusiasm for the subject. She remains in contact with Mr. Mokgethi and credits him with giving her a vision for her future.

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49 views3 pages

Inspiring Teachers: Kelebogile's Journey

Kelebogile Boikanyo is a 24-year-old soprano singer who is employed by Opera Africa. She grew up in Mabopane, north of Tshwane, where she attended Selelo Primary School and technical and commercial high schools in Hebron. Her favorite teacher was her choirmaster, Mr. Mokgethi, who inspired her to pursue a career in music by showing faith in her talents and enthusiasm for the subject. She remains in contact with Mr. Mokgethi and credits him with giving her a vision for her future.

Uploaded by

tatenda kawisi
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

QUESTION 1

Read the dialogue below and answer the questions that follow.

A positive attitude rubs off on pupils

An international opera sensation says her choirmaster influenced her career choice.

By Thabo Mohlala

Kelebogile Boikanyo (24) is the proud winner of the 2012 Standard Bank Young Artist Award 2012 in
music. Born in Pretoria, this soprano singer studied the vocal arts at Tshwane University of
Technology. She has sung in a range of local and international concerts. In this interview, she tells
journalist Thabo Mohlala about her experiences at school and how they prepared her for success
that she is enjoying now.

TM: How do you earn a living?

KB: I am employed as a full-time associate artist by the opera company Opera Africa. Here I am
in a position to study opera roles and concert programmes under the artistic director, Hein de
Villiers.

TM: Where did you grow up?

KB: I grew up in Mabopane, north of Tshwane.

TM: Which schools did you attend?

KB: I started school at the age of five at Selelo Primary School. I went on to complete matric at
technical and commercial high schools in Hebron.

TM: Who was your favourite teacher and why?

KB: At school, Mr Mokgethi, our choirmaster, showed faith in me. I enjoyed singing in his choir
and also liked his enthusiasm about music. This inspired me to enter the Tirisano Schools Choral
Eisteddfod, where I won the top prize.

TM: Are you still in contact with him?

KB: Yes, I am still in contact with him. We keep in touch telephonically.

TM: What were your favourite subjects and why?

KB: I enjoyed my school years and I especially enjoyed learning languages. My favourite subject
was singing, simply because I had a beautiful voice and wanted to express myself through music.

TM: In your view, what are the qualities of a good teacher?

KB: A good teacher can connect with pupils and communicates clearly. In singing we emphasise:
“Say what you mean and mean what you say!” I think this could apply to teachers too.

TM: What are the things a teacher should never say or do?

KB: Teachers should never be negative when they talk to pupils, like saying, “I told you so!” or
“You let us down!” or “Wena, o ithaa o re o botoka mo bathong botlhe!” This Tshwana expression
means: “You think you’re better than everyone else!

TM: What message do you have for South African teachers?


KB: I know teachers are the heart and soul of our country’s present and future. Love your work,
love your learners – and give them a vision. I have been fortunate to experience exactly that with my
mentors and coaches.

1.1 How old is Kelebogile? (Write her age in words.) (1)

___________________________________________________________

1.2 What work does she do?


(1)

___________________________________________________________

1.3 Who inspired her to choose this career? (1)

___________________________________________________________

1.4 What do the abbreviations “TM” and “KB” stand for, as used in this article? (2)

___________________________________________________________

1.5 Where did Kelebogile go to high school? (1)

___________________________________________________________

1.6 List two reasons why Mr Mokgethi was Kelebogile’s favourite teacher. (2)

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

1.7 State whether the following statements are True or False.

Quote from the text to support each answer.

i. Kelebogile was born in Gauteng. (1)

_________________________________________________________

ii. She has only sung for South African audiences. (1)
_________________________________________________________

iii. Kelebogile has not spoken to her choirmaster since she left school. (1)

_________________________________________________________

1.8 Give one reason why Kelebogile’s favourite subject was singing. (1)

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

1.9 Write down one word that sums up Kelebogile’s attitude towards teachers. (2)

____________________________________________________________

1.10 Do you agree with her views? Give a reason for your answer. (2)

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

1.11 In your opinion, what should teachers do to inspire their learners?

(Your answer should be based on your own ideas; it does not have to

refer to the article.) (2)

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

(18
marks)

Common questions

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Kelebogile's experiences suggest that teachers can have a profound impact on students' future success by recognizing and nurturing their potential. Her choirmaster's support and encouragement not only boosted her confidence but also set her on a path to pursue her passions and achieve success in opera. This showcases the importance of positive reinforcement and personalized attention in education .

Kelebogile Boikanyo believes a good teacher should connect with pupils and communicate clearly. Her experience with Mr. Mokgethi aligns with these views; he communicated his faith in her, fostered enthusiasm for music, and inspired her success. His ability to inspire and make pupils feel valued reflects the qualities Kelebogile associates with effective teaching .

Kelebogile Boikanyo’s story underscores the critical role of early encouragement and validation in pursuing a career in the arts. Her choirmaster's belief in her abilities provided a pivotal motivation that instilled confidence and inspired participation in competitions, cultivating her talents from a young age. This early foundation was pivotal in enabling her to pursue a career in opera, highlighting the importance of nurturing environments for young artists .

Kelebogile Boikanyo’s positive attitude towards teachers likely fosters strong and mutually respectful relationships with mentors in her career. Her appreciation for clear communication and emotional support in education can translate into professional relationships that emphasize collaboration, mentorship, and mutual admiration, as seen with her association with the artistic director Hein de Villiers in her current role .

Kelebogile Boikanyo's career in opera was significantly influenced by her choirmaster, Mr. Mokgethi, who showed faith in her abilities and fostered her love for singing. His enthusiasm for music and encouragement gave her the confidence to pursue opportunities, such as entering the Tirisano Schools Choral Eisteddfod, where she was remarkably successful .

Kelebogile Boikanyo's narrative challenges stereotypes about opera being an inaccessible career for young South Africans by highlighting her journey from a modest background to an international opera sensation. Her success demonstrates that with the right support and opportunities, such as those provided by encouraging mentors and participation in music competitions, careers in traditionally perceived elite fields like opera are attainable .

Kelebogile Boikanyo’s success in opera holds substantial cultural implications for South African youth by expanding perceptions of career possibilities in the musical arts. As an ambassador of South African talent on international stages, she exemplifies the global potential of local artists and inspires young aspirants to pursue careers that deviate from conventional paths. Her story promotes cultural pride and challenges the constraints imposed by socioeconomic backgrounds, motivating youth to embrace their heritage in global art forms .

Kelebogile Boikanyo's educational journey laid a strong foundation for her success as an opera singer. Attending schools that offered both technical and commercial education, she was able to hone her vocal talents under the mentorship of Mr. Mokgethi, who was instrumental in her musical development. Her studies at Tshwane University of Technology in vocal arts further refined her craft, providing her with the skills needed for a successful career in opera .

Educational policymakers can glean from Kelebogile Boikanyo's story the vital role that arts education plays in student development and future career success. Her achievements underscore the need for consistent support for arts programs and dedicated educators who can inspire and cultivate students' talents. Policies that prioritize arts education can open pathways for students to pursue diverse and ambitious career possibilities within creative industries .

The interview format effectively conveys Kelebogile Boikanyo's career journey and inspirations by providing direct quotes and personal anecdotes. Through Thabo Mohlala's questions, readers gain insight into her motivations, the influential figures in her life, and her educational background. This format allows for a personal connection with the reader, as Kelebogile recalls specific moments and attributes her success to key individuals like her choirmaster, offering an authentic narrative of her career path .

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