15 Aug 2017

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

These powerful words were said by the famous Dr Martin Luther King Jr, and they were meant to motivate and instill one with a sense of hope and encouragement that whatever stones life throws at an individual, they can still rise and use them to build an empire.

All these scenarios are used to define Ms Gofaone Makhaya’s fate in the journalism industry, projects and other prospects of life.

Born and bred in Thamaga 24 years ago, the ever energetic freelance journalist was always optimistic about her career in the media industry.  Little did she know, life had more in store for her.

“I have always loved writing, listening and watching news. As a primary school student, I used to listen to Tatediso Ya Dikgang with my dad and most of the time I would take the DailyNews and read the stories out loud as though I am a news reader on radio.

Listening to Ms Boemo Dibeela Nyadza made me love news reading a lot,” she said.

When she was just about to write her BGCSE things went unplanned, she found out she was pregnant at 19-years-old.

The world seemed to close in on her.

She was faced with the tedious task of preparing for her final examinations as well as tackling teenage pregnancy all on her own. The thought of being a single mother at such a young age terrified her in many ways than one. Nonetheless, with the help and support

of her family Ms Makhaya managed to pick herself up, dust herself and face life with a new set of eyes.
“Being a single mother is a challenge on its own. All the years, that I have been raising my daughter alone without the help of the father, I realised that parenthood is no child’s play as children need attention and love from both parents, but I am grateful because I

have both parents who play the role of raising my daughter.”

After passing her BGCSE with flying colours, Ms Makhaya enrolled at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and studied for an associate degree in broadcasting, a course she believed would open doors for her in the international market.

To horn her skills as a reporter, she applied for a freelance position in DailyNews. In 2014 she joined the Yarona FM team as a correspondent. She also worked with Gabs FM as a political reporter based in Thamaga/Kumakwane constituency.

She specified that is where she fell in love with broadcast journalism. A dream that might seem far-fetched, but will soon transform into reality if she continues working hard.

Ms Makhaya will continue to spread her wings until something happens.

Ms Makhaya looks up to a few personalities in the local media industry including Mr Dikarabo Ramadubu in print media and Mr Kealeboga Dihutso in broadcasting.

She highlighted that she draws strength and work ethics from the individuals.

“Mr Michael Lesolle, former BAC director is also my role model. He is my source of inspiration. He believes in my craft and he believes that my journalism career will grow. My other role models are Mr Oteng Chilume of the Botswana Gazzette. All these individuals have propelled me to work hard and love what I do.”

One memorable event that still irks her mind was when she covered an investigative piece for Yarona FM news about the gang in Thamaga.

It was the first time she attempted doing investigative journalism and she instantly fell in love with it.

Just recently, due to her journey as a single mother, something stirred-up inside of her to instigate an organisation called Queens of Success Single Mothers Group which its main objective is to instill a sense of independence and confidence for the 21st century

single mother who had gave up on life.

Ms Makhaya drew strength and inspiration from the first-hand experience as a struggling single mother to inspire others in the same situation.

She believes that if she was able to pick herself up any young single mother can do it.

She believes that one’s current situation does not define who and what they were.

With time and effort they will be able to triumph.

“This is where we meet as young single mothers and come up with ideas of how we can help each other and better our lives. There are trainings on entrepreneurship, relationships and all the basic skills of life. I want to see young single mothers succeeding in their lives,” Ms Makhaya said.

With an impressive following on facebook, Ms Makhaya is an inspiration to various young women.

Her admirers are commending her for her hardwork, optimism and positivity.  Her free spirited has captured many people’s hearts and there is nothing stopping her. She continues to be a role model and a pillar of strength to many youths in Thamaga more especially single mothers.

Ms Makhaya works her fingers to the bone to make sure that she excels as a writer.

Everywhere she goes she sees opportunities because she has programmed her mind to think in a positive light.

Ms Makhaya is influenced by different aspects especially when writing her stories. She believes there is a lot to be done; there are a lot of untold stories not only in Thamaga but the rest of the country as well.

“In villages there are so many heart wrenching stories of sexual abuse, child molestation, child negligence and emotional abuse. I am very observant everywhere I go, I pick up on conversations, I take notes and make references. There are so many loopholes to be

filled and examined,” said Ms Makhaya.

Another force that is driving her is that she makes a daily to-do-list that helps her to navigate her day.

Ms Makhaya’s proudest moments was when she made P9 000 as a freelancer for the DailyNews in June 2016.

But she highlights she was not surprised at all.

She was much expectant as hard-work pays. Her favourite pastime is playing soccer, a passion she doesn’t take lightly.

Ms Makhaya’s goal of working as an international reporter for the BBC by the year 2020 is becoming a reality as she knows and understands that everything is possible as long as you have faith and belief in yourself.

“Young woman pick yourself up. Develop yourself, love yourself and respect who you are. Set goals, start a small business. Things will never change in your life if you do not take any action. You are in control of your life, if you do not like your current life, change it.

Change how you do things, change how you see things. It’s all in the mind,” she said. BOPA