18 May 2021

Some people lost their sight in life to become big or to make the best out of life because of negative thoughts from their peers or perception from society they leave in.

Resego Motlhokathari a presenter of Sunday Ballads on RB2 and host of Botswana Television youth show, is one such and his zeal for perfection defied the odds as he succeded on what he wanted to be.

“I was never good enough for either my friends or a few of my relatives,” Motlhokathari said.

“I was either too tall, too skinny or too weird to fit in.

Therefore in order to withstand negativity, I learnt to set my eyes on hard work.”

Just like the motivational writer Rollan A. Roberts, he believed that ‘everyone’s dream is already a reality and everybody was born to dream’.

American singer/actor, Marvin Lee Aday, popularly known as Meat Loaf, grew up a fat kid.

He was a natural candidate for regular fat jokes, even among family members.

Later in his professional life he revealed,  “My real name is Marvin, and a well known jean brand Levi’s ran a radio commercial that went, ‘Poor fat Marvin can’t wear Levi’s.”

From his youth, his dreams were sneered at.

What could you possibly dream of, being porky-bellied!

Meat Loaf went on to change his first name from Marvin to Michael following the Levi’s advert.

In the end, the man’s brand, or rather nickname, coupled with the great rock’n’roll singing talent, won him some attention and awards.

Motlhokathari also doubles in marketing consultancy.

The Man behind The Voice, as he announces himself at the studio, is in my view, worthy of all the swagger.

He turns simplicity to a certain degree of class, the kind that prompts a double-take. Inspiring, stimulating and insightful.

He expresses his views on achieving unprecedented success with an effortless stride. He certainly has a knack on finding new meaning out of the ordinary.

The industry of personal development has found a match in him.

Simple passion and enthusiasm as Motlhokathari has proven, can throw wide open those illusive gates of opportunity.

The choice of music he plays on radio and his motivational gab has a palpable quality. It is not just something you hear, it is something you feel. And he certainly strikes a chord with his listeners.

COVID-19, instead of dampening Motlhokathari’s wings, gave wind to the best of his talents.

Armed with a Degree in Computer Science Technology, one would expect Motlhokathari to make his easy dough along the silent corridors of technical engineering.

But his dream was elsewhere, and was something he only faintly anticipated.

Even though, he has always imagined being on radio and television some day, very reminiscent of Steve Harvey, people close to him were bent on dampening his enthusiasm and did not reckon any possibility in his dreams.

All the more reason why he holds so dear his success story, and remains so focused on being the best he can.

He aims to use every opportunity to help improve the lives of his listeners and viewers, including his social media followers and other presenters.

He always consoles his radio show callers with inspiring quote.

One of the callers, a lady from Gaborone, once called in to tell him how she survived emotional roller coaster, which took her within inches of her life.

“Last night, I found out just how strong I really am. I had a miscarriage and my boyfriend for many years just dumped me. I cried my eyes out, but when I recalled the words you once said, it dried my tears.

Remember, you said, God loves you and he wants everyone to be happy and to love life. The love of God liberates and generates self-love. So smile and tell yourself that no problem is bigger than you, and that nobody owes you anything.”

The lady told how she found comfort in Motlhokathari’s Sunday Ballad.

Be it a dark day or a jolly sunshiny moment, he brings in some warmth to the airwave.

One gentleman from Mahalapye once called and told of how he and his lover enjoyed a particularly chilly winter morning, all due to his music choice.

Among several testimonies is one by Motlhokathari’s biggest fan, Abo Kefitlhile, who puts particular emphasis on the cleanliness of Motlhokathari’s residence.

“The whole place is like one of those posh homes you see in movies featuring the rich and famous,” Kefitlhile exclaimed.

“And the food is equally top-notch.

You will be forgiven to think that you just walked into a five star restaurant!”

He was also so impressed by the neatness of Motlhokathari’s place and the fresh fragrance, that compelled him to take off his shoes at the doorway!

Motlhokathari is a down to earth young man.

His free and expressive nature forces one to pay attention.

He matches that with a visible personal physical fitness.

There is a quiet air of authority in him that sets him apart in his field of work.

And his dress code bears signs of creativity, something they call super-chic in youth circles; a suave individual whose ultimate expression of happiness seems to include the gym.

To work hard obviously one needs mental and physical strength.

“Working at more than two jobs is deceptively easy, because I have learnt to juggle jobs,” Motlhaokathari said.

“Even within the brisk exercise of time management, one must keep up the motivation, and one must always smile and never be morose. Always try to nurture a conducive corporate environment,” he said.ENDS