09 Aug 2022

Maun Ministers Fraternal chairperson Prophet Thato Elias and wife, Irene Elias have committed to sponsor the Clap and Tap concert for five years. 

Speaking at the concert held at Moeti Junior Secondary School on Friday, the leaders of Saving Grace Church, who did not disclose the exact sponsorship amount, revealed that the annual support would be not less than P20 000. The couple also pledged to buy three floating trophies to promote competition amongst participating choirs

Birthed in 2017 by African Independent Churches (AIC) youths, the concert brings together young voices to entertain music enthusiasts as well as raise funds to support various projects in their churches.

Prophet Elias said the event provided a platform for musically talented young people to display their talents to generate money for development projects.

The event, he said, also promoted unity and active participation amongst churches to sing music that had the potential to lift spirits and changed lives. 

He wished other youth choirs from Pentecostal and main line churches could come on board to grow the event.

“This event can take us to greater heights if we come together as churches hence I saw it fit to support it financially and I want choirs to start compete for the much top price in Clap and Tap concert but we will also offer consolation prices to those which did not win,” he added.

Prophet Elias proposed that the competition be held annually around September and encouraged choir members to keep positive attitudes throughout all their planned concerts.

He also said the event had the potential to address issues of youth delinquency which was rife back in the days. 

The clergyman attributed the unacceptable behaviour to change of times citing that some youths were easily carried away by developments hence he emphasised the need for church leadership to orientate them to manage the pressure.

He acknowledged that there had been a noticeable change in terms of behaviour in Maun.

His wife concurred that the event was a powerful tool as it brought together young voices from different churches and believed that supporting it would empower choir members to achieve their full potential and continue to uplift people’s souls, spirit and physical being.

“This event has become famous and it also brings love, unity and as a family we are committed to walk tall with you and make a huge difference in our community,” she added.

Chairperson of the coordinating committee of Clap and Tap concert, Kepaletswe Kenalemang thanked Prophet Elias’ family for rallying behind the event since its inception. 

He said noted that the prophet had made a significant contribution towards its growth and ensured that they achieved their mission of undertaking some developments in the affected churches.

The sponsorship, he said was a boost  as they had been struggling to secure one and believed that through the support, they continued to spread the gospel and good will.

Fredrick Motswakgosing from Saint John Apostolic Church said that the sponsorship would motivate them to work harder. 

He also noted that they had achieved a lot since the inception of the concert, adding that the event had created opportunities, enhanced talent and improved their living standards.

Most of the participating choirs, he said, had grown in capacity and composed their own songs while some churches had already constructed facilities for worship.

The event is held in three phases annually, and raised over P300 000. 

As coordinators, he said they intended to embark on charity activities to give back to the community.

Meanwhile, choirs mesmerised music lovers with soothing gospel melodies. 

The concert was hosted by Ninifa Apostolic Daily Mission Church and its Archbishop, Gaboitsiwe Mathemba thanked Prophet Elias family for demonstrating love towards all churches in Maun.

He appreciated the family’s support and treating all churches equally. The concert raised over P29 000, which would be injected in the expansion of Ninifa church building. ENDS