09 Dec 2024

In an effort to give back to the less privileged members of society, Tsholofelo Foundation on Sunday evening hosted an event to serenade orchestra lovers with Christmas carols. 

Among the orchestra  enthusiasts was Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe. 

The event, which has been held annually since 2005, save for three years owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, was in its 17^th edition. 

“If it was not the pandemic we would be celebrating the 20^th edition this year,” explained the foundation’s chairman, Kealopa Gabobofane.

 He explained that the purpose was to bring people together and celebrate Christmas through music while at the same time contributing towards a good cause.

“The event is held in conjunction with Btv every first or second week of December, with the objective being to raise some funds to assist the less privileged members of the society,” he said. 

Gabobofane said charity projects they previously undertook included a three-roomed house at Sefhope in 2006, which was worth P60 000. 

“We have also assisted two families whose houses had been gutted by fire,” he said.

 He said one of their plans was to train the youth from disadvantaged societies on orchestra in partnership with GC Orchestra. 

He said this year they brought in different musicians to participate, which he believed could help arouse more interest. 

“This year we had Sefako Choristers who were coming in for the first time. The beauty about this event is that people who come in to participate do not expect any payment, but just do it from the good of their hearts,” he said. 

Even though he hailed the event as having grown over the years, Gabobofane said they were yet to take it out of Gaborone, something which they would  consider.

 He indicated that they were still to see how much they had  raised before they could identify who and how to assist. 

On the origins of Tsholofelo Foundation, Gabobofane said it was formed in 2005 by him and his friends, Kebaabetswe Motswetla and Lerothodi Moshoeshoe. 

“We considered ourselves blessed, so we mooted a way that we could assist the less privileged, hence the birth of the Tsholofelo Foundation,” he said.

 He said that they then opted for Christmas carols to be their flagship programme. 

“We then approached Btv and luckily they embraced our concept, which has been evolving over the years,” he said. 

About 20 pieces were rendered, among them the traditional We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ as well as the evergreen Spanish rendition, Feliz Navidad, which simply translates to Merry Christmas. Ends