Mohalenyane Phakela
SOUTH African-based twins and businesswomen, Matšeliso and Tšeliso Thella, have organised an awards show to recognise various talents in their home district of Butha-Buthe.
Dubbed BB Excellence Awards, the initiative was launched on 1 July 2017 with the contestants in its 16 categories being voted for by Butha-Buthe residents.
Matšeliso told XpressPeople from the twins’ Johannesburg base that contestants were being voted for through the SMS number of 31013, with the finale scheduled for 30 September 2017.
The nominees include prominent beauty queens and models Karabelo Tsosane, Mojabeng Senekal and Matili Taaso, apparel producers Karabelo Primrose Makara and Jeremiah Scaftin Lebea and sports veterans such as Pheello Sofe and Teboho Mota.
She said the awards initiative was their way of recognising and honouring people who have done well from the district.
Born and bred in Serutle, Butha-Buthe, the twin sisters attended St Agnes High School and later on studied at the University of Johannesburg where they obtained degrees in Retail Marketing.
In 2010, the Thella twins formed the entity TTwins Productions with three divisions; TTwins Sunglasses, TTwins Clothing and TTwins Promotions. The sunglasses are manufactured in Italy, catering for both adults and kids, while the clothing section offers a wide variety and assortment of T-shirts, head gear and hoodies.
“This is our way of giving back to the community as well as to motivate and inspire those who are finding it difficult to make it out there,” she said.
“We are trying to show them that success is still achievable even if one comes from an underdeveloped area.”
“The initiative is also our way of expressing appreciation to those who have put our district on the map. We want to encourage them to do even better. They must know that we have taken note of their hard work and we appreciate it. Their stories will encourage those who are still trying to push harder.”
The awards initiative, Matšeliso further stated, was also meant to boost the profiles of the contestants.
“Winning an award or just being nominated boosts a contestant’s career and personal profile. It opens doors and gives them more recognition in their industries.”
She indicated that they decided to discontinue a talent search initiative that launched in 2015 to accommodate people from various fields.
“We chose to take the awards route to be able to pursue various objectives such as motivational speaking, showcasing talent and fostering entrepreneurship.
“We want to include the up-and-coming and established people as well as the young and old. We wanted this initiative to include everyone.”
Matšeliso said for now, the winners would only receive trophies since the sisters were the only sponsors of the initiative.
“However, we are hoping to get sponsorship from a Good Samaritan to enable us to take the process to another level in terms of prizes,” she added.