Mohalenyane Phakela
WHILE many consider being born outside Maseru an impediment against success in the media and entertainment industry, Teyateyaneng born Matebello Molato seems to disregard all that.
The 27-year-old radio presenter seems to be soaring against all the dictums of the society. From Berea district, the vivacious Matebello now works as a news anchor and current affairs presenter at Star FM in the North West province of South Africa.
While for many, her fete would be a ceiling, the young lady says she is determined to go even higher.
Drawing inspiration from South African television personality, radio host and businesswoman, Bonang Matheba, Matebello aspires to have her own television channel in future as well as modelling agency.
“I always wanted to do radio and television, being inspired by Bonang Matheba however, I had no idea that there were broadcasting studies, until I moved back home to Lesotho,” Matebello told the Xpress People.
“I believe in myself and put determination to everything I do. Struggles will not stop me from achieving my goals hence I never let my background stop me from chasing my dream. I am determined to work hard till I own a television channel and run a modelling agency.
“I believe my hard work is a testimony that women can achieve higher positions in the media world and create more opportunities for other women.”
Matebello is the fourth child in a family of five. She did her primary school at St. Maries English Medium Primary in Teyateyang before she moved to Kanana in North West in 2007 where she went to Mmokeng Secondary School until Grade 12 in 2012.
The following year she enrolled at PAL School of Nursing in Potchefstroom However, she dropped the nursing course and moved back to Lesotho the same year.
Upon arrival back in the country, she enrolled at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology where she graduated last year with a degree in Broadcasting – TV and Radio.
She enrolled for her six months internship at Mosupatsela FM, Botshabelo, in Free State, before she moved to Mozolo FM in July 2017 in the same area. She joined Star FM in November last year which has since become her home.
“My mother is from North West so I moved there to do my high school and part of tertiary and that is when I fell in love with radio.
“Nursing has never been a career I wanted but ended up enrolling in it because my family insisted, hence I ended up dropping out.
“Through my research I knew most of Lesedi FM presenters were from Mosupatsela FM, then I applied for internship at the station. Mozolo FM opened a world of wider opportunities in the radio industries, it was through dedication and work ethics that saw me move to Star FM.”