Young innovator shares Sepedi Heritage with the world
Sekhukhune
Pretty Magolego, a dynamic entrepreneur from Dithamaga Village outside Steelpoort in the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM), is making waves in the cultural exchange spaces.
As the founder of Pretty Magolego Projects Pty Ltd, the vibrant young entrepreneur oversees multiple ventures, including Pretty Travel & Tours, PMP Events and PMP Cross-Border Cultural Exchange.
Through her PMP Cross-Border Cultural Exchange initiative, Magolego spearheaded a project to showcase the Sepedi culture at the Lesotho Spring Music Conference 2024.
This ground-breaking initiative, funded by the National Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, has recently enabled two Sepedi cultural groups, Maputlathamaga Dance Group from Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) and Mene Mokolo from Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality (EPMLM) to perform on an international platform.
Pretty told the publication that the project’s main goal is to introduce artists to international music markets, foster collaboration across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and explore new opportunities for cultural and artistic growth.
Magolego also contributed as a panellist at the conference, discussing international relations and how they can benefit the music industry.
Panel discussions at the conference covered a range of topics, aimed at educating artists about the music business and helping them navigate the global market.
“We hope to expose these artists across the SADC region, ensuring they gain recognition and nurture the next generation of musicians,” Magolego said.
She also urged local government leaders to support the initiative, noting its potential for long-lasting impact on the entire district.
Pretty indicated that PMP Cross-Border Cultural Exchange initiative is an element seeking to attract people from other countries to visit Sekhukhune as the district is one of the tourism destination in the country.
“However, we are operating on a limited budget and have hopes that the municipalities or the government at large will come on board to support our initiative. Our aim is as big as going to all SADC countries to showcase Sepedi culture through traditional dances, traditional food, arts and actually all the affairs relating to Sepedi culture,” she said.
Pretty said the cultural exchange programme also promote artists by exposing them to broader market by taking them to perform at various platforms in SADC countries.
“Through these programmes, the artists get an opportunity to exchange contacts and find ways to can collaborate with other artists in terms of music and bookings during the events,” she said.
Pretty said her ultimate goal is to expose the diverse culture of Sekhukhune District to draw attention of foreign visitors who will contribute in boosting the economy of the district municipality.
