By OBAKENG MAJE

The award-winning gospel artist, Teboho Moloi came out in the open to defend himself for a ‘no show’ at the most anticipated Taung Annual Gospel Festival held at PH Mooketsi High School in Taung on 1 May 2022.

Moloi was one of the heavyweights who were scheduled to perform at the event duped the ‘National Convention of Worshippers’ organised by a local businessman, Tshidiso Moreane.

However, some of revellers vented their dissatisfaction on various social media platforms after Moloi’s ‘non-appearance.’ They also complained about the sub-standard set-up at the event. 

One of the revellers who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said, the gospel concert that was supposed to bring people from various religious beliefs together, turned into chaos.

“The event was supposed to commence at 10am, but only started nine hours later with poor sound quality. The VIP set-up was also a mess and I just wonder what had happened. Actually, we should be refunded because even some artists who were booked to perform, where nowhere to be seen. I regret going there, but no more……” he said.   

Another reveller said, there was ‘no value for money’ at the event as everything was sub-standard. However, she encouraged the organiser/s to reschedule the event for Easter holidays instead of 1 May.

It is alleged that, the service provider who was supposed to provide the organiser/s with the sound snubbed them at the 11^th hour after misunderstandings.  

Moloi said in a statement: “It has been brought to my team’s attention that there are posts circulating about me not pitching for an event in Taung and I would like to set the record straight.

“I had been scheduled to perform at 16:40 before heading to another show in Rustenburg and we were informed that, the sound and stage were not ready in time for my performance. Attempts to get hold of the promoters failed and I fully understand the frustrations they were going through, but unfortunately, I had to leave for next show.”

Moloi sincerely apologised to all his supporters in Taung and said they are already in talks with the promoter planning the next show, where he would make it up to them by delivering a beautiful and quality show.

Meanwhile, the event organiser, Tshidiso Moreane in a statement, admitted that they dismally failed and apologised.

“We would like to apologise for poor quality service and we recognise that we failed to deliver up to our people’s expectations. We understand how frustrated and upset you were, but unfortunately, the event was delayed due to circumstances beyond our control.

“Everything was arranged and paid on time. According to our agreement, the service provider was supposed to deliver the sound, stage, and generator on Friday, but they failed us on the 11^th hour,” he said.

Moreane said as the organisers, they understand the impact that this crisis has had on the event and assured his supporters that this will not happen again. He said they shall improve and ensure that they never commit these mistakes again.

“We want to thank you for the love and support. It is very much appreciated. We hope you will continue to support the TAGF event. Modimo alo boloke, alo etsetse ka mosa le mohau!

“We would also like to thank Mr Joshua for helping us with the stage, sound and generator at the latest possible moment. Modimo ago etse hantle ntate wa rona,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The North West University’s acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Linda du Plessis received international awards for her outstanding research from the Emerald partners with the Higher Education Teaching and Learning Association (HETL).

Du Plessis, who awarded her second doctorate in 2020, received recognition from two international academic institutions and associations for the quality of her study. After completing her Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Bath in England, Emerald Publishing Limited – a scholarly publisher of academic journals and books in the fields of management, business, education, library studies, healthcare and engineering – awarded her the Emerald Award for Outstanding Doctoral Research in 2020.

Emerald Publishing Limited considers candidates who completed their studies in the past three years for this award.

Du Plessis said: “The exploration focuses on institutionalised practices that triggered radical change at South African public universities, the influence of legitimacy demands on universities’ ability to deal with radical change, the identification and reconsideration of rational myths during radical change.

“Because of the complexity of the higher-education environment and the involvement of multiple resources and relationships with internal and external stakeholders, a single theory cannot cover all the aspects affected by the radical change.”

She further said the informed analysis of the sense-making of legitimacy during radical institutional change, provides insight for future leaders on steering change in a complex environment coupled with the multifaceted dynamics of highly institutionalised organisations.

Du Plessis added that education is globally perceived as a key enabler in providing a better future for the youth and reducing inequality.

“Sustainable development goal four of the United Nations (UN), calls for inclusive, equitable and quality education for all. The topic I covered, which is leadership during a crisis, is important yet largely overlooked in higher-education studies.

“It is such an honour receiving these awards. One often doubts their own abilities, but this topic was something close to my heart and was such an enriching experience. I would like to thank my study leader, Prof Hong Bui for tremendous support and contributions towards this,” she said.

Du Plessis said the value of this DBA is multifaceted and she has new appreciation for the important role as study leaders and promoters must fulfil in providing guidance and constructive academic advice.  She said furthermore, the networks established because of this study are invaluable.

According to Emerald Publishing Limited, their goal is to help find solutions to the disparities across the world by supporting researchers working in this area.

“We are proud to support the global research community through an award programme that recognises exceptional doctoral research that addresses the sustainable development goals of the UN.

“These goals are an urgent call for action by all countries to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, peace and justice.”

On 28 April 2022, Du Plessis was also awarded the Richard and Shirley Mawditt Prize for outstanding performance on the DBA. The Director of the Higher Education Management Programmes of the University of Bath, Prof Dan Davies said: “It is my pleasure to let you know that – in addition to your Doctorate in Business Administration qualification – you have been awarded this prize, which was conferred by a panel of the DBA academic team and approved by our Board of Studies.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com