‘Welcome back’ party for NC idol

A WELCOME back party will be held for Idols finalist Thato Makape at the Kimberley airport today when he arrives in the city between 11.30am and 12pm.

He has indicated that he wishes to establish an arts academy in Postmasburg and will embark on a nationwide tour in April next year.

Makape will have lunch with Premier Sylvia Lucas today and also visit Grandeur la Clinique followed by autograph signing at the Shoprite Centre in Barkly Road and at Pick n Pay in Galeshewe.

The MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Mac Jack, while delivering his mediumterm budget policy statement yesterday, pointed out that Makape, who is from the mining town of Postmasburg, had travelled 1 250 kilometres – using buses and taxis and all his money – to audition in Cape Town in February after first auditioning in Durban.

“He is a symbol of hope and persistence,” said Jack.

Erna Makape indicated that her nephew auditioned three times before being selected. “He never became discouraged even though he never made it the first two times. He was determined to make it and he is the first person from the Northern Cape to make it so far in the competition.

“We are extremely proud of Thato, who dreamt of making a name for himself at Idols. He started singing at church, at gigs and at weddings in Postmasburg. Until now, he never received any formal vocal training. He is a natural performer.”

She added that she had driven with Thato’s mother to attend every live performance.