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Kelly Ramputswa-Tlale to step down as Yarona FM Station Manager

Yarona FM Station Manager Kelly Ramputswa-Tlale
  • Leaves a legacy of enriching young BW musical talent
  • Active in new Station Manager search and transition
  • Station bids her a warm farewell as she bows out
  • “I have served my purpose” – Tlale

Gaborone – DATE – Yarona FM Station Manager Kelly Ramputswa-Tlale will step down after six years in charge. She is leaving a solid legacy of enriching young local musical talent in the Republic and steering the station into stability in the height of the Covid-19 crisis. She will serve her notice until April 2022.   

During her tenure, Ramputswa-Tlale transitioned the station from being a traditional radio station into a multimedia hub that has produced seasoned talent; spearheading various national projects at the heart of celebrating and encouraging Botswana’s local talent.

“The decision to resign is one that I have thought a great deal about. It is the right time. It was important to me to leave the station in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so. The quality of talent we currently have at the Yarona FM, the balance of ages, gender within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level. I believe leaders must stay in their roles to make relevant developments, once that job is done, they must move and create space for the youth, space for fresh thinking and innovation. I started at Yarona FM at 29 years, my predecessors at 25 years. Let us identify another hard-working youth to lead,” she says.

She recalls hosting His Excellency President Dr. M.E.K Masisi and the First Lady Mrs. Masisi at the station as one of her fondest memories. “We had tea with them after the interview. That were very inspiring especially that we hosted them on their 100 days in office,” Tlale emphasizes in excitement.  Subsequently, she never looked back, fighting the Covid-19 uncertainty to host the virtual YAMAs and ensuring the whole team was paid in full despite crunching economic hardships.

“When the COVID- 19 pandemic hit we had to make a choice to either retrench or cut salaries. We did neither, instead, we cut our operating expenses saved all jobs and did not cut salaries even during the worst of it. At that point, I knew I worked for a great organization,” Tlale recalls. The station survived the scare, standing by its employees through challenging times.

Yarona FM team members have positive recollections of her firm but fair leadership style. “I remember the 106.6 cycle race, I thought that was momentous, but it was just the beginning of her touch, and of the new experiences she was giving us. She managed to grow our careers by securing academic studies for some of our team members which resulted in graduating and receiving various degrees. I knew then she was special,” says an employee who refused to be named.

Kelly believes Yarona FM has played a pivotal role in the growth of the local music industry and wishes to see the establishment of the Arts Council soon so that it protects the industry. Her parting encouragement to the Yarona FM team as she departs is ‘Live The Music’ which is the radio station’s Motto.

The outgoing Station Manager was recruited to head the station at the young age after having gained media work experience in South Africa where she also completed her degree Bachelor of Social Science degree in Politics and Law. She is currently studying towards attaining her Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

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