These days talent competitions are a global phenomenon with the likes of ‘X Factor’, ‘Idols’ and the ‘Got Talent’ franchises which transform ordinary people with notable talent into global superstars. Many of these winners come from all corners of the world, live very normal lives, and try their shot at fame by showcasing their raw singing ability for much-needed votes.    

Earlier this year, a 17-year-old high school learner, Samantha Makabongwe Mkhaliphi, took a chance at entering an online song cover contest through her school, UCT Online High School. The school launched their own talent competition with a call out to its learners to enter with their best cover of the official school song in order to win a cash prize of R10,000. She entered on Instagram with her own rendition of the school song, ‘We Own The Future’ showcasing her unique voice and personality, which instantly caught the attention of the school’s judging team. 

After many hopeful entries from across the country, Sam gathered the most votes from the judging panel to take the winning title and cash prize. Elated at her winning, ‘I feel so blessed and happy about winning the school song competition. I would love to thank the school for the opportunity to showcase our talents, as we needed a platform, I can say we have so much talent. Once again I am truly honoured to be part of UCT Online High School.’, shares Samantha Makabongwe Mkhaliphi. 

Samantha plans to use her winnings to pay for expenses for an album she’d like to release, and she’s hoping she can collaborate with other well-known artists. She continues her high school studies through the innovative online high school until she obtains her matric certificate. 

Image: Samantha Makabongwe Mkhaliphi’s winning Instagram entry of her school song rendition.

IN JANUARY 2022, GOODLUCK, SHEKHINAH, YOUNGSTACPT & MSAKI COLLABORATED ON A ONE-OF-A-KIND SCHOOL ANTHEM 

The collaboration, dubbed ‘We Own The Future’ — after a learner-wide name vote confirmed this name as the frontrunner — is a one-of-a-kind anthem created to inspire, motivate and bring together Africa’s youth to unleash their potential and encourage a sense of community for an online cohort of learners across South Africa and the globe. The launch of the school song and music video on January 24th’s International Day of Education, was a celebration of aspirational talent for those in need of encouragement and motivation through the power of music.    

Collaborating on the school anthem are African music’s finest group of artists, all award-winning on multiple platforms, garnering many radio hits throughout their careers, and most importantly – true ambassadors of their generation and mentors for Africa’s youth in the sense that success is possible, no matter your circumstance, with the right foundations and mentors – anything is possible!

Image: GoodLuck, Shekhinah, YoungstaCPT & Msaki wrote, produced and recorded the first-ever online school song at GoodLuck’s ‘HQ’, a state-of-the-art recording studio in Cape Town.

A school song that not only inspires a new generation of learners, but a song that also inspires the world, we truly do own our future and in doing so, we inspire others to make an impact. 

Feeling inspired to unlock a more global future? Make the switch today to one of UCT Online High School’s two high school learner curriculums — CAPS-aligned National Senior Certificate or Cambridge International curriculums — and you’ll receive an 80% discount on your placement fee until 30 November 2022!  

If you’ve still got questions, or need some more guidance, please contact one of the UCT Online High School’s friendly admissions consultants on +27 21 140 1792 or email admissions@uctohs.valentureonline.com and they’ll be more than happy to assist.