WOMEN’S MONTH FEATURE
17-year-old Diteboho Komane finds her voice in gospel music
13 August 2026 | Ntsikelelo Jonga | Mt Fletcher
At just 17 years old, Diteboho Komane is already learning that sometimes a gift is not only meant for you.
The young worshipper from Mt Fletcher believes her love for gospel music is a way of reaching other young people, particularly teenage girls who may be searching for direction, hope and a closer relationship with God.
A student at Wallacedene Senior Secondary School and a member of Holly Movement Church, Diteboho says she began to recognise that music was more than simply something she enjoyed.
“I realised that God gave me this gift to worship and to reach other young people,” she says.
For Diteboho, singing is her way of expressing her faith. She hopes that when other young people hear her sing, they will not only enjoy the music but also be encouraged to think about their own relationship with God.
Her message to other teenage girls is simple: “Girls, join me on this Salvation journey.”
She wants young girls to know that they do not have to wait until they are older to serve God or make a difference.
“I want to invite all teenage girls to join me on my Salvation journey. We can serve God together while we are still young,” she says.
Her faith is also reflected in the Bible verse that holds a special place in her heart, 1 John 3:3: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”
Diteboho says she plans to continue singing church songs and using her voice as a way of sharing the Gospel.
A YOUNG VOICE WITH A BIGGER PURPOSE
Young worshippers like Diteboho are finding creative ways to connect with other teenagers. For many young people, music is a language they understand, and gospel music can become a bridge between faith, friendship and everyday life.
Diteboho is also showing that being young does not mean that you cannot have a purpose.
She is still a learner. She still has school responsibilities and the normal experiences of being a teenager. But alongside that, she is nurturing a gift that she believes God has placed in her.
Her journey is also a reminder that young girls need people around them who will take their dreams seriously.
IT TAKES A COMMUNITY
A young person may have the talent, passion and willingness to serve, but they cannot always walk the journey alone.
Parents and guardians can play an important role by encouraging young people, making it possible for them to attend church activities and performances, and praying with them.
Churches can create safe spaces where young people are given opportunities to participate, while also providing guidance and mentorship.
The wider community can also play its part by showing up, encouraging young talent and creating opportunities for young people to use their gifts positively.
When we support young worshippers, we are doing more than helping them develop their voices. We are helping them develop confidence, leadership and a sense of purpose.
Diteboho’s story is still being written. At 17, she has many years ahead of her to grow, learn and discover where her gift will take her.
For now, she is simply using the voice she has been given and inviting other girls to walk with her.
As Proverbs 22:6 reminds us: “Train up a child in the way he should go…”
For Diteboho, that journey has already begun — one song, one prayer and one young person at a time.
