Local Gospel star hits high note with honorary doctorate

NORTHERN Cape Gospel star Dorothy Mazingane, popularly known as ‘Dorothy M’, was recently awarded an honorary doctorate by the Western Cape Global Bible College in recognition of her 30 years of dedicated service to the Gospel industry.

Dorothy M, who was born in De Aar, will have her achievement celebrated by her Province at the Northern Cape Theatre on September 8.

Beginning her career at just 13, Dorothy M has achieved remarkable success, including being named ‘Best Influential Gospel Artist’ at the Ukhonukamva National Gospel Music Awards in December 2023.

At the age of four, Dorothy M and her mother moved to Ritchie after the death of her father. Despite a difficult upbringing marked by the loss of her father and financial struggles, she persevered with her musical talent and refused to let poverty hold her back.

One of her biggest challenges came in 1998 when, at 18, she ventured to Johannesburg in search of fame. Without informing her family of her whereabouts, she was driven by the hope of meeting Dr Rebecca Malope. Despite facing numerous obstacles and often being a burden to those she encountered, her determination led her to perform alongside Dr Malope at the late Vuyo Mokwena’s 30th birthday party before returning home.

Dorothy M recalls a particularly challenging moment after arriving at Park Station in Johannesburg.

“When I arrived at Park Station, I met an old lady and asked her for directions to the Carlton Centre. The old lady looked at me for a long time, because she realised that I was not familiar with the place. She asked if I had an appointment and I said no. She took me to the Carlton Centre and she wished me good luck. At the door of the lift, I met a security guard and asked him where the recording studio was and he assisted me,” she recalled.

She explained to the receptionist the purpose of her visit, and that she was there to see Dr Malope.

“She looked at me and replied that Dr Rebecca is in Nelspruit. I explained to her that I'm from Kimberley and I can't return unless I see Dr Rebecca, and I also don't have money to return home. She explained the story to an artist called Jeff Maloleka and asked if he could assist me.

“Jeff agreed and asked me to go with him to the bank to withdraw money for a taxi. At the bank, he asked me to wait outside and on his return, he told me that he had met Rebecca’s producer inside the bank and had explained my situation.

“Someone came out of the bank and introduced themselves as Sizwe Zako and I introduced myself as Dorothy from Kimberley.

“Sizwe asked me to come back the next day to meet with him at the hotel as he was busy at that time composing songs for the late Vuyo Mokwena. I left with Jeff to Daveyton where he resided.

“I was so desperate to get help that I totally forgot that I was with a stranger.

“Jeff took me to a one-room shack where he was residing, where he explained to me that he had only one bed and I could use the bed while he slept on the couch.

“Early the next day I left with Jeff, and he put me in a taxi to honour the appointment with Sizwe at the hotel.

“Upon my arrival, I found him enjoying a nice meal with a friend. He asked me to join them, but I lied and said that I was not hungry, knowing very well that my last meal was two days ago.

“I was very hungry at that moment, but my focus was to get help with my music career.

“Sizwe asked me to sing a song as he was playing the keyboard and I sang the song ‘Our Father’.

“After that, he took me to Zako's recording studio in Sterldale where we recorded the song. We had some rehearsals and I had the opportunity to perform the same song at Dr Rebecca at the late Vuyo Mokwena's 30th birthday party where they were crowned as king and queen of Gospel Music.

“Dr Rebecca lent me a green velvet dress and a pair of black shoes so that I could look professional for the event.

“I later realised that the place was not safe for me as a young girl and I lied to Sizwe that I needed to go home to fetch more clothes. But I never returned to Johannesburg.”

Dorothy M has expressed regret over her decision to leave Johannesburg, reflecting on how other Gospel artists have progressed while she continues to face challenges.

“I’m not where I hoped to be because I was uncomfortable in Johannesburg and hesitant to take risks with my life,” she said. “However, I’m grateful to God for His protection during that time. I could have faced dangerous situations, such as being raped or killed, given my young age and lack of experience.”

She believes this experience taught her that when God has a purpose for you, He will protect you even in the most perilous situations.

She emphasised that young artists need support from their families and from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to avoid putting themselves in dangerous situations in pursuit of recognition.

“A desperate artist can fall into the wrong hands, especially women. They therefore need destiny helpers to assist them in their career.”

Reflecting on her achievements, Dorothy M takes pride in her numerous nominations and awards. Between 2020 and 2024, she has been nominated for several categories including Best Songwriter, Best Gospel Artist, and Best Music Video.

“In 2020, I was nominated for Best Gospel Album; in 2021, Best Songwriter and Best Music Video; and in 2022, Best Gospel Artist. In 2023, I received the award for Best Influential Gospel Artist at the Ukhonukamva National Gospel Music Awards and was nominated for Best Songwriter and Best Music Video.”

She is currently nominated for Best Female Artist at the 2024 Ukhonukamva National Gospel Music Awards.

Dorothy M is also dedicated to various projects. She founded the “Women Of Purpose” movement and hosts the annual ‘Gathering Of The Kingdom Midwives’ conference to uplift and inspire women.

As the director of Mazingane Entertainment, she nurtures emerging artists throughout the Northern Cape.

To date, she has recorded five albums, which include notable tracks such as ‘Izinyembezi,’ and has featured in music videos broadcast on national TV.

To support her career, she promotes her music at taxi ranks. A significant milestone in her career came in 2019 when she was invited to Europe to promote her music. That same year, she was also invited to Zimbabwe to minister through song at an annual conference.

Dorothy M expressed her honour and surprise at being addressed as "Dr". She said, “I never imagined or expected this recognition. I was simply serving my purpose for the glory of God. The recognition is proof that I'm excelling in my gift. I know my music is making a difference because I’ve received many testimonies about how it has blessed others.”

She offered advice to aspiring local artists, saying, “Look at my journey and learn from it. My passion for music has sustained me throughout the years. I’ve served the Northern Cape and other provinces with my gift without complaint.

“To Gospel artists, use your talent for God’s glory, and He will open doors for you. Don’t lose hope - keep pushing until something happens. I am a product of grace, and now people address me as Dr Dorothy.”