My name is Thato Golden Sakong. I was born on the 28th of July in 1992 at Groothoek Hospital in Zebediela, Limpopo Province. I grew up in Moletlane, Zebediela and in late 2001 me, my sister and mother moved to Diepsloot in Gauteng where we lived for over five years. It was closer to my mother’s place of employment that was Four-ways. I am currently living in Moletlane in Zebediela – where I was born. I am doing Matric at Chita Kekana Senior Secondary School- specializing in commercial subjects. I aim to pass my Matric with seven distictions at the end of the year and that is a distinction for every subject I am registered for. Outside school I play soccer for the MoAc Football Club – I am part of the 2009-2014 class. I also hold the position of team manager.

I am the third and last born child among my late mother’s children. The untimely death of my mother in 2006 marked me and my sisters return to our grandmother’s home in Moletlane in the following year. The reason for our return to Moletlane was that, our mother was a single parent and me and my sister were still so young and there was no one to look after us in Gauteng. I and my siblings were raised by a single parent and that is my mother together with the help of my family from the maternal side. Like any other child of a single parent growing up in poverty, I have had my own fair share of life’s hardships. But as our experiences play a great role in determining our characters, I think I am a “strong man”. However, nothing equals losing the only biological parent you have ever had to know in life.

Despite all that, my daunting challenges and hardships won’t seal my fate. I have dedicated myself to the struggle of shaping my future. I live among the most wonderful and great people at the moment who are endowed with fair and good guardianship traits – they are from both my family and community at large. What constitutes success differs from one person to another, so I have come to believe. I love it when people, both successful and unsuccessful in usual terms, share the little or more that they have.

Every human being is endowed with something special – that is, every human being is a source of some unique resource. I am motivated or inspired at this moment by seeing the dawn of the day when every human being shares that God given unique resource that is within them for the betterment of humanity – especially older people to the younger generations. I believe that here at MoAc we are working hard towards that goal/day.

Through MoAc I am learning leadership skills and further mingling with team mates and other players from different clubs that we get to play with improves and betters ones social behavior, respect etc. I am based at the moment at the primary home of MoAc where every afternoon tens of young people spend their time sporting or just sharing views and mingling in a protected environment. It is beautiful believe me. We are learning to be responsible, independent, and respectful to one another and further being motivated to follow our dreams regardless of where we come from. We as peers and the youth of MoAc in Moletlane share knowledge and it is safe to say that we are learning from each other and the experiences that being a member of MoAc brings along. I believe that Montshepetja Academy is playing a great role in the youth development of my community and South Africa at large. Crime and other enemies of humanity must be fought in this way. And I am glad to be a member of the MoAc family.

Mmapula flanked by Master (left) and Kabelo. Her star qualities shone through and she was appointed general secretary soon after joining MoAc.

I played for about two months. In the meantime, owing to the fact that Montshepetja was a very young organisation, there was no operational management for the affairs of the team. There was only executive management in place. Then came the time when an official committee consisting of players was officially put in place by top management. I was offered the position of secretary and I accepted it with the greatest of joy.

Montshepetja at that time needed a management that would realize the plans set by the executive management. And I for one with other players played a very prominent role in building Montshepetja into what it is today. The objectives of this organisation are to provide many children with opportunities to learn and acquire essential life skills. And when I became part of the team`s management I had that opportunity to learn those essential life skills and to lead in a way or another.

Yes as with every journey there are ups and downs. Leading people is no child`s play and so I together with my colleagues have learnt. It was hard to lead my peers or team mates as there were a lot of objections promoted by negativity from other players or members. There was doubt as to whether I and my colleagues did really have the ability to lead this young organisation to greater heights. But with the executive management supporting us, we endured and achieved success for the organisation while also learning for the sake of our own lives.

I have learnt that with great power comes great responsibility. The leadership power vested in the then team manager, namely Kabelo Sakong, and I as secretary, together with the rest of the management, through endurance, was used to good effect to proved this and allow to achieve success.

To attract support for our organisation and to give children a chance to participate in soccer and learn, I as a secretary had to organise leagues that lasted between two and three months at a time. It was hard organising and keeping records of these games but after hard work comes success, which is what we achieved. These leagues exposed young Montshepetja to giants and also in the same process made her a stronger team which today walks side by side with these giants and it makes her a potential giant.

Montshepetja now hosts regular leagues and tournaments throughout the seasons of the year. In 2006 I was promoted to the position of secretary general where I was not only looking after soccer but was responsible for all the teams. Montshepetja today has these divisions: two soccer sides, a dance club, a netball club. There was only one soccer side at the time I joined the organisation.

Soccer gave birth to all that Montshepetja has grown into and I and others who were and are still part of the team have contributed something to the existence and success of the organisation.

Plans are useless without the best management and skills or knowledge to apply them. The Montshepetja executive management showed great management strategies along the way to this point as many would have given up the idea of empowering young stars into finding ways of building wealth for themselves in a quicker way.

]]> http://www.montshepetja.co.za/mmapula-sarah-hlanga/feed 0 http://www.montshepetja.co.za/khathutshelo-anastasia-rambanduli http://www.montshepetja.co.za/khathutshelo-anastasia-rambanduli#comments Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:06:09 +0000 admin http://www.montshepetja.co.za/?p=296 I come from a family of seven that’s different yet very much the same. I have two older sisters named LINDA and GLORIA, followed by brother called GODFREY then it’s me! My name is Khathutshelo Anastasia Rambanduli; I was born on the 29 October 1988 in Soweto.

I am currently studying towards a B Com-CA degree at the North West University in the Vaal Triangle. I have a younger brother, he is the youngest and his name is PFARISO. We believe in hard work, self-preservation, God and so much more. My mother is a great soul who has shown us that nothing in life is to hard to achieve as long as you know how to use and be grateful for the little you have. She did not finish her education so that her siblings can get a chance at a proper education; however she has managed to keep her family together. In all 20 years of my life I have never seen her take a break from trying to give us the best of everything.

She is unemployed but, everyday for as long as I have been around, she gets up and takes kids to school as part of earning a living to try and help my father. Above all that, she would still manage to run a small business wherein she sells confectioneries of all sorts to schoolkids at lunch time. From her I see the power of a strong willed woman. My father, just as great, got himself through school by selling paintings and sculptures he made. He is now a police officer in Dobsonville. From him I discovered that only the heavens can keep me from growing and what you put in will come back to present you with an award for all the hard work. My parents have been married for over 30 years and till this day I still see the love and devotion they have for each other and their family.

Life is unpredictable, however I want to change this world in some way within the time I have here. The things I would love to accomplish in years to come are; to own my own winery and a school and obtain a 2nd degree in B Sc Genetics, as soon as I have completed the one I’m currently busy with. The reason for my interest in the above is that in some way or the other, they all have something to do with helping people, and all started with a dream. Wine is known for bringing people together even if its just two people, school is the 1st step to self discovery and I would be a part of grooming and developing the future, take what I have learnt over the years and teach it to my students. It’s a place were barriers are broken and new friends are made. The B Sc is so that I may become a forensic investigator; and what they do is solve crimes and this allows those affected to find closure.

Dreaming is not a crime; it’s where everything we have today began. I would love nothing more than to help someone take their dreams and make them a reality. This is where Montshepetja Academy comes to play: MoAc distils knowledge and that complements my dreams, through MoAc I intend to learn ways and means to get through to the youth and leave an unforgettable mark. I however, wish to also give something unique to Montshepetja Academy, that being dedicating my time to assist those who are faced with turbulences that appear unbeatable, through knowledge. I’ve found a partner in my quest to accomplish my dream, Montshepetja Academy, and together we sing a song titled, BE WHAT U WANNA BE!

“When you fail, that doesn’t make you a failure. It simply means that you don’t do everything right. We all have to accept the fact that along with strengths we also have weakness, just let Christ be strong in your weakness; let him be your strength on your weak days’’.

]]> http://www.montshepetja.co.za/khathutshelo-anastasia-rambanduli/feed 1 http://www.montshepetja.co.za/khutso-master-makhafola http://www.montshepetja.co.za/khutso-master-makhafola#comments Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:02:39 +0000 admin http://www.montshepetja.co.za/?p=290 Master was a member of Montshepetja Academy’s first soccer team and one of the most promising and talented youngsters who captained the Montshepetja Academy Class of 2003-2008.

Master and his group spent their leisure time at the Academy’s sports fields, thereby having full use and benefit of the facilities. In December of 2008 it was decided by the management of the Academy that it was time for this group of young people who had spent over five years under the leadership of the Academy to be released to join different soccer clubs of their choice that already existed in the community.

One of the primary reasons for the decision to release these youngsters was so that the class of 2003-2008 could make way for a new generation or class of future stars. Montshepetja felt that it had assisted their process of development by giving them fundamentals in life in general and not just in soccer and sheltered them during critical years of their lives.

However, as you will hear from Master in the following interview conducted by Kabelo Sakong, the challenges in our communities remain and much more work needs to be done to help our young people achieve success with their lives.

1. Give us a brief insight on who is Master.

Well, for starters… Master is not my real name. My real name is Khutso Ben Makhafola. I was given the nickname master – if I am correct for I was very young – because I was one of the most promising or outstanding players among my peers.

I was born and brought up in Moletlane, an area in the district of Zebediela in the Limpopo province on the 31st of January 1989. I attend school at Chita Kekana Senior Secondary School in the same district. And as it is a given fact by now, I am a very optimistic or ambitious soccer player.

2. When did you start playing soccer and what is it at the moment that you love most about playing soccer?

I started playing soccer in 2002, on the streets of my village or community. In 2003 I joined Montshepetja Academy when it formed its soccer team. I was inspired by my brothers who are gifted soccer players in order to play soccer.

What I love most about playing soccer at the moment is playing away games. They give me an opportunity to make an impression, to shine and to make a name for myself and to promote my team’s name. Lastly, I believe that so much is learned from playing away from home, out of one`s comfort zone. There are always new faces that we play against on away games and they present great and beneficial challenges. This has done me a lot of good in terms of confidence, knowledge and development.

3. What is the name of your current soccer club and please tell us a bit about it?

The name of my current soccer club is Bathokwa Football Club. It is a good club with good players. Bathokwa FC is owned by the Mogotlane tribe at Moletlane, Zebediela. However, it has many challenges. We struggle financially and that leads to all sorts of problems. We depend on the support of both the community at large and the royal house, which, as I have said, is difficult because the community is not rich. I think the biggest problem is lack of management or leadership skill.

4. What other problems do you and your team experience?

Firstly, as I have indicated, lack of resources make it difficult for us to do things properly so that we can achieve success. We need support in the form of leadership and fans to give us courage and comfort where necessary. Secondly, we lack the basic equipment for training and for playing soccer so that we can learn properly and prepare for our futures. We need equipment such as playing outfit, properly maintained soccer balls and goal posts, etc.

I have to emphasize the point that I personally feel that our community can treat us better than they are currently doing. They don’t support us enough. There is just too much lack of seriousness among our people with regard to our progress.

5. In your opinion what makes a successful player?

In this day and age, I will say education. A player must be afforded the time to study in order to prepare for his future. Good coaching in respect of soccer is also needed. Lastly, support in general.

6. What nature of advice do you consider to be good advice for a young person like you?

It must encourage me as a young person to ‘play-safe’ so that I may achieve my goals in life. We – aspiring soccer players – must be encouraged on a regular basis to stay away from drugs as they are harmful to one`s health and aspirations. Talent needs coaching, training and a healthy lifestyle. Lastly, the use of condoms must also be stressed, great talents are lost to HIV/AIDS in our country.

7. What are your ambitions and aspirations?

I certainly want to become a legendary player at some ABSA Premier Soccer League club. Of course I also want thereafter to play for the national squad, Bafana Bafana. I would also like to acquire some prestigious soccer medals or awards through personal effort.

8. Any last words Master?

Yes, I would like to encourage my very own community and other communities out there to please support young people like me. We desperately need this. There is a lot of indifference in our communities and it is killing both our spirits as young people and the future of the communities. I must also say that young people themselves must be prepared to work very hard in order to become successful and help their families and communities.

I was raised by a single parent who passed on early this year, but has left the world with a very valuable commodity, Stella Gladness Skosana. I enjoy writing poems and singing, but that’s better understood when I put it like this “writing my own poems is a hobby, and singing is my talent.” Stella is a very energetic person, spiritual and would like to see the world redeemed and back to God’s hands.

I believe that education and God could take one to higher places. With education, we can alleviate the world from this dictating poverty. On the other side we can overcome these difficult times with unity, as they say “united we stand and divided we fall.” I hope to see no orphans in this country, which I believe is this country’s primary dream.

I think that the youth of this country is in dire need of companions as our country is characterised by political and financial turmoil, that’s one reason why I have joined Montshepetja Academy, to accompany my peers to the better. I believe Montshepetja can and will assist in helping this beautiful country to reach its goals and as I dream to be the emancipator of our beloved country, I trust Montshepetja will accompany me to reach and accomplish my mission.

“Make positive of the opportunity you have for South Africa to give rebirth.” Stella Gladness Skosana is using it!!!

As I summarize my life experiences it would be wise to highlight the symbolic meaning of various events rather than our human definitions. All that has been carved out of this tall mountain I’m busy climbing will bring greatness. Those little pieces must be used to build a bridge, close the cracks in this stormy weather. I therefore announce myself: Ndima; Ngalela, Levundo, Mbuyisa, Mbongo. Waka Sondiswa, Mthethwa, Khoza, ongaphekelwa nagmavila uphekelwe nge’skhuthali. Thokozani Mabongo.

My name is Mpondo 11 kaMhlanganiso Mbotho waka-Mbongo, A.K.A Macnetic M2O. I am from a family of leadership, one which in times of difficulty individual character is revealed. Neither poverty, nor sadness can kill its spirit for it has been anointed to lead. That is to me, a social responsibility that many ignore. I am currently studying Bcom Economics and Informatics at the North West University-Vaal Triangle Campus (NWU-VTC0. The foundation I grow to know is Ubuntu principles and however complicated this path is; I am the owner of the journey. I have big dreams and challenges are something I strive to excell in.

My father once told me; “Expect the unexpected, this world is cruel, prepare your arsenal”. At a young age, those were just words I found hard to understand. When my brother Eric mentioned Montshepetja I was hesitant to join because I am currently the elected president of the NWU-Vaal Dance Club, and principles we set for ourselves didn’t allow such. However, constraints in life force one to search for a companion that will give you skills and help you achieve your ultimate dream. I have searched and found Montshepetja for that particular role. Some things need teamwork and I’m a team player. I hope to learn as much as can be afforded from Montshepetja and give back the knowledge wherever I am heading. Home is where the heart is and my heart belongs in the KZN, hence some of my friends call me “the prince of KZN”, as they know the tasks I have to perform lying ahead. My road to success was never meant to be easy, but I will conquer.

“Treasured yesterday’s memories brings recognition for tomorrow” and to those who want to be like me; don’t wish for that: because “Imitating me is like self-destruction.” To build an empire, first, its completion must be in your mind.

Mpondo kaMhlanganiso Mbotho

Montshepetja Academy South African Dream Society (MoAc SADS in short) is a group of six North West university students responsible of MoAc marketing, they are namely Mbuyazi Eric M (Marketing Manager), Khathutshelo Anastasia Rambanduli, Stella Skosana, Lindi Bonolo Falla, Aubrey Vuyani Nzunga and Mpondo Mbotho. SADS encompasses of different individual experiences, expertise and opinions from all corners of social structures and classes. It is also a youth to youth consultation medium, making it easy to reach out to the youth. Hence, we believe it will be, if not already, the best and most accommodative youth structure.

Together, MoAc SADS, we wish to be companions of the youth in general events throughout the course of their lives, in a nutshell. Some of our specialisation will be language proficiency, health information, social and academic support and community involvement in summary. We will be hosting events like talk shows on current social events, knowledge contests, academic assistance in subjects of expertise to high school students and also introduce and (prepare them for) to university life through giving brief discussions on universities and visits to universities.

MEET YOUR COMPANIONS FROM NWU! Back: Aubrey Vuyani Nzunga. Forward: Stella Skosana, Khathutshelo Anastasia Rambanduli, Mhlengi Eric Mbuyazi, Mpondo kaMhlanganiso Mbotho and Lindi Bonolo Falla.

Eric Mbuyazi

Hlengi Eric Mbuyazi: “Einstein used less than 15% of his intellect because he thought out of the box. Mankind should think out of the box, away from the cage and far from the universe so you can use your intellect for the utmost benefit of the world. That is how I got there.”

Bonolo Falla

Lindi Bonolo Falla: “Hard work, passion and a good work ethic can only empower the youth. I dream of the day the youth doesn`t just dream, but work on their dreams and do all they can (that is within the law) to get there.”

Aubrey Nzunga

Aubrey Vuyani Nzunga: “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you and then you win. Just make it happen.”

Talented, hard-working and fiercely ambitious companions

Mpondo kaMhlanganiso Mbotho

Mpondo kaMhlanganiso Mbotho: “Through yesterday`s bruises, unfolds rewards of commitment.”

Khathutshelo Rambanduli

Khathutshelo Anastasia Rambanduli: “You don`t need to be in a leadership to lead and, most importantly, to make a difference in your world.”

Stella Skosana

Stella Skosana: “Make positive of the opportunity you have for South Africa to give rebirth.”

I would like to believe that, I too have had my fair share of difficulties and encountered problems like any other person and it would be selfish of me to make my problems as if they were more important. To many people, back at home, my being at University at this point is a blessing.
I come from a family where it is regarded as a miracle if a child reaches Grade 10. I have changed schools more than 5times because my parents had to move around in search of work to provide for us. I started living with my brothers when I was 2-years old, bear in mind that my eldest brother is only 7-years older than me, which means he was 9-years at the time. I believe that, that was the point in my life when I finally learnt that poverty should be motivation enough for one to strive for education.
At the age of 8 I joined the debating team and this is when I started reading a lot of books which taught me how to face life. At age 13 I was introduced to the writings of Karl Marx who has made me who I am today, a Difference Maker.

My greatest challenge in life has always been the fact thatmy peers never understood the manner in which I do things, my thinking and for some reason ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to change the world, thus, I think I spent most of my live trying to I identify all the things which should be changed or improved in society. I guess I finally realized that changing the mindset of a society is not as easy as Rosa Luxemburg and Marx made sound.
My goal in life is to regenerate the morals of young people, thus my motto is; “First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then you win.” I believe that there is still hope for moral regeneration amongst the South African youth.

In a nut shell one can say that Nzunga Aubrey is a young person who has dedicated his live to changing the lives of other young South Africans. A DIFFERENCE MAKER.
As a difference maker, the greatest gift anyone can give me is an opportunity or a platform to make a difference in the lives of young people. I believe that to make a difference one needs to understand exactly what they want to change and why? Now, with the youth, the trick is to understand everything they do, both good and bad, and why? And through communication we can learn and understand how a person thinks.

Montshepetja has given me the opportunity to communicate with other young people out there and understand how they view life. The most amazing thing is that, thanks to Montshepetja, I have learnt that in the midst of all the things young people do (which I don’t agree with most of them), young people are very intelligent and can do miracles, if given the opportunity to.

I believe it is safe to say, Montshepetja is an organization that finally gives young people the opportunity to express their views about life in general, an organization that equips the intellect of young people.

Pat seen here in his studio where he mixes things to inform, educate and entertain his listeners.

Who is Pat Mogotlane and where was he born and brought up?
Pat is a 26 years old guy who was born and brought in a very religious family up in Ga-Mogotlane, a small community within Moletlane, Zebediela. I was born on the 29th of June 1983. And I go by the stage name ‘The Management,’ which represents my experience and simply signifies that I have grown a lot since my debut in the field of radio presenting.

What is he currently doing?
I am a radio presenter and an assistant music compiler at Turf FM.

What does your job entail?
First, my job as a music compiler entails compiling log sheets or rather selecting the music that the various deejays are going to be playing on their various shows, more especially on the weekends. Secondly I present my own show during the afternoon.

Please give us the name and the description of your radio show!
The name of my show – it is a show and a half – is called Joyride. It is a weekday afternoon drive show on Turf FM. That is from three pm to six pm.

When and where did it all start for you?
I made my radio debut as a presenter or DJ at Zebediela Community Radio Station in Zebediela. I left the station after it was closed down. I then approached the Department of Social Development in Limpopo to propose for the establishment of a hospital radio station. I received a positive feedback from them and then the result was the Lebowakgomo Hospital Internal Radio Station. After some disagreements with the hospital management about certain issues, I left the station to join Turf FM full-time.

How do you plan for your show and did you get any formal training?

Pat displaying the energy and enthusiasm in him while interacting with his listeners.

Yes, I have received formal training for my line of career from Birnam Business College where I obtained a two-year National Diploma. At the college I dealt much with public and management relations.

I prepare for my show through surfing the Net and listening to other big commercial radio stations for inspiration. I never go on air uninformed of current affairs or unprepared. The aim of our show is to inform, entertain and to educate.

What kind of issues are you dealing with on your show and who are your target audience?
We tackle political and social issues affecting youth on a daily basis like HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy. And of course when dealing with the youth one cannot leave out things like love relationships and entertainment.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy playing music as I was born in a very musical family. My brother Ali Mogotlane who go by the stage name DJ Menace, is a renowned house music DJ. Basically music is all I love.

What drives you in life and about your job?
Listeners giving love back that is when they participate in our show. Also getting to talk to people I have never met, and the bond between me and the listeners.

What are the challenges facing you as a presenter?
Acquaintances, calling in during the show or when they meet me in the streets to ask me to play them their favourite music tracks on the radio. They do not understand that we do not just go to the studio and do as we wish because we are bound by the rules and regulations of the station.

Are there any specific challenges your show is facing at the moment and what are they?
Yes. I deal with youth issues and the problem is that they do not familiarize themselves with the station and use it in an effective way that will benefit them. They are afraid to visit the station to be given a platform to talk about issues that affect them. It is sometimes a challenge to get them to share their experiences and the issues that affect them on a daily basis.

Have you always known that this is what you wanted to do?
Yes. I first fell in love with TV but eventually decided that radio was my calling. As a young boy I had dreams of having nice things in life and as I have said, I was raised in a musical family.

How do you define celebrity and do you consider yourself a celebrity?
In my own words a celebrity is a community builder and as such he or she is celebrated by the community. I do not consider myself to be a celebrity rather I regard myself as a public figure.

How does your community treat you now that you are well-known?
These are my people. They made me who I am and I treat them with respect and that respect is exactly what I receive back from them.

Where do you want to see yourself in 10 years time?
I have got a plan. Whether it will take ten years or so on, but it is there. I also have a company in mind and it is running smoothly. I do not want to tell anybody about it because people will end up stealing it. I also want to see myself working at a bigger commercial radio and later TV station. As for family, I need a beautiful wife with two children, Thato and Thatego.

What advice would you give to aspiring broadcasters?
Believe in yourself, acknowledge your talent, get good advice, do research by listening to various commercial and public radio stations and believe in yourself. Also get proper formal training and education to equip yourself.

True to the character of the person and the nature of the job he does, Pat takes time to reflect on pertinent issues. Let us call it thinking on his feet, literally as well as figuratively.

As a role model and part of the youth yourself, what is your message to the youth about drugs, booze, and HIV/AIDS?
Peer pressure is the reason why people indulge in those things. Just ask yourself why you them, why do you smoke and drink and if you find a good reason for that, then carry on responsibly. As for drugs, I say a BIG NO about them. I would not advice people to take them as the consequences are too costly. As for HIV/AIDS, the reality is that people would not abstain. If you think you are old enough to have sex or engage in sexual activities, get yourself and your partner tested and use condoms. And remember to stay faithful to your partner.

Are you satisfied with the listenership of your show and the progress you anticipated when you first started presenting it?
Well, the station might be satisfied especially looking at the fact that we are a community radio station. However, I personally still intend to interact with the rest of South Africa in the near future, through a bigger commercial radio station and as I have said, through television. This for me is not because of money but, the reason is that there are still a lot of people out there who I believe I can make an impact on their lives through my passion.

Any person or institutions you would like to thank for your progress?
Yes, the support I receive from my friends and family and the listeners is what keeps me going. It is the listeners who made me who I am, right from the time I was at Zebediela Radio Station. And last but not least my colleagues and the management of Turf FM for their support and cooperation.

Thanks for your time and good luck to you with your future endeavours.
Thanks! It means a lot to me to me too, especially coming from you guys at Montshepetja. It is a wonderful opportunity that you have afforded me and the recognition of my work. I could never say I am used to this, every recognition means a lot to me.

Good luck with Montshepetja Academy, it takes wise people to undertake such initiatives and stand for the principles that you guys stand for. May Montshepetja grow and sustain its mission. Believe in yourselves and draw experience from the newspaper Daily Sun. It is from humble beginnings but now it is a leader in its field and who would have thought of that. With hard work you will also reach great heights.

Pat Mogotlane may be contacted at Facebook as Pat Mogotlane. E-mail address is pat@webmail.co.za

Getting to this point in my life has proved to be a tough, troublesome and heartbreaking journey, but the fact that I made it to this point gives me more strength to go the extra mile to prove not only negative people, but me, the most important person to myself. I was born in 1990 in Sebokeng hospital, and already then, my life was not easy. My mother was told to wait for the doctor to come in the next morning as none of the nurses could help. She was alone until a nurse did all she could to help my mom give birth to me.

A strong family structure:

The first two years of my life I spent living with my whole family. Grandparents, who lived with all their children, from both my mother’s and father’s side. After my parents got their own place in a suburb in 1992, I believe that, that was when I discovered my own identity, because living with grandparents meant my cousins and I were a unit. When one got in trouble we all got punished. My parents tried their hardest to make things smooth for us, all the while not spoiling me and my siblings. We always knew that a hiding is always waiting for us if we are out of line.

Throughout my school years I always wanted the best, grades, clothes and of course best if not popular groups. Even though that was the case I didn’t really work hard enough, I didn’t want to follow fashion trends, and if I ever felt uncomfortable with friends or had to take any decisions where I had to compromise myself, I was always ready to leave. This gave me the idea that I never knew what I really wanted back then.

When I was young I saw my father abuse my mother once, and that was the first time I realised harsh realities of life. My mother didn’t just accept it and drown in her own tears, and that was the first time I realised that though a man is the head of a family, a woman still has a voice and being victim is a choice.

I studied Development studies at the University of Johannesburg, the institution was fine, Jo’burg was okay, but inside I felt like I was obligated to be there, nothing made sense. There were times I felt numb from everything I was keeping inside myself. I worked at UJ FM and that was when I realised development was not for me. The North West University became my new home. I live at in a vibrant residence, where anything and everything is possible. I’ve been here for eight months and from this environment I have learnt to dream again and I’ve found my voice. I am dusting my wings because I am planning to fly straight to the top.

Hard work, passion and a good work ethic can only empower the youth. My passion is music, dancing and the media in general, hence I’m studying towards a BA communications degree. I have performed on stages with the likes of Mo Molemi and entered a number of competitions including the Shield teens Dance Challenge. I have recently been selected as a vice-chairperson of the North West University dance club, and approached many more offers.

Shyness is not something I possess, but humility is. From this point, I plan to own a production company which I have already started planning with my prospective partners and I also want a clothing line for dynamic youth. Accepting situations because I have no choice is something I don’t believe in. being a designer sometimes means pleasing people or even following trends, I have never been good at following trends and I don’t plan on doing so now.

I believe that I’m a good representative for anyone who is not scared of a challenge, who defies the odds and carries on aiming for the goal that nobody believes in. As far as my future plans go, I am not expecting to get there easily with no struggle and disappointments. I want to be able to look back and say wow, God has carried me a great deal. and my hard work has paid off.

Of all my dreams though, I dream of the day the youth doesn’t just dream, but work on their dreams and do all they can (that’s within the law!) to get there. I want to use Montshepetja to emancipate women, in specifics, and of course it will be my first step in progressing towards my future dreams mentioned above.

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