Dr Saurambe-Africa’s youngest female Ph.D. graduate

 

Who is Dr Musawenkosi Saurambe?

 I am an exuberant young woman who is in constant endeavor to discover the all-encompassing extent of my abilities. I believe that our lives have a purpose beyond the actualization and exaltation of self, therefore, I am constantly seeking innovative and significant ways to do things that not only forge me ahead but also inspire others in the process. I believe that the difference between succeeding or failing for some people is the lack of inspiration and whenever I get the opportunity to be someone’s inspiration, I grab it with both hands. I’m just trying to do my noble service by rendering substantial contribution to humanity, before my time on earth elapses.

 What activities did you take pleasure in when you were a child?

 As a child, I particularly took keen interest in music. My parents tell me that I began to hum to songs I heard at home way before I even started to speak. My father being musically gifted himself, upon identifying this gift in me, took time to nurture it and I was often assigned to sing at church as well as school plays and functions. This has followed me even into my adult life as I am often invited to sing at university functions, religious gatherings, weddings and more. I also enjoyed out door and invigorating activities as a child. I loved going to amusement parks and my parents tell me that whenever they took my older brother and I there, I was always so fearless and never wanted to miss out on any of the rides, even though I was quite young. Apparently I would even go on all the rides which my older brother considered too nerve-wracking 

Is there anyone in your family or community who influenced your love for education?

My Dad is a teacher by profession and so my siblings and I were compelled to take education very seriously.  

My Mom who home schooled my siblings and I also always made sure she presented education to us in the most exhilarating manner possible in order to intrigue our young minds and help develop our cognitive abilities.  For the sake of preserving my father’s reputation at his work place, from a young age I learnt to take my school work seriously as it would have been a massive humiliation for him to teach and develop other bright minds while his own children slacked.

 Where did you study? (starting from primary school to university)

 I was home-schooled by my mother from the age of 2 and began my preparatory class “standard zero” at the age of 4, in 1998 at Phakalane English Medium Primary School, where I completed standard 2 in 2000. I transferred to Legae Primary English Medium School in Gaborone in 2001 where I enrolled for standard 3, only to be promoted to standard 4 in the second term of the same year. I completed my standard 7 at Legae Primary in 2004, subsequently commencing my secondary school education in 2005 at Legae Academy. I was part of the first group of students to be promoted from form 2 (grade 9) to form 4 (grade 11) in 2007 and successfully completed my IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) at Legae Academy in 2008, after which I did my Cambridge AS-level (Advanced Subsidiary) studies in 2009. I proceeded to South Africa where I began my tertiary studies at the North West University, Mafikeng Campus in 2010, at 16. I exhibited a ravenous passion for learning as I acquired my bachelor’s degree in human resource management at 19, my honours degree at 20, my master’s degree at 21 (cum laude), the top student in my entire faculty and all in record time. I wasted no time and delved right into my Ph.D. studies in 2015, completing this qualification also, at the aforementioned institution of higher learning, in record time of 2 years. I became a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial Psychology on the 25th April, 2017, breaking an astounding academic record by becoming the youngest female Ph.D. graduate in Africa, at 23 years of age.

Were you always a top achiever at school?

Throughout most of my Primary school education I attained first position and a few other times 2nd position. The only time in Primary School that I attained as far as position 8, was when I was promoted from standard 3 (grade 3) to standard 4 (grade 4) in the same year and this was because I had to catch up on a whole previous term’s work in the second term of grade 4 as I had missed the first one. By the third term however, I was back at the top of the class. In high school I experienced somewhat of a slum in the first 18 months. This complacency towards my studies was as a result of having been under so much duress in primary school since my Dad is a teacher by profession and I attended the same primary school where he was teaching. I always felt compelled to perform extraordinarily so as not to put his name in disrepute.

Once I got to high school I felt like my Dad wasn’t there anymore so I could relax and just be like all the other regular kids. Besides, it wasn’t considered too cool being a nerd so I wanted to be part of the “cool gang” now. My parents firmly reprimanded my behavior and sudden slack in my school work and I ended up resolving to exert more effort and seriousness once more. Towards the end of my second year in high school, I finally ‘pulled up my socks’ and I achieved good results. Consequently, I was promoted from grade 9 to grade 11 and from then, I was more diligent with my school work.

At what stage in your life did you decide to follow the academic route?  

I never actually imagined that I would pursue an academic career this early in my life. As is the case with most people, I had anticipated first entering the corporate space in order to acquire industry experience in my particular field of education, however as we all know, life does not always go according to our own endeavoring, this being the case I believe that to those who believe in a greater cause than themselves, life goes according to a supremely designed plan. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I knew for certain that I wanted to pursue my honours, but master’s and doctoral degrees were only supposed to be a thing of the future. I began sending out a few applications for employment towards the end of my honours. However, to no positive revert. I then convinced myself that getting right into my master’s would not be such a bad idea because after all, I was only 20 years old at the time and who would hire a 20-year-old human resource practitioner right? Long story short, through hard work and rigour, I completed my master’s at 21, within a year, although the general time allowance is 2 years. To top that off, I graduated cum laude (with distinction) and my study leader Professor. Nicolene Barkhuizen immediately encouraged me to delve right into my Ph.D. as she said she saw great promise in me to be an academic and researcher of note in the future. I followed her advice especially since job prospects in industry were scant, which I later realized was all part of God’s greater plan when I was hailed the youngest female Ph.D. graduate in Africa at 23.

Were there other people who encouraged you to be an academic?

Besides my postgraduate research supervisor and mentor Prof. Nicolene Barkhuizen who encouraged me to pursue postgraduate education as she also followed a very similar path, my uncle who is also a Doctor of Philosophy, Dr. Talkmore Saurombe, saw an article in 2014 of the youngest Ph.D. graduate in Africa at the time who had achieved this feat in Nigeria. He sent me a picture of the article and at the time I was busy with my master’s degree. He then challenged, a 21-year-old at the time that if I worked deligently and swiftly, I could also establish my own record. While this was not the main motivating factor for me to enroll for my Ph.D as I wanted to go and work, once I established that I had no other options but to register, it was definitely what made me work harder towards completing a phenomenal, in-depth and significant study, in record time.

Why did you opt for Industrial Psychology?

When I was in high school I was actually studying science subjects because the ultimate goal was to be a scientist. After visiting a hospital one time towards the end of high school, it dawned on me that medicine was really not what I was ardent enough about to pursue. I informed my parents of my sudden change of heart, a change at which they were absolutely bewildered, however for the sake of not forcing me to continue with something that I did not feel strongly enough about, they allowed me to pursue whatever else my heart desired, which was a tough situation because at the time, I did not really know what I would resort to outside of medicine. I ended up resolving to enroll for a commercial course but was still unsure of what exactly. In order to assist with my confusion as the deadlines were fast approaching for the applications for university enrolment the following year, my parents decided to make the first 2 choices for me since most university applications allow three. My Mom chose Economics as my 1st option, my Dad chose Accounting as my second option and they told me to write down the third choice. At that point I remembered the career exhibition that we had had earlier that year which also afforded us the opportunity to take skills and strengths assessment that allowed us to match these to specific possible professions. I then remembered scoring highly in interpersonal skills and one of the professions that was better suited to my personality was defined as Human Resource Management and Industrial Psychology, which I ended up putting down as my third option. Long story short, my initial application got misplaced through the mailing process as I was applying from Botswana. 

Once we realized this upon calling the North-West University admissions office, they advised that we urgently travel to Mafikeng to physically fill in and submit a new application before time absolutely ran out. By that time however, the first 2 options I had written down were full to capacity so I had to be admitted for my 3rd option. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I later realized how much I despised economics and accounting modules. Once again, it all happened as per God’s design.

Where are you currently working? And what are your duties?

I am currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the North West University. My work largely entails research within the field of Industrial Psychology, specifically Talent Management and Talent Value Proposition, however I also lecture undergraduate courses. I currently have 12 research publications; 9 journal articles and 3 international conference proceeding publications. I also co-supervise postgraduate research.

Besides your academic work, are there any other projects that you are involved in? 

Outside of my academic work escapades, I am also entrenched in leadership responsibilities both locally and internationally, for instance I was a Track Chair at the Academy of World Business and Marketing Management 2018 Research Conference in Athens, Greece, which although is work related, is outside of my actual work specification. 

I am also currently an Ambassador of the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (an Institute focused on girl and young women empowerment through various initiatives) as of October 2017 till present. I am also involved with the BRICS Youth Association, representing the South African delegation, among many other strategic and community leadership roles.

Most Managers struggle to create a harmonious working environment for their subordinates. Why is that?

The orthodox or traditional approach to leadership is often authoritarian. This means that previously, the prevailing workplace circumstances was that managers subjugated their subordinates, in a manner that proved detrimental and adverse to the performance of these ‘inferiors’.

Is there any advice you can give to those managers?

Contemporary times have seen a great shift from the conventional dictatorial leadership approach to the team leadership and membership approach. This new approach thus requires that managers can not only lead their teams, but also be a part/member of these teams. This eliminates apprehension in the subordinates and fosters an environment of openness and camaraderie. Any manager who can nurture such a workplace atmosphere is likely to get the most out of employees. A phenomenon which volumes of credible research have proven several times over.

What is the best way to encourage an employee who is demotivated?

The best way to motivate a demoralized employee is by identifying their strengths and assisting them to embrace those strengths in a way that allows them to leverage them, thus rendering these individuals more useful. The one question that haunts mankind throughout our lifespan is the question of purpose. 

Why am I here, what am I supposed to accomplish, how does my existence make a substantial contribution that is larger than myself? Once you help a person answer this question and thus apply themselves in the most congruent manner, this will yield a great sense of self satisfaction.

Who do you look up to and why?

I look up to my parents. Reason being that in a world that is becoming and has since become more and more degenerate, they have invested all they ever had, heart, mind, body, soul and resource, to ensuring that we had the best launching pad and gravitational force necessary to establish us on our distinct predestined trajectories, a reality they largely actuated through honing our self-perceptions and interpersonal interaction acumens. 

A wise person once said ‘sometimes it’s not about what you’ve accomplished in your life but who you raise’.  There’s an African proverb which says that if there’s no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm and my parents inculcated a great culture of being self-aware. That way we are not easily swayed by external forces and are also less likely to replicate or take the form of negative associations we may encounter along our life’s journey. This knowledge and mastery of self which I am in perpetual pursuit of, has been one of the greatest underpinnings of my accomplishments thus far.

Where do you see yourself in ten years time?

I often avoid such questions (laughing out loud). This owing to the path I have traversed thus far having made me realise that most of what I had imagined my life to be, did not materialize precisely the way I had envisaged. It is for this reason that I have resolved on the premise of the little wisdom I have so far acquired, to allow life to run its course

I have come to appreciate the importance of being diligent and precise in whatever it is that my hands find to do, meaning I will give my all in every opportunity that collides with me along my journey. It is in this manner that every deliberate and rigorous work we do, becomes a building block towards the supreme plan and design for our lives, which I believe could never compare to and completely transcends, that which our own minds are able to fathom. All I can say thus, is in ten years, I’ll be ten times or more better than I am today.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are singing, reading thought provoking literature, listening to motivational podcasts, volunteering and community service, outdoors activities (whenever I get the chance), travelling (which I get to do a lot thanks to my profession!), spending time with family amid my fairly demanding schedule, Youth activism and motivational speaking.

Who is your favourite artist?

I don’t actually have a favourite artist. I have several whom I feel carry the same weight and significance however if I were compelled to choose one, I would say Jonathan McReynolds and Travis Greene. Okay, I know that’s two but these artists just touch my soul. Their music is so poignant and has seen me through some difficult times prior.

How do you unwind?

I usually unwind by listening to music and motivational talks/sermons in my own space. I also enjoy virtual group chat with my nuclear family. Such activity always brings things into perspective for me, especially after a long or daunting day.

Beautician on par with beauty trends

Nikiwe Mogapi is the owner of Nicky weaves which specialises in make up, nails and weaves. Her objective is to help women from all backgrounds to enhance their beauty.

 “I cater for girls who want to look chic, corporate women in high positions, brides and their bride’s maids, the list is endless. “I love this type of business because one is able to play around with ideas,” she said adding that being a beautician gives one a lot of room to be creative

Thus far, Nikiwe has managed to advertise her business through social media platforms such as facebook, whatsapp and Instagram. “My clientele has grown tremendously. I have even managed to hire two employees,” she said. Speaking on the best business advice she has received Nikiwe said: “The best business advice that I got from Thato Mokgothu was not to under price.  She said if  people feel that your products or services are expensive then they are not the target market.”
 For appointments contact Nicky on: 082 044 7726

Business consulting company at the Helm

When and why did you start your business?

 I started my business in 2015, mainly because I wanted the flexibility of working for myself, but with time I grew into it and had a bigger vision. 

 Your business is quiet unique.  How would you describe your services? Our main service offering includes Virtual office assistance services, doing Business administration for small businesses, Business analysis, Digital marketing, Mentoring and training (Enterprise Development) 

 Are you able to do those services at your own office or do you have to be at the client’s office? 

The only time I need to be at a client’s business premises is when a site visit is required to ensure implementation on any gaps found during a business analysis, otherwise because we are a virtual office for our clients , we can work from anywhere.  

Who or What inspired you to start/get into this kind of business?

I stand for personal development. I believe in empowering people and sharing information. Even before I started working in enterprise development, I was working in the marketing industry doing brand development and research. 

What are the challenges and highlights of running a business of this nature?

It becomes challenging when the client does not share all the information, mostly because they would be worried about confidentiality, in that case it becomes difficult to assist them to the best of our ability. Normally we overcome this challenge once we have built a good relationship and the client understands that we also have a confidentiality policy.

 What did you do before starting this business?

 I was a Business Developer, working on a Kumba Iron Ore enterprise development programme, doing business plans, mentoring and training of SMMEs. 

 What advice can you give to any young person wanting to go into your line of business?

 My advise is very simple, a great idea is not enough, you need to become a great entrepreneur and make money out of your idea, and the only way to become a great entrepreneur is by learning financial education, marketing skills and be up to date with trends. 

What is the best business advice you have ever received?

I think it was something I read somewhere. “If you do something that you love, then you will never work a day in your life.” This is the truest thing I have ever heard, my work does not feel like work at all. I enjoy talking to people and sharing information with them. I love what I do. 

Is there any businessman or woman whom you look up to? 

I don’t have anyone in particular that I look up to, but I admire people who are brave enough to bring their ideas to life by starting a business. 

What is your motto?

I am living my best life! 

What are you currently reading?

A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson. I am on the first few pages, but I am already enjoying how this book simplifies love, loving and putting love into everything . I hope it will be one of those books that will make a difference in my life. 

Contact Lindy on: 079 732 4145

The small coastal town, Port Nolloth

By: Charlotte Titus

The small coastal town, Port Nolloth, is situated in the Namaqua Region of the Northern Cape. The charming little town is the perfect all-year holiday destination. Summer is characterized by a moderate temperature of about 27 – 28 °C and tolerating the cold of winter is rewarded by the breathtaking view of brightly coloured wildflowers towards the end of the season. The majestic Richtersveld mountain-desert and the town of Springbok is a short two hour drive away. The town is perfectly situated for escaping the daily realities for a weekend or week

The humble people of this charming coastal town offers a warm welcome and its white beach sand cling to more than ones feet. A visit to this small town promises to refresh both body and mind and enrich your overall appreciation of our beautiful country. Activities to keep one busy include visits to the museum, long walks on the magnificent white, sandy beach and even contacting local tourist guides for tours or simply lazily soaking in the views and ocean. So whenever you need vitamin Sea take a shot left to Port Nolloth. 

Let my pen dance

Book review by Kabelo Kgatea

Let my pen dance is a motivational and spiritual book by Mpho Lekgetho. It is her second non-fiction after her first one titled "From Fear to Hope."  This book is a continuation of her previous book. The book is foreworded by Nkululeko Nxesi who found it very helpful, sensitive and straight to the point.

 Let my pen dance gives courage to the discouraged, hope to the hopeless and power to the weak. The  book is divided into ten powerful chapters or subjects, like:

  * From relief to regret,

  * Choosing forgiveness,

  * Dating in the midst of HIV,

 * Single parenting,

  * Being the only child,

  * Mental health,

  * Disclosing HIV status to children,

 * Personal interview,

 * My inspirational poem

 * My love for reading. 

All the above mentioned ten topics are very personal, spiritual and sensitive. The author is not just sharing her life experience with the world, but she provides advice, direction, hope and courage. 

Let my pen dance  is for everyone even those who are heavily loaded. It is also for those who are HIV positive and could not disclose, who lost their loved one, who have small and big secrets, this is your book. The book will help you to get a new beginning.  

No HIV/AIDS activist has ever been so naked to the world like the author of this book. She went through a lot in life including aborting a baby. She was rejected and judged by Traditionalists, Christians and none Christians alike for her actions. She was crucified by those around her. The author's past is a volume of live experience, mixture sorrow and pain, tears and laughter. Religious or not, this book will change your life. This is the truth, and the truth shall set you free.
To all those who want to give up on life challenges and those who are burning with secrets inside, please read this book and let go. 

A beautician with business acumen

Beauty Sandt is a 30 year old business lady from Petrusburg (Free State). She has been running Sandt Beauty Salon in Kathu Northern Cape for over 3 years now. 

As a young person growing up in Petrusburg, she aspired to be an engineer. After matric she enrolled for an engineering course at one of the tertiary institutions. Unbeknownst to her, life had other plans in store.  “While studying, I realized that my parents were struggling to meet some of my financial needs so I took some of my savings and registered for a nail course at Planet Nail with the intention of earning some extra cash to finance my studies,” she said. 

 Unexpectedly, her clientele grew thus she managed to open a beauty salon which is currently having over seventy clients. “We provide services such as: manicures, pedicures and hair care,” she said adding that she loves what she does because it gives her the opportunity to meet people with different personalities on a daily basis

Over the years Beauty has acquired business acumen which has enabled her to run her business successfully. ”I always make sure that my clients are comfortable and happy with the service we provide.   At the same time, I firmly believe that customers should not be afraid to express themselves if they are not happy with the service.  Hence attentiveness to the needs of the customers is paramount,” she said.  

In the near future Beauty says she sees herself running her salon from a spacious building. “We need a bigger space to accommodate more clients and offer more services than we offer now,” she said. She also plans to give back to the community by sharing business and customer care skills with other salon owners. “I believe in sharing knowledge because I also had someone who mentored me, Madidimalo Ouma Sasebola who is an extraordinary business woman. And I will always thank God for bringing her into my life because she held my hand and helped me navigate my way in the business world.

   According to Beauty, there are many aspects which contribute to success and among those is living a healthy lifestyle. “I always visit the gym in the early hours of the morning because it helps me to forget about everything and to stay sane.”

Poultry farmer runs a lucrative business

Poultry farming has changed from being a pastime activity which many black people took interest in with no financial rewards thereof. In recent years more people have started to identify the business gap in Poultry farming thus turning it into a lucrative business which is helping to curb unemployment in our community. However, females needs to be gutsy enough to embark on such businesses as it doesn’t encompass wearing pretty clothes and seating in beautiful offices.   One person who is able to bear testimony to that is female chicken broiler Kagelelo Pricillar Matlala residing in Camden village Kuruman. 

“I inherited the business from my parents Bertha and Ishmael Matlala two years ago. I started off with one hundred chicks and the number has been increasing with two hundred after every six weeks.  As a small business owner, Kagelelo says most of her clients are elderly village people whom she normally finds at the pension pay points “I also approach ordinary individuals to buy the chickens because I believe in taking the business to the people.  “However, some clients visit my house to purchase the chickens,” she said while adding that her main goal is to get a stable contract from a big company and become a regular supplier. “With a contract one is able to stabilize the financial side of the business and it will enable me to grow the business beyond this.   “I have four employees at the moment.  And I plan on  hiring more people in the near future” 

 Kagelelo says Poultry farming is a very interesting business that needs a lot of patience because it has its challenges. “I am currently faced with infrastructural challenges as chicks need a specific building that will help them to grow properly.  My infrastructure is informal because I am running the business in a small room at home.  As a result my resources are limited.  They only get me from point A - B. 

 “The other challenge is education. I’d like to arm myself with proper knowledge and skills that will benefit my business. Chicks are prone to diseases especially if they are not tended to properly. And that might cause them to die.   “To survive they need a heater light for warmth 24/7. They constantly need to see the food  they eat,” said  Kagelelo.

 For more information contact Kagelelo on: 063 495 9541

Mogotlhong succeeds in a male-dominated industry

Give us a glimpse into your background

I grew up in Ganyesa. Started my primary schooling at Mmagaabue Primary School, then moved onto Tshanake and Thibogang Primary Schools before going to Stellaland Primary School in Vryburg, when the school first opened its doors to the 1st intake of African pupils. 

 Things were very tough. I remained in that school from Std 2 until I completed Std 5 and then went to Kimberley Girls’ High in Kimberley. When I completed my matric, I had the option to enroll either at Wits University or University of the Free State for a Bcom Economics. I chose the latter, as I was quiet a reserved village girl who had extreme fear of being in a big city like Johannesburg.

After completing my Bcom Economics, I proceeded with my Bcom Honores in Financial Economics & Investment Management at the same university. I then went on to join the private sector for a few years, before joining local government. Three years after being employed by the municipality, I decided it was time for a career change. I resigned & went back to school fulltime to pursue Civil Engineering.

 What does your job entail?

I currently work for a consulting engineers’ firm & I’m site based. My job entails making sure that all the designs that we do, are executed & constructed to the highest quality by the contractor. 

 How long have you worked for your current employer? And what are some of your achievements? 

I have been with my employer for a little over a year. I’d say being part of a brilliant team, on a project of such magnitude, is an achievement on its own.

 What do you love about your job?

What I love most about my job is seeing our designs come to life. When a construction site is first established, there will usually be nothing at all on the area. With time, after a lot of hard work & the pressure of meeting milestones, you start seeing tangible concrete outcomes.

 Tell us about your experience of growing up in North West? 

I loved growing up in Ganyesa, in particular. There was a strong sense of onness in the community back then. I loved the peace & quietness of the village. This has largely contributed to my current love for areas on the outskirts of cities, away from the hustle & bustle.

 Who or what influenced your decision to study engineering?

I love travelling, and engineering presents you with the opportunity to travel while you’re working. I also love the outdoors. 

 Where you not scared that you might be stepping into a field that is dominated by men? If so how did you deal with those fears? 

My best friend always tells me that in the 18 years that she’s known me, I’ve always gone where few have dared to go. She says ‘ke segatlhamela masisi’. Making the decision to venture into this industry had very little influence from the fear of stepping into a male dominated industry, but rather everything about passion. I also come from a farming background (with farming being a male dominated industry), so naturally the fear of engineering being a male dominated industry would not have crippled me.

How would you describe yourself?

I would describe myself as a very disciplined dreamer, who will also stop at nothing to make sure that my dreams are achieved.

 What are some of the qualities needed to become a successful engineer?

Resilience & a very strong head between your shoulders. If you’re not strong enough, you can easily get broken in engineering.

 What do you do in your spare time?

I travel whenever I can. Besides road running, I have also been recently introduced to hiking, so I’ll be doing a lot of that in the near future.

 Who is your role model?

My parents are my biggest role models. They have played a monumental role of support to me throughout my life.

 I pray to God every single day, to make me half the parent they’ve been to me, to my son. 

 What is your motto?

I live by the mantra: “I am the captain of my own ship.”

Why would you encourage women to acquire engineering qualifications?

Apart from destroying the status quo that women are “predisposed to caring & people careers”, engineering is a fun career that requires a lot of thought process. 

DSAC helped female writer to achieve her dream

Nthabeleng Makgoka from Kimberly Galeshewe is a published author of a Novel titled A broken affair. She was sponsored by Northern Cape’s department of Sports, Arts and Culture. “The sponsorship helped to pay for the launch, catering and the setup of the venue.   According to Nthabeleng, the book is about a young lady named Grace who embarked on a spiritual journey to heal from a broken affair. Her journey was difficult and lengthy but she was determined to withstand the storm by all means possible by striving for excellence in her businesses, her parenting skills, her career but above all her relationship with God.”   The book, as Nthabeleng explains reminds those in agony that they too can overcome their pain. It also reminds them that they are not alone, that suicide is not an option and that with prayer, endurance and perseverance all shall come to pass.

Nthabeleng who first discovered her talent in 2006 while studying at CUT says she feels fulfilled because she has realized her dream of becoming a published writer. “I am happy because the financial burden of publicising my book was laid off me through the sponsorship I received,” she said. And this as she says has served as motivation for her to continue writing more stories. 

 As a newly published author Nthabeleng says it’s vital for writers to attend writer’s festival. “I met my publisher during the Northern Cape writers’ festival. The festival also increases the passion we have for writing through putting us in the same space with people having the same interests. It’s a great platform which enables experienced writers to help upcoming ones like myself in the journey of writing by hosting creative writing workshops that enhances our writing skills,” she said. 

I was raped by family friends

Linda Mafilika is a lively, confident twenty seven year old lady from De Aar.  However, happiness had evaded her for the most part of her life. This happened when she lost her virginity at the tender age of 9 years, when she didn’t even know what the meaning of sex was. “I was raised by my grandmother because my mother had relocated to Johannesburg to seek employment. 

 My grandmother was very protective of us. She would lock the gate saying it was for our own protection,” said Linda adding that her grandmother only allowed close male friends to visit the house.  One day, that male family friend asked Linda to join her in one of the old toilets.  She went in not knowing that would be the day she lost her pureness

“He told me to close the door behind me and keep quiet. And then he took off my clothes. I was shocked to see him take off his clothes especially because I had never seen a male adult’s private parts. My mind shut off as he forced himself on to me.  My body felt dead. I couldn’t even respond when he asked me questions thereafter.  He wanted to know if I had enjoyed myself. I just kept quiet. He gave me ten cents and made me promise not to tell anyone,” she explained.

 When Linda went back into the house she found her grandmother cleaning the kitchen floor. “It was hard for me to tell my grandmother what had happened because she admired the guy very much, so I kept quiet.  She would say; unesimilo ke lomfana uyabusisa.” 

 Four years later, Linda was raped by another family friend.  “I tried to deal with the pain by blocking my mind from it and how it happened.  What I remember is the frame of the bed and the bedding which was white and shinny. The rest is blurry. It’s as if I had a brain injury.  I blamed myself especially when I saw blood coming from my virgina. I thought it was my fault,” she said.   “I became depressed and isolated myself from people. My family would describe me as a quiet shy person while I was dying inside  “My perpetrators stole my childhood from me. I grew up feeling disgusted and dirty thinking people like me deserved nothing but hell. I cried every night in silence. And I would wake up early and change my pillow case because I didn’t want a pity party from my family.   I literally saw myself as an alien.  I lived my life through my baby sister.  She was brilliant. She rode a bike, danced and even played in the streets. I couldn’t because I died long time ago,” said Linda.

Go Turquoise for the Elderly Campaign

In the endeavor to demonstrate and recognize the elderly, Northern Cape MEC for Health, Fufe Makatong visited 10 households in Greenpoint area, as part of awareness to protect the rights of elderly. The ‘Go Turquoise for the Elderly Campaign’ ran from 15th May 2018 (International Family Day) to 15 June 2018 (World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day). During the household visits, the ten elderly were showered with gifts from the MEC. The gesture was to thank them for their continued role as caregivers to orphans and children who in their absence would be loitering on the streets. In line with the Older Persons Act, Act 13 of 2006, communities must shoulder the biggest responsibility for the wellness of the elderly in Society. Demonstrating her support for the campaign, MEC Makatong encouraged members of the public to wear a turquoise awareness ribbon or turquoise clothing.

“As the province we can show that we care about and notice the elderly, and that we want to support older people towards a good quality of life in which they are treated with respect and dignity; like anyone else, older people also want to live in peace, safety and health as far as possible.” MEC Makatong said. Among others, the campaign also gives special attention and recognition to the nursing staff and caregivers who attend to thousands of elderly people and afford them the necessary care.

The Northern Cape Province remains with the smallest share of about 1.21 million people (2.1%). According to the Statistics SA report of 2016, about 29.6% of the population is aged younger than 15 years and approximately 4.60 million (8.1%) is 60 years or older. Unfortunately, older people are often seen as soft targets for crime, abuse, exploitation, rape and neglect.

Source: Northern Cape Dept of health comm

Teaching children to love God

By Onalenna Jantjie

AWANA is an acronym which stands for approved workmen are not ashamed. It is part of a global non profit organisation which trains churches to do kids ministry through a set of courses. Upon completion of the course, trainees are expected to go back to their churches and train the rest of their team. Speaking on the  importance of ministering to children, one of AWANA’s missionaries Rebaone Jardine said; “children are not immune to the devil’s attacks. Hence they also need to be rescued.  Consequently, AWANA is on a mission to teach boys and girls about the Lord so that they can love and serve him.  This is done through evangelism and equipping churches and other organisation working with children to teach the word of God.  

Jardine says they recently held a conference in Kuruman where 290 children from eight churches participated.  “We plan on hosting a yearly conference and involving as many churches as possible. Our programme encompasses 3 segments including game time. We believe kids learn when they play and they need  to play as its part of growing up.  Then its council time where we sing, share testimonies and conduct bible lessons. The last one is team time. This is where we form small groups according to ages and do scripture memorisation while building relationships and loving on the kids,“ said Jardine 

Women unite in business

By: Onalenna Jantjie

Editor: Thapelo Molebatsi

Business women in South Africa are in a better position to network with other female entrepreneurs and to attend business workshops which will help broaden their business knowledge thus assisting them to develop their companies.   This can happen through joining Phenomenal woman, a remarkable NPO formed with the objective of empowering female entrepreneurs in South Africa. The organization has branches in the Free State, North West, Western Cape, Eastern Cape Kwa-zulu Natal as well as Lesotho. They recently launched a branch in the Northern Cape Province (kuruman) where various notable males and female speakers were invited to share their business knowledge with female entrepreneurs.  

Phenomenal woman was founded by Thato Mokgothu, owner of RTT construction, Shalom Bonds, shareholder and Director at Tyremart Estoire Free State and Kathu Northern Cape. During her speech, she encouraged women to stick together.  “We as women need to go back to our roots and work together like we have done in the past. I firmly believe that women can work together even in business. If you are skilled, you need to make sure that you up skill other women.  Any woman can come and ask me about my business and how I started.  My hands are always open.  When I get a contract I make sure I subcontract other women because I believe the more you give the more you will receive,” she said.  

She further emphasized the importance of good leadership.  “We should lead in such a way that young girls will be inspired to walk on our footsteps,” she said.   Additionally, Mokgothu cautioned women against business negligence.  “As a woman in construction I always make sure that I visit my sites on a regular basis because when you own a business you need to be well versed about everything in it,” she stated. 

Sharing Thato Mokgothu’s sentiments was Obakeng Morakile from South 32. She is the logistic superintendent and first ever chairperson of women in mining committee at Mamatwan mine. Speaking on how she managed to wear many hats at a young age Morakile said: “I give credit to my father and other women for my success. My father encouraged me to work hard because there aren’t a lot of women in mining. He said I should set the pace for other women who will come after me by delivering in such a way that those women will be trusted to fill in my shoes.”  She also touched on the kind of business support offered to entrepreneurs by South 32. “South 32 recently opened a business support centre in Kuruman which is meant to provide skills, training and information to entrepreneurs. We also have a website called Intsika.  This website helps entrepreneurs to increase their online presence.  They can register on the website and even create a mini website,” she said.  The event ended with women visiting stalls to support other women who had come to promote and sell their products.  

Adventurous hills of Gamohana

One of Olebogeng Mocumi’s goals was to visit Gamohana Hills. So when his uncle who is a nature conservationist and the founder of Epic hikes relocated back to Kuruman, he began working with him.

Why did you decide to visit Gamohana hills?
I have always heard stories about Gamohana hills so I wanted to experience the hills and not only rely on stories. 


What is the easiest route to the hill? 
I always take a taxi to seven miles/hotazel t-junction to   meet up with the rest of the team.  From there we walk to the hill and start climbing.  


How was the experience? 
The experience was fun and educational.  The white cross that we always see up there is actually stones painted with white paint.

What did you learn about Gamohana Hills that you didn’t know before?  

Various religious groups use it to perform their rituals

For more information contact Mocumi on:  060 405 0282

A notable fiction writer from Utlwanang village

By:  Onalenna Jantjie

Editor:  Thapelo Molebatsi

How would you describe yourself?

 I'm an avid reader and writer who has the permanent misfortune of loving Orlando Pirates FC and Arsenal FC. I have a special fondness for chess, road running, and deep house music. 

Give us a glimpse into your background?

 I was born, and grew up, in a small North West township called Utlwanang near Christiana. If I meet you and I greet you with a smile, it is because I come from Utlwanang. I owe that township everything. I see myself as a happily married African man who loves the company of his family, friends, music and books. I currently stay in Witbank, Mpumalanga.

When did you fall in love with literature? And how did that come about?

I suspect my love for literature started many years back, in my early teens, I think. Back then we'd be seen reading and enjoying novels by James Hadley Chase and Sydney Sheldon. These two authors showed me that reading can be both engaging and entertaining. 

Is it possible to make a decent living from writing books?

Is it? I have many author friends and none of them are rich because of it. To make a living out of writing books requires a combination of things. One of those is proper marketing - a form of marketing that on the one hand engineers a readership, and on the other identifies a readership, and then getting these publics to actually buy the books. I do not mention creating entertaining yet empowering fiction because I think it's a given. Luck, also. Lots of it because frankly, there are a lot of books out there which do not deserve the commercial success they enjoy. 

Upon discovering your creative writing talent, what did you do to nurture/harness it?

Upon discovering my creative talent I did what every writer should do, and that is to read as widely as possible. This, reading widely, is a tool without which great writing is impossible.

How would you describe your writing style?

Because I'm a fiction writer, I'd describe my writing style as mainly evocative and colourful, a style that seeks to depend on the imagination of the reader to complete the story. This approach to writing seeks to connect the reader and the story in a way that is gripping. 

Did you attend a creative writing course?

I have a Master's Degree in Creative Writing. I did it with Rhodes University. I graduated in 2016.

Tell us about the journey to becoming a published writer.  What were some of the challenges?

I didn't struggle much to get published. As I recall I only had my first manuscript sent to two publishers, and one of them saw potential and helped me through the process of fine-tuning it. I'm not saying it is easy to get published.

 I am saying invest time and some real, fresh creativity in your work and the right people will take interest.

How many Novels have you published thus far?

I have written and published five books thus far. 

Do you write in Setswana or English? Why did you choose that particular language?

I write in both Setswana and English. I write in Setswana because who else will write in my own language? What will Batswana read if there's no work to read in Setswana? I write in English because, well, I can. For me it's satisfying that I am able to create work in more than one language. Quite satisfying.  

Where do you draw the inspiration for your storylines

  I draw inspiration from everywhere, from everything. I write about life because life is my inspiration.

 Who is your favorite author? What do you like about his/her work?

 I love works by many authors, but José Saramago is up there. Why? Because his work frightens the hell out of me! Read his Blindness to see where I come from.

 If people want to buy your books where can they find them?

www.my africanbuy.com

or send me an e-mail at: maruping.phepheng@gmail.com Twitter- @MP_Author

Tutoring pure Maths and Science

By:  Onalenna Jantjie

Editor: Thapelo Molebatsi

Why did you start this kind of business?

When I arrived in Kuruman I noticed that there was a gap in the market for tutoring pure Maths, Physics, English and geography. So I registered a business and employed people who would facilitate those classes to students struggling with any of those subjects. We tutor Grade 8- grade 12 learners. And we have specifically selected mathematics and science because we know these are the key subjects needed by students who want to find worthwhile careers in the future.

How much do you charge for the classes?

We charge R95 per hour per subject

One would imagine that as a Durbanite you would have opted to start your business in Durban. Why Kuruman?

Kuruman is a small town with limitless opportunities. I identified a gap in the market and decided to grab it

What are some of the challenges you have encountered in your business?

As a small business owner, I have learned that success won’t happen overnight. So patience is vital.

What are your future plans?

I’d like to see my business expanding into the rural areas.

What advice would you offer young aspiring entrepreneurs?

Expose yourself to opportunities. Kuruman has limitless opportunities.

Who is your role model?

My late mother. There was no bridge too far for her

Where are your offices?

58 Main Street Kuruman, Office 104

 For more information contact Andrew Keswa on:064 294 5788