SURE, IT'S IMPORTANT TO BE
AN INDIVIDUAL. BUT IF YOU
COULD CHOOSE TO BE LIKE
ANYONE IN THE WORLD,
WHO WOULD IT BE?
Think about it: what would Africa be like if we all had someone
to look up to for a change? I have a theory that our continent
would be totally transformed if we each had a person to
inspire us to do our best.
Ask your friends who their role models are, and how many of
them would say someone from Africa? OK, Nelson Mandela is
a great example of a hero from our continent. So are Barack
Obama, Lucas Radebe and even Charlize Theron. They're all
symbols of what Africans can achieve when we push through
the glass ceiling and explore possibilities. But we're so used to
hearing the same old stories about our mother land -- poverty,
disease, corruption, crime -- that it's easy to forget how many
great African role models are out there.
More importantly, it's easy to forget that you can be a great African role
model yourself.
The truth is, if enough young people decided to copy all the
good examples around us today (or even learn from the
mistakes of the not-so-great examples) then Africa would be a
very different place tomorrow. Just imagining yourself scoring
as many goals as Lucas or winning an Oscar like Charlize
can literally change your life, because once you can imagine
something good for your life, you can start working towards getting it.
We asked a few 2009 GOLD Lead Peer Educators who they
look to for inspiration. Most of them mentioned people from
their own communities: parents, teachers and close relatives
all played a big role in inspiring them and guiding them to
achieve.
When you've taken a look at what they had to say,
take a moment to think about who you'd choose to copy. Then
picture yourself achieving the same things they've achieved
and what it would take for you to get there. It's the first step
to becoming someone else's hero.
Sipho Magagula, 30 years old
GOLD Mpumalanga Training and Support Officer
Sipho is a man of character and integrity who has won a place in the heart of the GOLD implementing partners in Mpumalanga through his tireless efforts to support them in rolling out the GOLD Programme.
How do you feel about being a role model to teens in your community?
Being a role model to the youth especially in these times feels good. I try to be genuine and positive and a cool man of firm character, but not boring. It’s not always easy!
Who are your role models and why?
Firstly, my mother. She is a hard worker, who in spite of the dusty, poor life we grew up in, never gave up. She always fought for us and gave us the best education with the little she had. Thanks to her I’ve learnt that I can be whoever I want to be regardless of the circumstance as long as I keep my head up and my mind thinking. My friend Jethro is also my role model. He is loving no matter what you do to him and is always an open book. It’s as if to him life is so simple you live it as it unfolds.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?
When I was studying at what was then RAU, life was tough. I had nothing to eat at times. Once I didn’t eat for two weeks. I went to lectures without food and would go to sleep having just had water. I had to write tests during this hard time and told myself there was no way I was going home without a degree. I studied on my very hungry stomach. I wasn’t raised to beg. My mom used to say that if you can’t do something for yourself, don’t expose yourself because you might be exposing yourself to vultures. Just keep trying until your mind toughens up enough to give you a solution to your problem. Honestly my first year was the most difficult, but I managed to pass every subject with distinction. At this time a certain woman from SOWETO, from the church I attended, wanted me to have sex with her in exchange for looking after me. I was really almost caught here and I only got out of the situation by saying I was gay. I strongly believe in the God who does not want young people who are not married to have casual sex. In my second year things improved when I got a bursary that even gave me pocket money.
What do you think have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Never give up in life. In life it is good to take advice from people, but the best advice ever comes from your inner self.
What do you think it means to be a real man/powerful woman, today?
A real/powerful man/woman today is a person who can rise above his/her limitations and takes responsibility for all he/she does. He/she understands that this world does not belong to him/her nor is it controlled by him/her
What are the top 3 most important qualities you look for in a friend?
Honesty, integrity, what he thinks of me
What has been your proudest moment?
Paying lobola for my wife
What is your favourite colour?
Black
Do you like to dance or sing?
I like singing
f you could be a character in a TV show, who would you be?
Thandaza Buthelezi in Muvhango
If you could have any special power, what would it be?
To understand life
Des Peters, 37 yrs old
GOLD International Field Manager
Des is a whirlwind of energy, efficiency and generosity. She talks straight and tells it like it is. She fights tirelessly to see people’s lives transformed and encourages people to work for a brighter future for all.
How do you feel about being a role model to teens in your community?
I feel very privileged and confident about being a role model to teens, youth workers and my team. As a young girl I was exposed to the same challenges they face, like peer pressure; substance abuse and promiscuity, but was always able to maintain my convictions. My relationship with my husband is the ONLY relationship I have ever had. I was always sure I wanted to save myself for marriage and not have any careless relationships that I believed wouldn’t honor God or myself. I did just that. Because I did it, I belief that anyone can rise above their circumstances and stick to their beliefs.
Who are your role models and why?
I have quite a few role models that have defined my life. Almost all of them were reformers. There were men and women who lived and committed their lives to a greater and higher cause, who fearlessly fought injustice and were committed to seeing change even if it came after their time. They lived selfishly, sacrificially and braved severe shame, ridicule and privation so that another generation could see a better day. They became the voice of the voiceless and made sure the world heard the cries of the destitute, the downtrodden and the forgotten. They pursued justice at all costs. They include Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King and Madiba. Interestingly, many of my most significant role models are Bible reformers like Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Daniel, David, Christ and Paul. Their example continually inspires me towards a greater purpose.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?
Losing my mum to suicide at the age of 6 and not knowing my dad.
I learnt very quickly that my challenges were not going to define me or my future. I fought tirelessly against the stigma of orphanhood and my mum’s suicide. Even at a tender age, I was determined to be the best at whatever I set my mind to do and overcome my circumstances. I worked very hard and was a straight A student, excelling at school. I never lost respect for my elders and peers and chose to forgive those that hurt me as I knew this was the only healthy way to go forward. I guarded my reputation. “A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Prov 22:1 I also confronted my fears and was outspoken against any injustices around me, no matter what the consequences. It was costly but I gained the respect of those around me.
What do you think have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
There is a gift in suffering and the wisdom it brings. There is a proverb that defines my life which says, “There is much wisdom in the house of mourning.” I have learnt my greatest lessons at my weakest points and these have helped shape my convictions and determine my future. I would not trade these experiences, no matter how painful, for anything because of what I have learned from them. Life is difficult and bad things happen to good people. Once we understand this truth we can decide to practice the discipline of not moaning at life’s injustices or thinking that our pain is unique, but instead work to confront challenges and grow from them. Pay close attention when challenges come your way. There’s growth for you on the horizon!
What do you think it means to be a real man/powerful woman, today?
A real man/woman is one who takes responsibility for their actions and lives to produce a legacy in all they do. Their interests are less for themselves and more for their environment, their people and the next generation. Their labor, efforts and recreation are all aligned to a single cause - changing their environment and pioneering transformation through their message and actions.
What are the top 3 most important qualities you look for in a friend?
Integrity, Honesty and Loyalty
What has been your proudest moment?
The birth of my 2 daughters who were born without any epidural and under severe conditions and holding my son-to-be in my arms. We are in the process of adoption.
What is your favourite colour?
Any shade of brown
Do you like to dance or sing?
Dance. I love to dance!
If you could be a character in a TV show, who would you be?
I’ve always wanted to be the fearless, heavyweight hero fighting for justice or the vigilante cleaning up the dirty streets of New York, so it would have to be Samuel L Jackson (without the bad language).
If you could have any special power, what would it be?
To heal the hearts and minds of children from past hurts, rejection and loss. To help children forget …
Lloyd Williams, 28 yrs old
GOLD Head Office Training and Support Manager
Lloyd says, “I love working with young people because they are alive with possibility. We need doctors, lawyers, teachers, business men and women, accountants, engineers, but I want to be remembered by the number of lives I have impacted not by the amount of money I have made!”
How do you feel about being a role model to teens in your community?
Being a role model is a hard job because teens see through you and you can’t lie to them. You need to have strength to be able to support and encourage them but also be vulnerable so that they can see that you are a human being just like them.
Who are your role models and why?
My mom. She is the hardest working person I know. She has high values, she’s purpose driven with vision and has sacrificed a lot to get what she wanted out of life.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?
Dealing with the death of my uncle who was like a father to me. After his death I felt like I had to stand up, be the man and take the lead in my family. I had to hold on to what I believed in and I’m now starting to live out my own dreams.
What do you think have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Sacrifice and hard work always pays off. Believe that other people have the potential to do great things and that they won’t let you down.
What do you think it means to be a real man/powerful woman, today?
Being a real man for me means being willing to stand up for what is right, accepting responsibility and fulfilling your promises.
What are the top 3 most important qualities you look for in a friend?
Authenticity, reliability and trust
What has been your proudest moment?
When I passed my matric
What is your favourite colour?
Blue
Do you like to dance or sing?
Sing
If you could be a character in a TV show, who would you be?
Frodo from The Lord of the Rings
If you could have any special power, what would it be?
Seeing into the future and flying
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m afraid of snakes.
Dumani Domo, 41 yrs old
Programme Manager - Peer Education, Izandla Zethemba, Western Cape,
South Africa
Dumani is married and loves his wife. He doesn’t have “abokwhapheni” roll on. A lot of boys in the programme don’t know their fathers, so he is a father figure to them as most of them will come to him for advice and encouragement.
How do you feel about being a role model to teens in your community?
It gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. There is a great need in my community for more positive role models.
Who are your role models and why?
Barak Obama – he has made history
What is the biggest challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?
Cultural barriers - when we were planning our wedding, it was tough for my wife and I. We wanted to do things our own way as we believe marriage is between two people who love each other. In my culture it is believed that this is the time when the family comes together and arranges everything. It becomes their wedding not yours. I refused this as I wanted my wedding to be unique and I did things my own way. It was a tough decision because in my culture if one does that they are regarded as disrespectful and their families disown them.
What do you think have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Diversity is rich. As much as we appreciate our own cultures and worldview; there are a lot of things that can build us up that we can learn from other cultures.
What do you think it means to be a real man/powerful woman, today?
Being a real man involves being responsible, considerate and a loving and caring husband and father. It is to have courage to stand up for what is right.
What are the top 3 most important qualities you look for in a friend?
Integrity, honesty, good values and principles
What has been your proudest moment?
When I became a father.
What is your favourite colour?
Orange
Do you like to dance or sing?
Both
If you could be a character in a TV show, who would you be?
Generation’s Khaphela
If you could have any special power, what would it be?
Flying
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m very generous to the point of stupidity
Mahendra Singh
44 yrs old Crossroads International GOLD Programme Manager, KZN, South Africa
The peer educators say, “We admire what he does. He shows interest in what is best for us. He is a good example to follow.”
How do you feel about being a role model to teens in your community?
I feel honoured, but also burdened because it’s a huge responsibility
Who are your role models and why?
Jesus Christ. He led a remarkable life, a life unlike any before or after Him and taught principles to live by. Also my dad - he taught me lessons by living them out.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?
Not to be influenced negatively by other people. I was a Christian early in life. My teenage years were spent with leaders of the church taking me with them during my spare time. I focused on God and that is how I was able to overcome challenges.
What do you think have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Always remain grateful. Hard work doesn’t kill anyone. Respect lavishly. Love generously. Don’t be easily influenced.
What do you think it means to be a real man/powerful woman, today?
Stand for what you believe in.
What are the top 3 most important qualities you look for in a friend?
Authenticity, trustworthiness and integrity.
What has been your proudest moment?
The births of my kids.
What is your favourite colour?
Blue
Do you like to dance or sing?
Sing - I can’t dance
f you could be a character in a TV show, who would you be?
Qui-Gon Jinn – Obi Wan Kenobi’s mentor in Star Wars
If you could have any special power, what would it be?
The power to change the world
What is something most people don’t know about you?
Sometimes people think I fool around but I work hard and put in the hours to get the work done
Nomcebo Treasure Mohale
21 yrs old | Facilitator at Tembalethu Home Based Care, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Nomcebo is a passionate facilitator. Her personal drive and her care and understanding inspire the people she interacts with.
How do you feel about being a role model to teens in your community?
I feel great and I think it is a good thing. It is not easy and can be a challenge, but it is great being a role model,
Who are your role models and why?
It’s not easy to say because I’ve received good input from different people in various categories of life. At home, my mom is my role model. In business; I’d have to say Beyoncé. She is out there and independent and she is doing it for herself, which is great. I also love Queen Moroka from Generations as we have a similar personality. She’s an outgoing person and if someone says something bad about her, she acts on it there and then. She is honest and I admire that
What is the biggest challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?
Life on its own is a challenge. How you face it can make a big difference though. If you take it positively, then it’s going to be good and if you take it negatively, it will most likely turn out badly. It is a challenge on its own to live every day. Sometimes it is hard to be a role model when my friends are going out. You have to be alert about the types of places you go to and I generally try and trust my gut feeling and make my own judgments about what would be a positive or negative example.
What do you think have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I am only 21 years old, but I have seen that you have to treat others the way you would like to be treated. I believe in the saying, “What goes around comes around”. If you take people for granted and you don’t respect yourself, then you know what is coming around. You also have to be humble even if it’s not in your character. Sometimes it doesn’t have to be in your character, you just need to do it, even if it doesn’t come naturally. It’s something that you choose to do.
What do you think it means to be a real man/powerful woman, today?
A real, powerful woman or man is someone who respects themselves first and then respects others. There is a whole lot of stuff that falls under the word respect, including care and wanting to hear other people out.
What are the top 3 most important qualities you look for in a friend?
Honesty, respect and care. Again it goes further than these words and it’s about character. I look for someone with a good character, a person of integrity.
What has been your proudest moment?
To be honest, this interview. Being acknowledged as a role model means that someone recognised who I am and what I do. Also, every time I go to the rural schools where I facilitate and do the GOLD sessions with the kids and we look at the various topics, I think what a great programme this is. It inspires the kids. It tells them that they can dream big and go beyond their imaginations. Conveying this to the teens is amazing as they are very excited and receive it with a happy heart.
What is your favourite colour?
Grey or silver.
Do you like to dance or sing?
I love both, but I can only sing.
f you could be a character in a TV show, who would you be?
Tyra Banks, because she has made it to the top in spite of all the criticism. When she was growing up she was skinny and tiny. People looked down at her because of it, but she turned it into a positive thing and became a model.
If you could have any special power, what would it be?
I would like to be able to see what people think and what makes them do the things they do. People are so different, so it would be interesting to be able to get into their minds and see what inspires them and makes them unique.
What is something most people don’t know about you
In spite of being a bubbly outgoing person and loving people, I really like my own space as well. I enjoy my alone, quiet time.
Thandeka Mngomezulu
20 yrs old | GOLD Lead Peer Educator, Isaac, KZN,
South Africa
She’s got her heart in what she’s doing. She’s not just doing it for fun, but she believes in the programme and what GOLD is all about.
How do you feel about being a role model to teens in your community?
I feel like an example to other people, even though I make mistakes, they’ll learn from me.
Who are your role models and why?
My mommy. She likes to embarrass people, so I learn from her mistakes. I don’t like to embarrass people.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?
I lost my grandma during my matric finals and it was painful. I’ve learned that life leads to death. I’ve accepted the fact the she is dead and I can’t wake her.
What do you think have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I dropped out of school in 2006 because of peer pressure, but decided to go back in 2007 and matriculated in 2009. You just need to know who you are, where you’re going and what your goal is in life. If you accept yourself first don’t worry what other people think of you. Look them straight in the eye and have your say. Say what you believe.
What do you think it means to be a real man/powerful woman, today?
A real man or woman stands up for what they believe, defends their values and lives them wisely. They also need to have compassion.
What are the top 3 most important qualities you look for in a friend?
Compassion, purpose in life, they must accept who they are
Flying to Cape Town. Since I was a child I never imagined I’d fly in an airplane but I did.
What has been your proudest moment?
Pink – most of my clothes are pink.
What is your favourite colour?
Dance – I think I’m the best.
Do you like to dance or sing?
I would want to be Ntombi Khumalo, Sibusiso’s wife on Generations. She’s a powerful woman
f you could be a character in a TV show, who would you be?
To stand for what I believe in and to fly.
If you could have any special power, what would it be?
I’m very short tempered and I cry easily.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
Desmond Lunga
28 yrs old SAPSSI GOLD Programme Manager, Botswana
Desmond has been very committed to the GOLD methodology being used as part of the Botswana School Based Programme. He is an inspiration to the youth as a man of character who lives out the belief that in life we might not always get it right, but there is always an opportunity to respond positively and responsibly.
How do you feel about being a role model to teens in your community?
I feel it is inspiring to know that there are people who regard me as a role model. It helps me to want to achieve more, educate these teens and give more to them.
Who are your role models and why?
A lot of young people are actually my role models, because I work with them every day and see how they develop and become positive people who add value to their communities. They inspire me and teach me many valuable lessons.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I have faced was the loss of my mom as a teen. I was forced to dig deep within myself to understand myself. Once I knew myself I was able to share with others and the community. I had the opportunity to be able to reach out and help other young people who were going through the same experience.
What do you think have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Firstly, when something negative happens in your life it should not bring you down, but you should use it to overcome and conquer future challenges. Basically if you are frustrated you should know that you are getting closer to good days. What doesn’t bring you down only makes you stronger.
What do you think it means to be a real man/powerful woman, today?
Being a real man is about being true to yourself, respecting yourself and in turn the people around you. It is about having a passion to achieve whatever it is that comes your way.
What are the top 3 most important qualities you look for in a friend?
I look for the value they add to my life. I look for similar core beliefs and to see if they inspire me and challenge me at the same time.
What has been your proudest moment?
When SAPSSI was chosen as one of the best practices in Botswana.
What is your favourite colour?
Blue
Do you like to dance or sing?
Dancing over singing
f you could be a character in a TV show, who would you be?
Dr. Phil
If you could have any special power, what would it be?
To bless people and change their fortune.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I am a maternal orphan.
Odirile Vee Sento, 27 yrs old
Local Artist/Community Member, Botswana
Vee has been in the music industry for over 10 years and has been named the Best Artist numerous times by the Botswana Music Union. Through his music and positive role modelling he has inspired young Batswana to become better people. Vee has great influence in addressing youth behaviors and lifestyle. He always makes an effort to contribute to the community by being present at local events, including GOLD activities.
How do you feel about being a role model to teens in your community?
It is quite a challenge, as teens will follow everything you do whether right or wrong. I always have to try my best to guide them well and make sure they follow the proper path. It puts pressure on me, but someone has to do it.
Who are your role models and why?
I do not have one person that I look up to as a role model. Jesus guides me and shows me the way.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?
I have faced a lot of challenges and the only way to overcome them is to pray and not give up. No matter what, always try your hardest
What do you think have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Whatever you do to people they will do to you. Treat others as you wish to be treated.
What do you think it means to be a real man/powerful woman, today?
I think you should have manners and work hard, have discipline and pray hard.
What are the top 3 most important qualities you look for in a friend?
Respect, loyalty and they should be a fun person to be around
What has been your proudest moment?
Giving the president of Botswana my album.
What is your favourite colour?
Blue
Do you like to dance or sing?
Yes
f you could be a character in a TV show, who would you be?
I would want to be Puff Daddy in his show “I Want to Work for Diddy”
If you could have any special power, what would it be?
Anything that can help the people.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I am a Christian.
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Monique "Creamy" Bristow
24 yrs old | Facilitator, Ukuthasa, Western Cape, South Africa
Monique is genuine, loving and smart. She lives the way she wants teens to live, in other words she practices what she preaches.
How do you feel about being a role model to teens in your community?
It is a lot of responsibility, but it’s amazing to have an opportunity to influence young people’s lives.
Who are your role models and why?
Firstly, Jesus because I am a devoted Christian and an admirer of Jesus and the way he spent his whole life role-modelling love and unconditional acceptance of all. I’d also have to say Nelson Mandela because of his incredible integrity and patience. Patience is definitely something he has mastered. Finally, my Dad. I love my dad, he’s a great guy.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?
I finished school a year early, at 17 and went to England to find work and take a gap year without knowing anyone there. I learnt a lot about getting on with people and looking after myself and ended up staying for 2 years.
What do you think have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
It is very important to really listen to what people have to say, even if it’s your grandfather telling you that same story about the war, again. It’s important not to cut people short when they’re talking to you. When you listen to someone you affirm that they are valuable and that you care
What do you think it means to be a real man/powerful woman, today?
I’d say a real woman knows that she is someone of value and has confidence in her own strength and potential, but is also humble. A real woman cares for others and knows she can make a contribution to her community. She doesn’t buy into the media portrayal of what women should be. She takes care of herself but knows that being beautiful on the inside is much more important than outside appearances.
What are the top 3 most important qualities you look for in a friend?
Honesty, unconditional acceptance and loving each other like family
What has been your proudest moment?
I had the opportunity to finish the last 2 years of my schooling in 1 year after struggling with the first part of high school. I worked 6 days a week at my schoolwork and passed with exemption. I was proud that I had managed to turn my experience of schooling around through hard work. I’d also like to say that one of my proudest moments has been having pride in someone else. I am very proud of a peer educator who fell pregnant, but returned to school and graduated from high school. She persevered in spite of some pretty tough challenges.
What is your favourite colour?
Black and white and grey
Do you like to dance or sing?
Dance
f you could be a character in a TV show, who would you be?
Rachel from friends
If you could have any special power, what would it be?
To be able to fly
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I HATE purple sweets! Out of an entire bag, I will leave all the black/blue berry and grape flavours. I hate them.
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