This week our team caught up with Lehlohonolo “Hlox Da Rebel” Mabaso, who believes that his perseverance and persistence constantly motivates him to dream big. Read his inspiring story below.
I was born and raised up in Phuthaditjhaba, QwaQwa where I also did all of my schooling years. From Mamello Primary, Mafube Intermediate and finally Kgola-Thuto Senior Secondary, where I completed my matric, then later went to Springs College to do a Financial Management Certificate.
Life had always been great, being raised in a stable home with both my parents and siblings under one roof. I don’t come from a wealthy family, my mother sold “iskopo” and my father worked as a bank teller. Challenges began in the year 2 000 when my father lost his bank job, then my mother passing away shortly after that, I was 12 years old at the time.
Career
I studied N6 Financial Management and completed it in 2007. In 2012, I became an intern at the Department of Human Settlement and when the contract ended, I took the initiative of creating my own opportunities and worked as an Arts Entrepreneur. I founded a company in 2011, Sicknatcha Poetry where I hold the positions of Creative Director, Performer and Marketing Manager.
I am persistent even when the dream seems impossible to achieve.
One of the biggest challenges in my business has been sourcing funding for the projects that Sicknatcha has to execute. Experience has taught me that the arts industry as a whole is a struggle although it is exciting and entertaining. I got to learn how to close deals and be more organised while pursuing my dreams. Having my vision board in mind all the time helped me to get over all the hurdles I came across and still come across.
Achievements
Being a part of what has become one of the well-recognised arts companies in the Free-State that has hosted some of the biggest international spoken word artists in the country has been quite a highlight and achievement.
My best highlight was when I received an invite to perform at WordnSound Poetry Festival, Slam For Your Life in 2015. Being given these opportunities proved that persistence and perseverance are the most important traits to have in order to be a success.
Inspiration
I am inspired by Fanafikile Lephakha, a friend and business partner. Fana was the one who introduced me to entrepreneurship and taught me all that I know about running a business.
Secondly, I am also inspired by Afurakan, Founder and CEO at WordnSound Live Literature Company, with his company being the biggest poetry house in South Africa he has become a mentor to me on running Sicknatcha Poetry.
Projects
I am involved in the 100TPC Annual Charity Event, where we help the less fortunate.
I am also working on a big brother movement, aimed at helping out young men growing up in the hood to become better men in the society.
Last words
Identify your goal and go get it.
Get in touch
Email: hloxrebel@gmail.com
Twitter: @hloxrebel
Facebook: Hlox Da Rebel
Instagram: @hloxrebel
Thank you for sharing your inspirational story with our community, Hlox. Best of luck with all of your future endeavours.
If you would also like to see your inspirational story published in our blog, email it to: info@educationambassadors.org.za
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