We continue featuring the most inspiring individuals and this week, the Education Ambassadors SA team caught up with Mohlokoane L.J, born and bred in Qwaqwa and Clocolan in the Free State. Mohlokoane is currently a Mathematics teacher, an Honors Student in Computer Science at UNISA, part-time Web Developer and has also entered into a new business where he develops housing for rentals with at least six rental rooms. Read his inspiring story below.
I was born 1989 June 28 in Qwaqwa in a village called Tseki, I am 3rd in the family of six siblings and still blessed to have both parents alive to date. I did my foundation phase at Itlotliseng Primary School before my family moved to Clocolan in 1999. In clocolan attended Kopano Intermediate School then later completed my matric at Clocolan High School in 2007.
What were the challenges and great things about growing up
Growing up was very challenging because I was raised in a family where my father was very abusive verbally and physically, he would beat my mother constantly and swear all the time. The other challenge is that I grew up stuttering and it was a challenge to deal with being laughed at all the time by fellow learners at school. The great thing about growing up is that my mother and my siblings loved me and supported me all the time and I’m really thankful to have them in my life even today.
My Career
I completed my B.sc IT (Information Technology) in 2010 at the University of Free State and because I was offered a bursary by fundza lushaka on my final year I was entitled to also complete PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate In Education) in 2011. I am currently a Mathematics teacher, part-time web developer at WIWI Technologies and also currently entered into a new business where develop housing for rentals. I currently have 6 rental rooms and one house being rented.
I am currently doing Honors in Computer Science at UNISA and also looking forward to starting a course in property management by June this year as I have developed a love for property.
What do you like about yourself and the work that you do
I dream big and I don’t rest until what I dream of is realised. I love working with children because I learn a lot from their honest, free and loving souls that’s what makes me love teaching. My love for working with property is very fresh and exciting and I’m willing to learn a lot from experienced people in my journey to it being successful.
What are some challenges which you have faced and how did you overcome them
My real challenge has been the problem with stuttering as it affects my communication and eventually leading me to abandon some of my dreams as its difficult to work with people who always focus on the stuttering rather than on the person I am. I have managed to overcome it because I’m no longer afraid to express myself although it’s an ongoing process.
Some of the highlights for me
Despite my stuttering problem I have managed to become a successful and respected mathematics teacher, serving from 2013 and have managed to take learners to provincial mental mathematics competition challenge for 3 consecutive years (2015,2016 and 2017)
I’m a father to my beautiful daughter (Kgosatsana Reneilwe Warona)
Managed to secure two houses to my name, the one I’m currently staying at and the one and renting out.
Important factors that keep in mind to make it in life
Don’t feel sorry for yourself for things you cannot change as they limit your dreams. You don’t need to be brilliant to make it, it just takes hard work and persistence.
Future Plans
I’m working hard to secure a house or flat in Bloemfontein to expand my business in property and I’m hopeful that within three years I would have achieved that. I will also finish my Honors degree and a diploma in property management. And lastly, I want a second born hopefully a boy lol!!!
Organisation I look up to
The stuttering foundation, a non-profit organisation helping those who stutter.
Projects involved in
I’m currently trying to start a project where the aim is to help Stuttering children to accept their situations and build their confidence and aspire them to become whatever they want in life regardless of their situation. I am planning to work with the education department to equip teachers on how to treat learners with this problem.
Advice to give to others who want to follow the footsteps
Just be yourself and work hard. Give respect and be humble, if you can manage those two then you will meet positive people and your life will be a happy one.
How can the public contact you?
For learners/students/property enthusiasts, contact me on Facebook: Mohlokoane Lekopa Copper or email me at: lecupaj@gmail.com
Thank you for sharing your inspirational story with our community, Mohlokoane. We wish you all the best. God bless!
If you would also like to see your inspirational story published in our publication, email: info@educationambassadors.org.za
