Meet up with Ms. Fortunate Mokgehle!

We salute our own June Youth Leader 2014: Ms. Fortunate Mokgehle!

We have a successful and influential young woman in our province. She is the role models for girls and encourages youth daily to improve their lives. I did interview the sparkling, ambitious and versatile Ms. Fortunate Mokgehle (the former Miss Limpopo 2004 and Entrepreneur) she honored us by spending couple of minutes with “My Wings!” crew to share her life experience. Fortunate Mokgehle describe herself as a mother, daughter and sister. She is a humble entrepreneur, her passion lies in developing and mentoring young people. She said; “they excite me; their essence is their destiny to rule the world.” She grew up in Seshego Township and academically she had a commerce degree. Fortunate is committed to several leadership portfolios which include serving on the board of Mankweng and Pietersburg Hospital. She is a Provincial Executive Committee member of South African Youth Council (SAYC), a Funding Committee Member of Motsepe Foundation. In terms of business interests she is a Managing Director of Cactus Muntu a Management Consulting Company, Awsidius Co-operative and her absolute pride and joy Angelia Travel. She is a President of NAFCOC Youth Limpopo. She said; “I am always high on life, I love life, I love to learn and I value people; I am what I am as a direct result of how I relate to others.” Ms. Fortunate was not quite sure what she wanted to do, it was between becoming a civil engineer or a chartered accountant and she did well academically. She knew that whichever path she chose; she would do well. Business was never in her plans until when she opened her first business with her sister in 2004. It was a marketing and promotions company called Beepa Marketing. She said; “Once the entrepreneurship bug bit me, it never left.” Being crowned Miss Limpopo was a defining curve in her journey and it was in 2004, she worked with various charities and met some amazing people. Fortunate elaborated that; “I believe it was then that I discovered my love for travel and lifestyle.” She got to explore our beautiful country and the kaleidoscope of culture that makes us a rainbow nation. Her passion for development, inspiring and empowering young people also caught fire from there. She told us that; “It is true being a business woman requires a level of tenacity and belligerence that is more than average.” She had to abandon a few business ventures due to financial problems also in another business she gave her entire shares to a partner because they did not have the same vision. Fortunate started from scratch several times in the business sector and Failure is a big part of success.

The highlight was when she was chosen as a success story by SEDA Limpopo in 2013. She is always humbled when her work receives recognition. In June 2013 she traveled around the province motivating young people and in August she did the same for women from various walks of life. She indicates that “Nothing gets me more fired up than inspiring others.” She is excited about the space that NAFCOC Youth Chamber finds itself coming into the New Year. South Africa has a high percentage of young people and Youth make up more than 50 percent of Limpopo. This is the demographic group that is in their most productive years. Government cannot provide enough jobs therefore we have to continue to create an enabling environment for youth to enter into business. NAFCOC Youth Chamber Limpopo will be focusing on starting youth co-operatives in communities. These businesses are aimed at creating real jobs and stimulating local economy. In the programmes we will offer support through collaborations with business development agencies. We will have sporting events, marathons and soccer tournaments. We will also have road shows to take the NAFCOC brand out to the people. We will be creating many networking spaces. Later in the year we will have excellence awards to recognize successful entrepreneurs. Fortunate specified that “our government has gone quite the distance in creating opportunities for women to make meaningful and significant contributions to the shaping of our economy and democracy. There are numerable policies that are biased to the elevation and empowerment of women. Literacy amongst women and the positions of power and influence held by women are on the incline, perhaps not at the most desirable rate however it is a fact. As women we should perhaps take some time to reflect and disabuse ourselves of the strife to become equals with males, because it limits our potential. Being equal to men cannot be the benchmark for what we can achieve. We can and have through time changed and built the world in our ways that are different from men, but not inferior. When we ask her about the statement that some political parties in South Africa are saying that women are not ready to be President of South Africa and what is her view on this report. Ms. Mokgehle said it clearly that “South Africa is very ready.” The environment is enabling in this country. We have a very high caliber of women leaders who hold international positions. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is the Chairperson of African Union. The sterling work she did in turning around our Home Affairs Ministry is nothing less than a miracle. Former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women. Hellen Zille, Gill Marcus and Dr Maphele Ramphele are women well endowed with the relevant qualities of a President. South Africa does not lack women that can take this country to its next height. Our country is ready and our people need only to be open minded. Her message to young people is that it does not serve anyone, least of all yourself to magnify and illuminate your problems and struggles. Everyone goes through problems. Rather focus on that one little thing that you are good at, that makes you special. Polish that part of who you are every day, make it grow. Guard your dreams jealously and do just one thing every single day that brings you close to achieve your goals. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Never stop shining, shine bright like a diamond....”