Behind the Name :Lebogang Mohlala

Let’s face it, being a young person in this day and age is pretty much the coolest thing in the world not only because we are living in a world that is as you could call free from past transgressions but also alive with endless possibilities. In celebrating YOUTH MONTH, I thought it would be great to celebrate the young people that are changing the game and using their various platforms to inspire the youth. I had the privilege of chatting to one inspirational young woman named Lebogang Mohlala. Lebogang is not only the niece of Gospel Legend Benjamin Dube but she is also an ambitious young entrepreneur that is proving that the sky is definitely not the limit if you simply learn to fly.

1. Who is Lebogang Mohlala?

Lebogang Mohlala is a God fearing, happy, driven, and ambitious young woman

2. Being the 3rd of 4 children, how would you describe your upbringing?

My upbringing was very comfortable and filled with so much love; I got a lot out of my parents’ maybe because I was the most fragile haha.

3. Family is important to you, would you say you are a daddy's girl or do you fall more on the mother's side?

That's a tough one I think I fall on both ends but dad definitely has a softer spot for me... I mean a father is a daughters 1st love.

4. You are relatively close to your younger sister, were you two always like this?

Haha we grew up like twins ,we only 2yrs apart.  We wore the same clothing, shared friends’ haha but she was my bodyguard at school. She's my best friend.

5. At school, were you the bookworm or more of the sporty type?

I wouldn't say bookworm, I had to study hard to pass hey haha. I loved the social activities, debate team, public speaking I was that pupil but I was on the swimming team can't separate me from water!!!

6. One thing that is admirable about you is your drive, what would you say keeps you so driven?

My mom and dad afforded me and my 3 siblings a beautiful life and introduced us to God who blessed me with gifts and a purpose. My drive stems from these particular reasons.

7. You started a company called Rare Talent Performance Art in 2012, how did that come about?

Rare talent is my 1st born. It all came about from the love of music and words and seeing raw talent out here not given a chance or making it cause of certain stereotypes.

8. Coming from a musically talented family, would you say that influenced your company?

It did a lot, seeing people I love who are so gifted not making it and struggling in the industry definitely pushed me and how music art just brought my family together was amazing so it's something I definitely wanted to share with the world.

9. Where do you see the company 10-15 years from now?

A conceptual house known by many globally.  Employment of over 150 creatives all over the nation in all spectrum. That's what my company would have created

10. Apart from being a businesswoman, you are a motivational speaker, what projects have you been involved in?

Currently I've been working with SLEF  (Sbusiso Leope Education Foundation) under DJ Sbu & YDF  (Yellow Diamonds Foundation) under Hloni Mohlala.

11. How important is giving back to you?

It's everything I saw my parents do it for years and the bible I read the God I believe in Jehovah Jireh is all about its my duty I may not reach everyone but one soul is all I need to impact the next soul. I live and love giving.

12. What does Youth day mean to you?

It's a day to celebrate the youth that fought for us to be here, and celebrate a new generation every year.

13. Do you think the youth of today is making the youth of '76 proud? What more is there to be done?

Definitely I mean it's diploma's, degree's, masters , honours. "On Fleek " as the youth now would say haha education is the new sophistication  now, and yes there's lots more to be done we still need to learn work ethics learn that time is the new currency and build and structure  in our own communities (the black community)

14. What does future holds for Ms Lebogang Vercia Mohlala?

It's holds nothing but endless opportunities and blessings... more business ventures. I just opened up the 1st shoe laundry in South Africa named (Clean Grip) which has now partnered up with major leading sport brands, so it's nothing but more Grace and ideas.

15. What message do you always leave behind at your talks and want every person particularly the youth to know?

Have Patience with yourself watch what you say to self because only you are listening

"FAIL" only means First Attempt In Learning

There are no 20 steps to Success!!! There are only 4

·         God

·         Love for what you do

·         Patience

·         Hardwork :)

Paint YOUR June 16th with the footprints of '76

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world" words by the late Nelson Mandela

June 16th, a day that not only pays homage to the students of '76 but also acts as a platform to compare today's youth with that of 1976. Let's face it, when we look at the youth of today, nothing but disgusted clicks and stereotypes paint a rather vivid picture of the disgrace we have become. It is no wonder we don't even try anymore, I mean "the battle is already won for us so sorry for smoking up today's privileges".

Education is not what it was seen as back in '76, when students took a stand and said "I need to understand what I am being taught in order to make the difference I need to make in my  community" .Today, education is seen as something that someone simply has to have after all it is a basic human right. This creates the mentality of degrading the importance of education simply because there is no hope of making it out of the hood so why bother trying. 

The beautiful thing about the technological era we are living in that with a switch of a button, we gain access to the lives of celebrities who make that particular life of fame and fortune look so desirable yet so unattainable,forgetting that the very celebrities built their life on education and hard work. Social media has not only made it possible to keep up with the latest celebs but also keep up with the lives of our family and friends.It is with great pride that we celebrate their successes on Instagram but what about little Vusi who does not see a future beyond his worn out uniform and poverty stricken community. 

When I put on my high school uniform on June 16, not only am I reminded of the blood shed in '76 all in the name of education but as well as the sweat and tears that had to be poured out in order to show that it CAN BE DONE, CHANGE CAN HAPPEN.

All we need to do is simply take a book and READ.

One thing I admire about people particularly young people is the potential they hold, nothing beats a young person who has the drive to not only make a success of them self despite the hardships but to also make a difference and show that young Vusi that it is possible.

As you put on your uniform in commemoration of June 16, remind yourself that this uniform is not only to pay homage to the youth of 1976 but to remind the youth that the dreams that linger on in their sleep are in actual fact VALID. All they have to do is realize that education is the key to unlock the doors of endless possibilities.
Make the youth of 1976 PROUD by living the dream they died for.