The Power of Mentorship

One speech can ignite a flame, and one mentor can change a destiny. For me, a few powerful words from a professional town and regional planner reshaped my life’s trajectory.

I grew up in a small, rural village where poverty was an ever-present shadow. My family struggled financially, and often, I went to school without basic necessities. I remember waking early each morning to walk many kilometres to fetch water so I could bathe and arrive at school looking like my peers from better-off backgrounds. Despite these challenges, I was determined to break free from the cycle of poverty that had defined my family’s existence.

At Salani Primary School, I laid the foundation for my education. Though the resources were limited and the hurdles significant, I persevered. When I progressed to Sokisi High School, the obstacles became even more daunting. Many days, I went to school without lunch or pocket money, but I hid my struggles behind a bright smile, refusing to let my hardships define me.

The turning point came during a motivational talk by Success Dzunisani Ngobeni, whose words ignited something powerful within me. He said: “Everything is doable and possible. I’ve once been your age, too. I know how hard it is to study, but try harder to improve your background.” In that moment, I saw a future where my circumstances didn’t dictate my potential. His message planted a seed of hope, and for the first time, I believed in the possibility of a different life.

With renewed determination, I threw myself into my studies, sacrificing leisure time for academic excellence. Yet self-doubt lingered. I feared that even if I passed matric, my financial situation would bar me from pursuing higher education. The stress of this reality almost led me to drop out.

Support came from unexpected places. My teachers encouraged me, my family stood firm in their belief in my potential, and mentors like Ngobeni provided not just inspiration but a sense of direction. Their faith in me pushed me to keep going, even when I felt overwhelmed by doubt.

Another pivotal moment came when I entered the Voices of Future Conservation Leaders Essay Writing Competition—and won. The prize money was significant, but the victory meant so much more. It bolstered my confidence and revealed a passion for writing I had never fully embraced. Editor and mentor Nyameko Bottoman recognized my potential and gave me a platform to share my stories through the Write Away Magazine website. That recognition transformed me, reinforcing the power of storytelling and education to uplift and inspire.

Today, I look back on my journey with gratitude. Every struggle, every obstacle, every moment of self-doubt has shaped me into who I am. Mentorship, education, and resilience have been the pillars of my transformation. I now aspire to inspire others, to remind them that no matter where they come from, no matter how heavy their burdens, they can achieve greatness.

The power of mentorship lies in its ability to illuminate a path forward, to provide not just guidance but belief. As I continue to walk my journey, I am committed to becoming the kind of mentor who can ignite flames in others, just as my mentors did for me. Because when one person dares to believe in you, it can make all the difference.