11 April 2025
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Story Precious Shamase
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Photo Supplied
Lebakeng Mokhale and his Bonsmara cattle.
Lebakeng Mokhele's graduation from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) is a testament to the power of unwavering discipline, entrepreneurial spirit, and a relentless pursuit of vision. Achieving a BCom Honours in Business Management cum laude, this Allan Gray Top Achiever Award recipient and former Enactus Bloemfontein Campus president is not just a high-achieving student; he is a force of inspiration.
"For me, my biggest attribute is discipline," Mokhele stated. "No matter how tired or demotivated I am, I always show up." This unwavering commitment, coupled with a deep understanding of self and a clear vision, has propelled him to extraordinary heights. His ambition extends beyond academic success; he envisions himself as a PhD candidate and a lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (NAS), bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Passion overcomes limitations
Mokhele’s journey is a masterclass in balancing academic rigour with entrepreneurial drive. While excelling in his studies, he also manages a 1 300-hectare crop and livestock farm. His story began with selling vegetables from a wheelbarrow in his neighbourhood – a humble start that taught him invaluable lessons about market dynamics. Today, he farms Bonsmara cattle, Dorper sheep, pigs, and spinach, demonstrating that passion and determination can overcome any perceived limitations.
"I don't even have an agricultural qualification, but I am doing it," Mokhele shares, emphasising that anything is possible with focused effort. His entrepreneurial journey has not been without its challenges. He faced discouragement from established farmers, navigated unsuccessful partnerships, and battled the complexities of land acquisition. Yet, these obstacles only fuelled his determination.
His involvement with Enactus was transformative, teaching him the art of dealing with investors, mastering emotional intelligence, managing diversity, and honing his communication skills. These experiences have equipped him to navigate the complexities of business and leadership, enabling him to develop strategic growth channels aligned with his values.
Failure fuels success
Mokhele’s vision extends beyond personal success. He sees the Centre for Global Change (CGC) playing a pivotal role in applied research and community impact, believing that collaboration can solve societal problems and contribute to sustainable development goals.
He credits his success to his exposure to inspiring figures and the invaluable lessons learned from failure. "Failure was also a key factor that allowed me to grow extensively," he reflects. "It opens doors to so much growth and development that nobody can buy at a tuck shop."
His academic inspirations,
Dr Amon Magwiro and
Dr Calvin Mudzingiri, and business role model, Whitey Basson, have shaped his approach to both academia and entrepreneurship. He challenges young farmers to dream big, urging them to see beyond limitations and aspire to the highest levels of achievement.
Mokhele's story is a powerful reminder that with discipline, vision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, anything is possible. He exemplifies the spirit of determination and serves as an inspiration to all students, proving that dreams, no matter how ambitious, can be realised.