Growing up with an inferiority complex has taught Lebohang Masoabi to flourish in her adult life. She credits former Vice-Chairperson of the University of the Free State’s Council,
Dr Nthabeleng Rammile, as a woman who continues to inspire her. She recently won an Innovation in Learning and Teaching award during the
Qwaqwa Campus Centre for Teaching and Learning’s Excellence in Learning and Teaching Awards.
She has just completed her MCom degree in Business Management, focusing on the role of entrepreneurial education on attitudes and intentions of university students.
Please tell us about yourself: Who you are and what you do?
My name is Lebohang Masoabi. I am a Lecturer in the Department of Business Management at the University of the Free State Qwaqwa Campus. My areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, entrepreneurship and marketing.
Is there a woman who inspires you and who you would like to celebrate this Women’s Month, and why?
Dr Nthabeleng Rammile. She is intentional and unapologetic about pursuing her destiny. She is a great example of defying limitations. She constantly challenges her abilities. She oozes confidence. But above all, I love how she is passionate about the growth and development of other women, and how she has made it her life’s work to ensure that other women succeed in pursuit of their dreams.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your life that have made you a better woman?
Self-esteem issues: I had to learn to love myself and believe in myself and when I overcame that, I was unstoppable.
Inferiority complex: I was always afraid to express my full potential, wondering if I am worth it compared to others in my professional and personal space. I then realised that I am not weak, I am not vulnerable, I am not a damsel in distress. The day I realised my full potential as a woman, I flourished.
I had to learn to love myself and believe in myself and when I overcame that, I was unstoppable.
What advice would you give to the 15-year-old you?
• You are worth more than you think.
• Not everyone is going to like you, and that is fine.
• Be brave and do what scares you.
• Be kind to yourself.
• Forgive quickly, move on quickly.
• The girls who did not like you then, want to be you now!
• Learn to breathe through the tough moments, it’s not the end of the world.
What would you say makes you a champion woman [of the UFS]?
For the past four years on our campus, I have committed my time and energy to mentor students who are in quest of their professional and personal development, some of whom have launched their careers and have become champions in their own spaces.
So, my answer to this question is that what makes me a champion woman of the UFS is the fact that I nurture other champions!