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23 August 2021 | Story Nonsindiso Qwabe | Photo Supplied
Picture: Passionate and strong- Zanele Mbhele
Zanele Mbhele is a third-year BSc student majoring in Chemistry and Botany on the Qwaqwa Campus. At age 22, this young woman from Cornelia, a small town in the Northern Free State, already wears many hats – as a residence assistant, peer mentor for first-year students, and most recently, as a youth lifestyle blogger.

Mbhele launched her website in June. There she writes on topics such as finance, relationships, mental well-being, and fashion, to mention a few. Since its inception, she has attracted traffic from around the country, as well as international parts of the world such as North and South America, China, and different parts of Europe. 

Taking part in poetry has ignited her love for writing and storytelling, and Mbhele says she wants to grow into the many hats she wears and make a name for herself in science, as well as in writing for local and international audiences.

What does being a woman mean to you?
It’s being strong. Seeing opportunities where they are scarce. Being independent. Getting out of your comfort zone.

Which woman inspires you, and why?
It has to be news anchor and TV show host, Tumelo Mothotoane. She is from Limpopo and followed her passion for media in a place where media was not popular. She is hardworking and she believes in herself. She started small and today she is an international news anchor. Another woman who inspires me, is my mother. She was unemployed but because of her love for selling clothes, she was able to provide for us. I didn’t grow up feeling like I’m fatherless, and we were able to have a childhood like other children because of her hard work.

What advice would you give to the 15-year-old you?
I would say, invite God into all your plans. Know that no dream is too big for you. Don’t be scared of failure, because through failure we find ourselves and see our capabilities. Don’t be afraid to start small.

Any advice to anyone who also wants to grow on social media?
Social media has made many things possible. If you’re good at dancing, you can create a TikTok or YouTube account. You don’t even need fancy gadgets anymore. Many places now offer free Wi-Fi, so you can go anywhere and do your thing. Most things are possible today; you don’t have to wait until you have an iPhone. Just start with what you have. I haven’t mastered social media platforms yet and I don’t have any background in website creation, but I am learning and improving. 

What makes you a woman of quality, impact, and care?
I believe I am a woman of quality because I’m goal-driven; a woman of impact because I move beyond fear, step out of my comfort zone, and embrace change; and a woman of care because I care about the well-being of a person. This is evident from my blog. The things I talk about need little to no budget at all, because I understand what it means to be less fortunate, looking for solutions to your problems. 

News Archive

Qwaqwa Campus Hosts a DSD Roadshow
2012-04-04

 

In front, from  the left, in front: Joe Mosuhli (DSD Provincial Office), Ms Maboe Grey Magaiza (Lecturer: Sociology), Ms SM Khupane (Thibella Marakabeng Traditional Council), Mr Mbulaheni Mulaudzi (DSD). At the back, from the left: Dr Malete, Dr Elsa Crause (Departmental Head: Sociology), Chief Mahase (Phomolong Traditional Council), Mrs Sadi Luka (DSD), Chief QD Moloi (Makgolokweng Traditional Council), Chief Sekonyela (Thibella Traditional Council), Ms Mpontseng Kumeke (DSD) and Mrs Malikoankoetla Tsosane (Matsieng Traditional Council).

The National Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Free State Department of Social Development, in collaboration with the Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State, hosted a road show on the professionalisation of Community Development Practice yesterday.

This inaugural road show was aimed at conceptualising and soliciting stakeholder buy-in in the new Community Development Qualification Framework, which was jointly developed by the department and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The road show also briefed stakeholders on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pilot project that will integrate the current community development workforce into the national qualification framework. Stakeholders were also briefed on the professionalisation process and were given a platform on which to talk about related issues. This included the formation of a community development association, a unified professional body and eventually, the formation of an independent statutory council.

In his welcoming remarks, Campus Principal Dr Elias Malete said that the envisaged programme of professionalising community development practice would address the local needs and bring vibrancy to affected communities. “The programme will definitely help in revitalizing our campus and the community we serve,” said Dr Malete. He was referring to the Qwaqwa Campus Revitalisation Plan. “Among the plans we have is the introduction of the four year Bachelor of Community Development degree. We are confident that our proposal will be received favourably and that we will offer this qualification from 2013,” Dr Malete said to applause from the invited guests and community members.

Talking on behalf of the provincial Department of Social Development was the department's head, Me Matlhogonolo Maboe, who emphasised the fact that large segments of communities were entirely dependent on the community development sector for their daily survival. “In professionalising the sector, we would be building vibrant rural communities and repositioning them to be better equipped in addressing what President Zuma referred to as the ‘triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality’ in his State of the Nation address in February”, said Me Maboe.

Traditional leaders from the Qwaqwa area, national and provincial departmental officials as well as students and staff of the UFS attended the road show.
 

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