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To The River and beyond

19 December 2022 | Story Gerda-Marié van Rooyen | Photo Supplied

Olebogeng TIhong loves stages and cameras. She is currently studying law.

An ex-CyberSta presenter has recently made her soap debut in The River.

Olebogeng Tlhong, a fourth-year LLB student at the UFS, recently portrayed the part of a celebrity, something she says works perfectly with her personality. However, acting is only one of her many gifts and interests.

She also owns an enterprise. “I established my online store in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and registered my company in October 2021.” This company, a segment of Greys World, consists of an events company, bikini line, cosmetics and accessory stores and a clothing aspect.

Passionate about the entertainment space

This born Johannesburger describes herself as a “vibrant, hard-working, resilient and multifaceted woman who loves life and all that it has to offer”. Confidence is something she has in ample supply. “I have always been a confident individual. I have participated in public-speaking competitions from a young age. I am passionate about the entertainment space.” She loves people too. "I draw inspiration from different people for different reasons and aspects of my life. This includes from the women in my family to service workers’ stories, celebrity figures and the teachings of Christ.” 

Visualisation is something this entertainer strongly believes in. “The kind of life that I envision for myself, inspires me. I want to own my time and live on my terms. Having a vision board and holding myself accountable has played a large role in ensuring that I execute everything that I said I would. I believe in being proactive and solution based.”

Crossing boundaries and achieving dreams

Olebogeng dreams of leaving a legacy echoing her courage to cross boundaries and achieve her dreams. “I want people to draw inspiration from me and know that they can achieve anything – regardless of obstacles or one’s past. One can build an empire from nothing,” says this wanna-be world traveller.

While it is uncertain where Olebogeng’s river will take her, one thing is certain, she’ll always seize the day. “I want to remain teachable to grow. The aim is to never get comfortable and to keep striving for more.”

Olebogeng appeared on The River, episode 240, that aired beginning/mid-October.

This guest appearing actress has always been confident. “I used to participate in public speaking competitions from a young age and I love the entertainment space.”

“Enjoy university, meet new people and grab every opportunity that aligns with your purpose, have fun and most importantly, ensure that your academics are always in order,” Olebogeng advises the first-year students of 2023.

News Archive

Childhood passion becomes a successful career

2016-12-19

Dr Makae took up his studies at the South Campus
of the UFS, and now serves as a community vet in Tshwane.
Photo: Anja Aucamp

Dr Thapelo Makae’s youthful passion has been a driving force in his chosen career. He says: “Like any veterinarian, my love for animals started from childhood. Growing up, I always asked myself why animals didn’t have doctors like we kids did, when our pets fell ill or died.” While veterinary services were unknown where he was raised in the Phelindaba location in Mangaung, Bloemfontein, Dr Makae started doing his own research as early as Standard 1 (Grade 3). He affirms, “I’ve always wanted to help these creatures that, it seemed, no one could help.”

Having started his academic journey on the South Campus in the CPP (as the University Preparation Programme was then known), Dr Makae obtained an undergraduate degree in Agriculture, later completing an honours degree in Agriculture. “It was at this stage,” he says, “that I was recruited by Prof Johan Greyling and the late Dr Luis Schwalbach. With their support, I completed my MSc Agric, besides having the opportunity to be a junior lecturer in Animal Physiology. Dr Schwalbach was my supervisor, my mentor, and a veterinarian himself, and I worked very closely with him. He encouraged me to pursue my passion and the dream to go ahead and study Veterinary Medicine.”

Realising that dream, Dr Makae is now employed at the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as a community veterinarian. Among his many responsibilities, he is charged with serving the communities of the Tshwane Metro, where he visits farmers, assisting them with health and vaccination plans, and providing advice to help them develop their skills.

Dr Makae also seeks opportunities to pass on his dream. “What I am most passionate about is going to schools and giving talks to schoolchildren, especially those from previously disadvantaged communities, who might not know much about Veterinary Medicine,” he says.

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