* By Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho

GO BOKKE!GO BOKKE!

Napo Masheane is a multi-faceted individual: from writer, poet, producer, theatre and creative writing facilitator, and acclaimed performer on both international and national platforms. Masheane co-founded an all-woman poetry collective Feela Sister with equally talented members, Lebo Mashile, Myesha Jenkins and Ntsiki Mazwai. In her solo projects as a poet she went on to excel and proved to be a goddess in her own right.

How do you describe yourself as an artist and

human being respectively?Well I am someone’s daughter, sister, mother,

friend and partner. But I am also a creative soul that uses words to describe things, people, emotions and the world. My soul purpose as an artist is to breathe life into words.

What have been your highlights in the arts industry?There’s My Bum Is Genetic Deal With It, which is

a one-woman play celebrating African bodies, shape and form. The Fat Black Women Sing is a five-women play full of South African music and again affirming

a different kind of beauty, image and look. Hair and Comb - A multi-cast play, which celebrates all kinds of hair. It says: - ‘Wear your hair- it doesn’t define you,’ and we find Mollo “The Woman In Me”- A musical play created with women using music, poetry, art and monologues to re-claim being an African woman who is proud, full, fun and gifted.

How do you define poetry?I define poetry in three ways: “Hearing poetry is

like sucking milk from your mother’s breast, it is both nurturing and fulfilling. Writing poetry is like having a million flowers in your hands, always ready to greet the sunrise; and being a POET, is like when God, You and the Universe agree about something.

You wrote and staged a theatrical play, My Bum is Genetic Deal with It. What motivated or inspired you to pen the work?

Media has a way of bombarding us with one definition of beauty, which fits into a box. As an African woman, I come from a family of women who are big, loud, strong, intelligent and fun.

See nect issue for full story.

In this edition of Makoya we salute one of the reggae finesse in the Southern African sphere. The BlackJahman is an itinerant reggae artist who moves from town to town, city to city, village to village spreading the philosophy he so dearly believes in, and he does so through a well-arranged combination of music instruments which are blended with his deep flowery voice. At times the sonority of this man’s voice reminds listeners of the existence of one Winston Rodney, who is famously known as Burning Spear in the reggae fraternity. While operating under the name The Black Jah Band, his music group scooped a prize in the 2008 Spar Arts Competition for best group category and took home R5000. • Who is the BlackJahman?

I am Witness Ntshangase. I originate from the dry mountains of Dlomodlomo in the KZN Province. I grew up in Mkhuhlu Tsema-marhumbu village in Mbombela.• When did you fall in love with music?

Before the first day I saw the sun rising from the eastern mountains. I lived Rasta from the very young age. • As a young boy, didn’t people prejudice against you when they saw you ‘living Rasta’?

Only people who couldn’t come near me were unable to understand the I-man. Those who came close did understand that Rasta is Respect, Love, Peace and Harmony.• OK then, BlackJahman. Let’s come to your first album. When did you record

* By Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho a deeply spiritual musician!a deeply spiritual musician!

It’s FreshIt’s RealIt’s www.zoutnet.co.za/makoya

it?I worked hard on the project, and I

recorded “Free-man” in 2007 in the Vhembe district.• Who inspires you as an artist?

Burning Spear. Joseph Hill of Culture group. The legendary Colbert Mukwevho.• What does the music of Burning Spear mean to you?

His sounds always connect me with my ancestors.• Do you have any philosophy you believe in or hold onto as an artist? If so, tell us more?

We need to revisit our modern style of living, modern government policies; review the modern constitutions and do what’s right and refrain from wrongdoings. Then we’ll not have any war. War will be history. I also imagine people of all races, gender, age and beliefs coming together and praying for peace. Oh, what a beautiful world shall we live in! Let the gap between the rich and poor be minimised through our brotherly love.• It has been noticed that you sing from the soul and your music is deeply spiritual. Can you say anything on that aspect?

I never plan doing a song. Music develops itself. When I beat my ngoma (traditional drum) it takes me to a place where lyrics will just flow to my audience.

I’ll be divided into two: Half of I will be with the audience and the other

half will be with I-and-I’s ancestors. Issues of blood-shedding, war, theft, corruption, hatred, apartheid, murder, and segregation are not well received by my heart. Whenever I experience any of those evils, it all leads to the explosion of lyrics with tears in my answers.• What have been the responses from those who hear you singing in person and/or listen to your CD’s?

They always call through these Babylonian machines (cellular phones et cetera) to testify that this music can heal the sick.• How many albums do you have?

Seven in number: - Free-man, Children of God, Messiah’s Mercy, Free-man Noble Mandela, Halala Africa, Bush Train, and Hala AfriDub. All the albums, seven in number, represent the seventh day in the week.• Are you working on any new project at this time?

The public is demanding a new album and the ancestors are planning for a 2012 release of it.• You have just released a DVD of your music. Can you tell us more about it?

In the DVD, fire is burning and the spear is melting. The ngoma drum talks

to the heart through the command

of Inyabingi. Strong Reggae chants from a combination of Inkomazi Rasta Brothers, Limpopo Rastas, Born to Rock group. You must expect a massive line-up of the hit songs taken from all seven albums. • In conclusion, what can you say to the people out there?

Let the people continue to support local products. We can do better than what’s done overseas. I do my projects in Vhembe with Hani Mutele, Ananias at BIL, Mulalo Mukwevho in the Burning Shack studios. So I call Vhembe home now. And I’ll always do my Projects here.

October 7, 2011 • Year 6, Vol.16 Tel: 015 962 1008

Napo Masheane – A Goddess in the Arts

Napo Masheane photographed with Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho

MAKOYA 2 October 7, 2011

1. I’m Maluleke HR from Giyani. I have grade 12, Computer diploma, and Code 10 driver’s licence. Age: 22. 079 412 6852.

2. I’m Thomas Mufamadi, from Tshifulanani Fhasi Ha Bada. I have grade 12, Fire fight-ing, Hazmat Awarness and Oparational, First Aid Level 3, Basic A. 072 767 1603.

3. Tlangelani, Chavani, security and I have security certificate and also SIRA. 079 442 2251.

4. Xiphemu 4rm chavani. Matric, certificate in computer literacy and certificate in bank-ing 072 130 4442.

5. I’m Makwakwa Tinyiko I hv Grade 12, Civil Engineering N4, N5 and N6. 073 722 4402.

6. I’m Rendani Sinthumule from Shikundu, I hv grd 12, Marketing & Management cert, Call Centre cert, Computer diploma, Code 10 drivers lic. @ 083 216 2294.

7. MUNAKISI PT from Tshitereke. I have grade 12 and a cashier certificate. I want any job (I am deaf) 0827693456 (SMS).

8. Ravhanna Azwindini, Vuwani, I assist construction and company by: Safety file, Safe-ty plan, risk assessment, safety officer, First aider, car hire and etc. 076 018 2213.

9. Makatu Khathutshelo Allan from Tshakhuma. Have grade, Electrical phase 1 and 2 and experience of about 10 months. My contact number is 072 044 0577.

10. I’m Matamba Sharon from Halambani Madandila, I have Grade 12 with Venda, english, geography, mathematics and physical science. And Computer Adv. 079 488 1481

11. Lithole Londani, Thohoyandou marketing. 072 548 0301.

12. Ndou Nkhangweleni from Dzwerani, Grade 12 and full qualification in end user com-puting level 3 (Admin & secritarial) diploma. 072 2522 818.

13. Musandiwa. R Lwamondo Zwavhavhili. I have grd 12, First Aid Lvl 3, B.A.A. Fire Fighter 1 Hazmat Awareness ERG code 10 with PDP 072 729 7524.

14. Mulaudzi Eunice, 4rm Tshakhuma, I hv grd 12, Code 10 driver’s licence, Elementary Fire Fighter certificate level 1 Cleaning certificate. 076 483 3780.

15. Lucia Mulaudzi from Thohoyandou, Block F. I have grade 12 and 8 months experi-ence in Cashier & Waitress job. I am looking for any job. 076 920 1059.

For only R2, simply sms the words MAKOYA JOBS, your name, where you live and what skill or need you have to 34995.

How does the small jobs marketplace work?

One last point of note: this is not a vacancy page for established business. We will assist these businesses with a proper vacancy advert if you want, but this initiative is rather an attempt to help those who are unemployed, but who do still have skills of some sort or another that they can use.

Small jobs marketplaceSKILLS ON OFFER:

“She delights in doing something important towards the rebuilding of her nation”

Ntsieni Ramudzwagi is only twenty seven of age, and she hails from Rathidili in the Sinthumule area. She already operates a business of her own in Louis Trichardt. Ntsieni’s Hair Salon is a brand to reckon with in the town. Her specialities are bonding and dreadlocks. She is a lady who speaks in short but distinct sentences.

In general, her speech is surprisingly concise.

“I started on my own in November 2010,” she says of her hairdressing business.

Ntsieni is a direct product of the hairdressing-revolutionary Khiphi of Khiphi Natural Beauty whose success story was covered only recently in Makoya (August 26, 2011).

“I trained under Khiphi Nkhumeleni,” she tells of her beginnings. “We had such a strong employer/employee relationship. I thank God for bringing someone like Khiphi into my life as a mentor. Had it not been for him, I don’t think I would have been operating a salon of my own today.”

She says that she delights in the fact that she is doing something important towards the rebuilding of her nation. Owning a business, with her, does not only end in the concept. Perhaps it is the reason why she keeps one full-time employee. “I am also happy to see the Limpopo ladies becoming more beautiful and the gentlemen handsome,” she says and her starry eyes light up. “This is because of the magic we hairdressers do on their heads. I say we hairdressers and not I alone. I believe I do not operate in isolation. I appreciate the work of other hairdressers. I am never one of those poor souls who see a fellow hairdresser for an enemy.”

In a spin of time, she opens up and tells Makoya that there is plenty of money in hairdressing. The hairdresser only needs to be wise by saving in the bank.

“Who knows about the future?” she asks lifting her shoulders in a shrug. “Are we all fortune tellers? Me, I don’t think so. If you are a fool with money, then you will eat what I don’t know. Never throw money around.”

She confesses that some clients would add a banknote or more on top of

the normal service fee she had charged. They do so, she says, in appreciation of the hair service she gave them.

“I’ve just built my mother a five-roomed house from my own pocket,” she says humbly but with positive pride of having set a milestone. “My son Trevor is four years old. I love him so much. He’s everything to me. I vow to do everything for him. To raise him soberly in this sad society.”

At the moment the ever-radiant Ntsieni is busy studying towards a Communication Call Centre qualification, all this for the good reasons.

“I am a multi-task someone,” she speaks and hands yours truly a glass of pure water. “I’ve got to make at least eight grand from my hairdressing work per month, and I call that a minimum achievement. Must I add that I am a hard worker? No, let’s say I am a workaholic. Workaholic. Yeah, it describes me well.”

She says that there is someone special in her life. The dude is eking out a living somewhere in Joburg.

“I love my partner,” she speaks fondly. “Speaking of him brings to mind the type of food I enjoy. Maybe I associate it with him. Snook fish and samoosa. Grilled and spiced chicken from any neat food outlet or eatery. Castle Light lager is a must!!! It refreshes my strained muscles and veins after long hours of twisting hair strands and inhaling hair chemicals.”

For those who are about to do wedding ceremonies or have other functions that require that the people are well groomed before, Ntsieni can take care of the hairdressing. And, for bookings, she can be contacted on time at 072 060 7015.

Ntsieni and the Art of Hairdressing * By Tshifhiwa

Given Mukwevho

When a lady changes her hair, she can instantly alter the way she is perceived by the world! Your hair sends out a message about the type of person you are - it defines you. Ever get amazing twinges of hair-envy every time you see a lady with an outrageous hair-do strolling past you? Us too, but this time, we have decided to do something about it. Finding a cool hair-do that is easy to emulate is almost as hard as choosing what outfit to wear to a Gala dinner, or what perfect make-up to wear to have that celebrity look. What are the upcoming hairstyle trends for summer? Surely this question have gone through your mind a lot of times; but for today, Humbe and Khathu says that what you don’t know can have an impact on your hairstyle as much as that which you do know. Yes, it’s true, your hair can either break you or make you. We bring to you the do’s and don’ts when it comes to choosing the perfect hairstyle for yourself, so be prepared to get inspired.

1. Firstly know what you want.Knowing what you want before going to the hair dresser gives space for the

dresser to create magic on your hair. Variables such as the shape of your face should be put into consideration when choosing a hair design. Whether round or oval, your face plays a major role in the hairstyle you select.

Tip: Go get a hairstyle that matches your facial shape.2. Be Original - people wanna see the real you.When it comes to hair, girl…you do not need to be a copy cat. What looks

fabulous on Nicki Minaj may not look the same on you unless you look identically alike. Know what works for you and you alone.

Tip: Be fair of what your expectations are and you’ll go through no disappointments.

3. Colour choices.Like it or not, for you to have the image you desire you’ve got to choose the

colour that compliments your skin texture. When choosing colours, remember; Hair is great for expressing oneself, it sends out a message about who you are.

Tip: Look for the hair colour that suits you best.4. Self maintenance.Be careful to select a hairstyle that you will be able to maintain on your own.

This will save you time and costs ‘coz you won’t have to visit the salon every now and then. Tip: Rather go for simplicity, it will require simple maintenance as well.

5. Overusing hairstyling productsToo much of anything makes one sick. The overuse of gels and hair sprays

can make your hair not to have that Paparrazi look you want. Tip: Be careful to use enough.6. You are no slave to your hair.Be no slave to hair. Hairstyles constantly change as fashion does.Tip: Have a base of your own and know what works for you.From us Ciao for now, Go get that Paparrazi celebrity look you’ve Always dreamed of! Catch us on the next issue as we go deeper into Beauty!

Fashion Advice

Hair Styles* By Humbe & Khathu

Ntsieni and the Art of Hairdressing

MAKOYA 3October 7, 2011

* By Rhulani Salani

Youth in Business - By Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho

The internal walls are draped with an assortment of colourful price list sheets; services’ samples such as Business Cards, Certificates; Candles and Invitation Cards. All these are well designed, a marvel to watch. A handful of computers, fax machine, prepaid vendor phones and an all-in-one printer are seen around inside the tiny but well-ventilated internet café.The owner of the business is one handsome Nicolas Masepa, a guy with a bold face and strong physique. His dreadlock is in good condition, without a blemish and charcoal in colour.Makoya asks him to tell the name under which his business operates and he produces a certificate of registration at once.Taget Gate Internet and Training Center cc. The business started operating early November at Room no.2, 28 Songozwi Street.“No-one ever told me to have a business of my own,” Masepa says reflectively. “I had worked in Joburg in the industries that offered computer-related services and the experiences did provide me with the practical knowledge I needed to open up my own business venture.”He says that he has always been fascinated by interactive machine gadgets from a young age, and today it comes as no surprise that he runs an internet café which also provides a wide range of services. “Before I could open up my place here in town, I knew that there were many other offices here

who offered the same services that I wanted to offer,” he narrates his genesis. “I made a thorough research into the trade and I was satisfied by the results I came out with.”When Masepa got his certificate of accreditation to operate a business, he vowed in his heart that he wanted to see himself as one of young business persons who knew that there was more to business than just operating an office. He even now assures clients that his services are accessible and user-friendly in all angles.“You must love your work in order for you to satisfy your clients with the services you provide. Look at how neat and clear-cut my print matters are. At Taget Gate we also offer software installation and virus removal services.”In South Africa, where employment and educational opportunities are somehow still inaccessible for some, many Grade 12 learners find themselves without a second home after completing matric. Some of them, luckily, have managed to find a room for training at Taget Gate Internet and Training Center, where they are offered a secure space to gain office experience and training, and that stint comes with a small amount of money which serves as a token of appreciation.“Some of us were born in the poverty-bound rural areas and we need to understand that thing, so that we may

not lose focus of who we are and

where we come from,” he

says while he assists one client who has just

come in. “What I like most in my life is to help people actualise their dreams and live them. I try to see to it that they get the assistance they ask for or need. Of course I understand that I am never a Super Being who could help the entire country. I still have a life to live after all. Yes, first and foremost I have a life to live.” A beaming Masepa acknowledges that from the month of November 2010 till now, there have been favourable, progressive changes in terms of clientele in the business. He feels positive and optimistic about it.“We’re getting somewhere,” he turns the page on the client’s ID book to photocopy. And, from observing how his hands work on the ID book, you can tell he is doing what he enjoys most: serving other people. Being a servant to the next person. His favourite dish is pap and beef stew seasoned with potatoes, carrots and red chillies. He chuckles that they make a healthy-looking man out of him.

The Computer Wizard Nicolas Masepa

This is one man who is not shy to stand on stage half naked on traditional attire entertaining people. He aims not only to entertain, but to make people aware of their culture. How many young people are there these days who will think of opening an organisation dealing with culture? Many of us believe that it is old fashioned and made for rural people, which is wrong. Young people should be aware of their culture as it is the way to know their identity, good behaviour and cultural values. Meet Yum-Yum, who takes culture very seriously.• Can you give a brief description of yourself?

I am Thomas Inkwana Nkgari, from Mpumalanga, Madikani well known as Yum-Yum. I matriculated at Nape a Ngwato high in 2005 to come and enrol at the University of Venda, where I am currently studying for BSC Computer Science and Mathematical Statistics.• What got you into art?

I remember it started when I was doing my matric. My friend Moses ‘Shegy’ Seletisha introduced me

to art of poetry, and we wrote poems, representing our school in different events and competitions. He also intro-duced me to a group called Achievers Theatre, a group which deals with poetry and comedy. During my first year in Achievers we went to Cape Town, Grahamstown for the national arts festival, and we even performed in the

Mapungubwe culture competition where we got position one in comedy.

Later on I had to leave Achievers Theatre to form my own group called Dimamathana.• What is Dimamathana all about?

We sing and write poems. Right now we have already drafted a poetry book titled Freedom of Thoughts and released a song album titled Dimamathana Tsiki-tsiki. The album is a mixture of Pedi and Tswana songs that happen to match two cultures, since the attire looks alike. The group bring awareness to young people of their identity, because I believe that if you do not know where you are from you will not know where you are going. It has already been performed in Heritage Festival Turf 2009, National Arts Festival Cape Town, and many events

around the Univen community. • What are the challenges you are facing?

As any other organisation we do have some challenges. As many people these days are no longer interested in tradition and culture, we are in less demand, and we are only being called on to attend wedding ceremonies. We even try to

negotiate with promoters to perform for free

in some events for publicity’s sake, but the problem is that we always perform for free.• How are you going to deal with your challenges?

We want to have as much culture as we can in our group, and in that way we will increase our target market. We will add people with skills and education, especially in marketing, because that’s where I think we are lacking.• What are your goals?

We want to achieve a dream of internationalism; we want to see our music and poems going as far as overseas, and the world to know what South Africa’s cultures are all about.• What advice can you give to young people?

Young people should not wait for jobs, instead they should create jobs for themselves. They must not forget that education is the key to every door.

CORNERCORNER

- Continues from p4

By Lesedi Milanzi

• Bigen Africa Services (Pty) Ltd Bursary Scheme (15 October 2011)

The Bursary Officer, Bigen Africa Services (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 40193, ARCADIA, 0007

Bursary enquiries: Tel (012) 842-8734• Department of Science & Technology

Bursary Scheme Applications: www.dst.gov.za, Bursary enquiries: Private Bag X894,

Pretoria, 0001; Tel: 012 317 4317• Eskom Bursary Scheme (30 Nov 2011) Applications available at: www.eskom.

co.za Human Resources Manager, Generation

Business Management, Private Bag x7283, 1035 Witbank / P.O. Box 1091, JOHANNESBURG, 2000,

Bursary enquiries: recruitmentenquiries@eskom.co.za

• Government Service Bursary Scheme: Limpopo (30 November 2011)

Provincial Service Commission, Private Bag x9499, 0700 Polokwane

• HCI (Hosken Consolidated Investment) Foundation (15 October 2011)

Applications available at: http://www.hcifoundation.co.za/bursary/

Bursary enquiries: Tel: 021 424 6018; kjack@hcifoundation.co.za

• Illovo Sugar Ltd Bursary Scheme (26 October 2011)

Bursary enquiries: Illovo Sugar Limited, PO Box 194, Durban, 4000, help@searchillovo.co.za

Tel : 031 508 4300, http://www.illovosugar.com• Institute of Municipal Engineering SA

(IMESA) Bursary (15 October 2011) http://www.imesa.org.za/ or The

Admin Officer, IMESA, P.O. Box 2190, WESTVILLE, 3630

Bursary enquiries: Tel: 071 608 1480; imesa@imesa.org.za, Fax: 031 701 2935

• PD Naidoo & Associates (PDNA) Bursary Scheme (31 October 2011)

Bursary enquiries: 011 566 8300, bursary@pdna.co.za, Fax: 011 566 8640

• Rand Water Bursary Scheme Bursary enquiries: 011 682 0911,

Applications available at: www.randwater.co.za; career wise

• SAWISE Hope Scholarship (30 November 2011)

P.O. Box 34085, Rhodes Gift, Cape, Town, 7707

Bursary enquiries: Jacquie.greenberg@uct.ac.za, www.sawise.org.za

• South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR) (31 October 2011)

Applications available at: Bursary Department, P.O. Box 32597, 2017 Braamfontein

Bursary enquiries: http://www.sairr.org.za/bursaries;

Bursaries related to Engineering (2012)

C A R EERC A R EER

YUM YUM

MAKOYA 4 October 07, 2011

C A R EER CORNERCORNERBy Lesedi Milanzi

C A R EERTakalani Ndou is a Performing gospel artist,

famously known as Taki of RT Records; a recording company established by the duo, where he sings alongside the talented and well celebrated Rofhiwa Manyaga. Both Taki and Rofhiwa are well known gospel musicians and have made a name for themselves around and outside Limpopo with their hit song “Hlonolofatsa”.

Their latest CD “Our Prayer” features songs such as “Uri funze”, “Father”, “Likunutung”, and my personal favourite “Nga a rendiwe” plus many more. They have also performed in locations all over the country and also had several appearances in SABC1’s gospel music show “Gospel gold”, and some of their songs are also show-cased on Soweto TV.

Taki comes from Hamutsha, a village in Vuwani. “Two weeks after my father passed away, I started singing in the worship team of our church. Before that I used to love singing, and loved music in general, and I remember that I used to listen to cassettes by Venda legends Vho-Mamphogoro and reggae prodigy Colbert Mukwevho.”

“During those olden times we were still using cassettes so I would gather my friends, then we would listen to music while singing along, and record ourselves on tape recorders, and from that time I knew that this was my love and my passion.”

When I spoke to Taki, I was not only interested in his career in the entertainment industry, but I wanted to find out the “IT” of making it so far. “When I was young I wanted to do mining engineering, but I fell into the trap of having a dream and not working towards it. By that I mean that during my matric year I didn’t work as hard at school as I was supposed to, and my dream was shattered when I failed to achieve good marks.”

After he was unable to go the mining engineering route, Taki did a 3 year diploma in IT (Information technology) and currently, irrespective of the busy schedule of his music career; he has enrolled to further his studies in IT, where he is studying Computer Science (MCIT). “Having a dream and not

working towards it is like “chasing the wind”.

I have learnt that everyone is allowed to dream, but it must not end there. People need to comprehend the necessary steps to take in order to reach their dreams. Not getting into engineering was disappointing, but that did not stop me from studying and acquiring an academic qualification. I figured that even though I am talented and want to persue a career in music, I also need to have a formal education because the music industry can be very delicate, so it is always a good thing to have something to fall back on in case things don’t go as planned. I don’t call it a plan “B’’ but rather an act of building an intellectual reputation, so whatever chance I have I need to build my academic standards as high as I can.” During the interview Taki also emphasized the importance of mentorship. “I didn’t get where I am today because of my own knowledge and understanding, but through the guidance of people who are more clued-up in this industry. I also give credit to the people who mentored me in my career and this includes; who was once my mentor, the late Vuyo Mokoena, who contributed so much to my career through guidance. This is why I always feel that I am obliged to give back to those who may need my help and I do that by mentoring up-and-coming artists in church, who also have the desire to get into this industry. The issue of mentorship should be taken very seriously if one wants to prosper in whatever they are doing. When you have a mentor it is easier to achieve many things and work beyond boundaries because you are guided by someone who has walked

the way and who has

Just when we thought that becoming truck or bus drivers is exclusively for men, we are proved wrong yet again! When I was growing up during my primary school days, I wanted to become everything that fascinated me: - from being a teacher, a nurse, a doctor, you name it, and I never really had the chance to sustain my fascinations. This is typical of any girl who has ambition to become something in life, however, sometimes things turn out to be that which we did not plan for.

Picture (from left): Rofhiwa Manyaga and Takalani Ndou of

(RT Records)

firsthand experience in the field. When you don’t have that person who guides you and someone who you will ask when there are things you are not sure of, you might end up taking wrong decisions that may jeopardize your career in the long run. This principle doesn’t only apply only to careers, but life in general. It is very important to have a mentor and a role model.”

“The biggest challenge I have come across is that, when people don’t know you, they don’t really care about you and what you do and they may end up taking you for granted, but when I first started in this industry, I only saw that as a positive challenge. To me that was a motivation to work hard and prove myself and build a reputation in such a way that wherever I go my work speaks on my behalf. It was difficult at first but if you love what you are doing, you do it to the best of your ability to make it work”.

List of related bursaries on P3.

Rembuluwani Mokwevho hails from Khomele village just outside Makhado. This 30yr old lady is a bus driver employed by Do Light Transport. I had a chance to sit her down to tell me what prompted her to become involved in bus driving? “You know, as a young child you went to school and saw teachers teaching and at the clinics I saw nurses and doctors, and then you liked what you saw them doing. I wanted to be a nurse and I had a small opportunity to start training as one, but unfortunately I only completed the Pre-nursing phase and could not continue because I

already had kids and I had no one to take care of them” she said.

Rembuluwani is a very shy person and I wondered how she survives in this industry, because to be a bus or taxi driver you need the “I’m the driver and you are a passenger” attitude. I asked her how she survives working in an industry that is predominately filled by males. “Simple!” she answered, “I have been in this industry for a long time now. I started driving taxis before coming to buses. I just keep my cool and people can only treat you as you treat them. It’s simple and enjoyable, because I like working with people and my colleagues give me the same respect that I give them”. (This answer surprised me and there I was thinking… poor woman!).

This woman has the build of a high school learner and I’m surprised that she stands her ground in an industry

where violent attacks are mostly considered to be “usual behaviour.” She has no specific challenges other than waking up at 4:30 am and being in a bus by 5:00 am, where she spends the day, sometimes until as late as 7:00pm. One must consider that she has children whom she only sees at weekends! “My challenges are not severe at all. Other than missing my children running around in the morning, and forgetting where they put their school shoes, there is nothing I cannot handle,” she added.

She advises young women who still think that bus driving is for men only, to take up their stance and go for what they believe. “I would like to advise women, especially young women, to go for it, if it is their dream. Get your code 14’s ready and you’ll be on your way to the enjoyable industry which is (thus far) being dominated by males,” encourages Rembuluwani.

Rembuluwani MokwevhoSuccessfully tackling the male-

dominated industry of bus drivers!!* By Rulani Baloyi