Cleopatra Mmakgwetele Hlapolosa, 31, is the founder and director of Kgothalang Dance Academy, an arts institution she established in Soweto’s Dobsonville Gardens. A professional dancer, she is a champion for youth development through performance and discipline. Though she once aspired to be an attorney and enrolled at the University of the Witwatersrand, life redirected her path. After facing academic exclusion in her final year, she completed certificates in IT, early childhood development and entrepreneurship, the latter through the Gordon Institute of Business Science, where she was recognised among the top 10 students. At her academy, she teaches Latin, ballroom, Sesotho traditional and amapiano dance. But the work goes beyond choreography — it is a hub for building dignity, character and leadership. Her classes close with debriefs, life lessons and community prayer. She is a board member of the National Dance Society of South Africa and her students regularly secure podium placements at competitions. Cleopatra is also entrepreneurial, running a security business, a make-up brand and African Beauty Bar, which fuses dance aesthetics with African fashion. She is also involved in anti-GBV advocacy.
Both my parents serve as lifelong role models. Despite facing excruciating challenges, they remained steadfast and instilled strong values within the family. Their discipline, selflessness and dedication to both family and the broader community continue to inspire admiration. My partner, Syllabus Mogashoa, is also a source of motivation. His life journey is inspiring, and his wit, encouragement and unwavering support for my dance career have been invaluable. His belief in education continues to motivate the pursuit of completing an LLB degree.