Having come from humble beginnings and with just a standard three (grade five) to her name, Rebecca Malope knows the importance of education – and how it can change your life.
The dynamic star may be articulate in English today, but when she came to Johannesburg at the age of 15 she could barely manage a few words.
Malope grew up in Ganyamazani near Nelspruit. Money was tight and lack of funds put an early end to her school career. “It wasn’t that I didn’t want to be educated, it just wasn’t something we could afford,” she says.
In 1987 she won the then Shell Road to Fame competition.”It was very difficult for me. We would need to have photos taken and I had to find someone who could tell me what was going on. I had to have an interpreter because all I could say was ‘My name is Rebecca Malope.’ I could not go for all the interviews on Metro and Yfm because I could not speak English.
“Even my first contract… I had to sign it, but I couldn’t so I just made an X,” the star remembers.
With determination Molope learned to become fluent in English. Today she has her own television programme and is an international performer.
Despite having made it to the top without formal schooling Molope insists that everyone needs to be educated – from cleaners and domestic workers to our future doctors and scientists.
“Just being able to sign your name and knowing your basic rights makes you more confident as a person and builds your self-esteem,” she says.
Malope’s commitment to education has resulted in her becoming the first patron of the Fundisa Fund. This savings intiative means that, for as little as R40 a month, parents can start saving for their child’s tertiary education. The government will pay the investor a bonus on the amount saved, which will bolster their savings.
Anthony Katakuzinos, deputy CEO of the association of collective investments and client service director at Stanlib, says Fundisa is delighted to have Malope as its patron.
“One of our main aims with Fundisa was to put the focus on education and the importance of saving for it. Rebecca is not only passionate about education, but recognises that savings products such as Fundisa can help educate our nation.”
Wherever she goes Malope spreads the following message: “Education gives you power, it opens doors and it gives you confidence. Take that power.”
For more information on the Standard Bank Fundisa Fund call 0860 Fundisa 860 386 3472. Brought to you by Fundisa.