Tshegofatso Leeuw lives in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, but she hails from Pampierstad in the Northern Cape.
She describes herself as fun-loving and passionate about youth development. She serves on a voluntary basis as chairperson of Mophato wa Marematlou, a non-profit company founded in 2008 that trades under the name Sediba Sa Kitso. It focuses on exposing pupils to a range of opportunities through career guidance, mentorship and workplace exposure.
Leeuw was one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans of 2012, took part in the live Lotto draw on television and also graced the pages of the June edition of Destiny magazine. She is working to develop Sediba Sa Kitso so that it can have a meaningful impact on its protégés and pupils across South Africa.
Where did you get the passion and inspiration to form Sediba sa Kitso?
Through my interactions with the pupils at Pampierstad I realised that most of them lacked proper career guidance and often made uninformed decisions. I eventually grew tired of listening and then complaining and decided to act in order to be the positive change I wished to see in my community.
How do you earn a living?
I am a transcriber at the KwaZulu-Natal legislature and serve as a part-time researcher for various research organisations.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up and attended school in Mmabatho, North West, but my parents later moved to Pampierstad.
Where and when did you start your schooling?
I started grade one in 1984 at Bontleng Primary School in Pampierstad. I moved to Morongwa Primary School in Mogwase, North West, and was there from grade two until grade five. My parents then moved back to Pampierstad and I did grade six at Paballo Primary School there. My secondary schooling was at Mmabatho High School, where I completed grade 12 in 1996.
Where did you undertake your tertiary education?
I studied for my bachelor of arts degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Durban-Westville between 1997 and 1999. After that I studied through correspondence at the University of South Africa and the South African Writers’ College for my certificates in gender studies and a short-story writing course.
Who were your favourite teachers and what influence did they have on you?
It is difficult to single out one person, because I was blessed with knowledgeable teachers who were deeply involved in our lives. They preached accountability, respect and independence on a daily basis. But if I really have to choose it would be both Mr Jacklin and Mrs Nkashe, who taught English and Setswana respectively. I truly loved them and enjoyed the subjects they taught.
Do you still have contact with them?
Not really, but I met Mr Jacklin in July 2008. I had a hard time convincing him it was me, because he could not believe that I had grown into a mature young lady. Sometimes I think it is time I went to apologise to all the teachers whose lives I may have unconsciously made unbearable.
What were your favourite subjects and why?
They have to be English and Setswana, simply because I love writing. In terms of the latter, I did not have much choice because my mother used to teach Setswana and Mrs Nkashe was her former schoolmate.
From your point of view, what are the qualities of a good teacher?
A teacher needs to be consistently involved in his or her pupils’ study and social lives, because I believe the two are intertwined. The teacher must also be approachable so that even the most reserved pupil is able to open up to him or her.
What do you think are the things a teacher should never do or say?
I believe that teachers need to focus on children’s strengths rather than their weaknesses. This will boost pupils’ self-confidence and help them to do well at school overall. Profane language should not be used at any time. If a pupil really upsets the teacher, it is better for him or her to walk away rather than to engage with the pupil in a way they may regret later.
What message do you have for teachers in South Africa?
You are doing a wonderful job, because you are serving future leaders. Do not grow weary, even if you have to shout at the top of your voice. There is one child who will quote you later because you made a positive difference in his or her life.