MOT Youth Blogger of the Month: Lusanda Mafenuka

I am Lusanda Mafenuka originally from Eastern Cape residing in Atlantis, Western Cape. I was born in Gauteng Province and raised in a small town in Transkei, Eastern Cape called Willowvale. I came to Western Cape to further my studies and enrolled at West Coast TVET College.

After graduating, I got the opportunity to work as a MOT intern with MOT South Africa based at West Coast TVET College, Atlantis Campus.

At first, I was nervous as I would need to run the MOT Programme at our campus, and this would include facilitation and running regular meetings with the Young MOTivators. I thought that I was not good enough for them and had a low self-esteem. I decided to read through the MOT Programmes Manual which was really motivating and gave me the boost I needed!

After a month I got an opportunity to attend one the Young MOTivators’ Education as a Mentor that is held annually for the youth at TVET Colleges. Being on the outside and seeing how it affected the youth positively was a great experience! I took a lot from what was taught and am using it in my personal life and as a role model to the youth. What stuck with me is showing courage every day to others and to yourself in 3 different ways – Courage to live, Courage to Care and Courage to Say No, which are also MOT’s core values. These 3 values taught me to never judge people about their culture or background but to accept all regardless of who they are and care about them and yourself.

I am grateful to have been a part of MOT and to have met the MOT Team even if it was only for a short while. MOT will always be in my heart.

I will also always admire the times I spent with the Young MOTivators at the Young MOTivators’ Education and on campus as well.

Thank you.