MOT Youth Blogger of the Month – Soyamise Makolwane

This month, we shine the MOT Flashlight on Soyamise Makolwane, a dedicated MOT youth and Young MOTivator from one of our partnering schools in Burgersdorp, Eastern Cape. From joining MOT as a Grade 8 learner with little understanding of the programme, to growing into a confident leader who stands up for others, her story reflects the true spirit of the MOT values.

Despite facing personal loss and challenges along the way, Soyamise chose to rise above her circumstances and become a source of hope and encouragement for those around her. Through her leadership, kindness, and determination, she continues to inspire her peers and prove that our backgrounds do not determine our futures.

Read more in her blog post below as she share her inspiring MOT journey and the lessons that have helped her find her voice, build her confidence, and become a light for others.

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My name is Soyamise Makolwane, and I joined the MOT programme at my school when I was in Grade 8. At first, I didn’t know what MOT was. I thought it was just a programme where we played games, but as the sessions continued, I realised that MOT was about so much more. It was about building relationships, developing life skills, and bringing people together. 

One of the first changes I noticed was how MOT helped us connect with one another as classmates. Before joining the programme, the learners in Grade 8A hardly spoke to those in Grade 8B and 8C. After taking part in the MOT sessions, we began communicating, hyping up one another, and building friendships across the classes. I looked forward to every Friday because that was our MOT day. I enjoyed the sessions so much that I always wished they could last a little longer. 

The MOT programme has had a profound impact on my life. Before joining MOT, I struggled with confidence and often doubted myself. I had negative thoughts and sometimes felt that I would never achieve anything meaningful in life. Everything changed when my classmates chose me to become a Young MOTivator. This opportunity led me to attend the Young MOTivators’ Camp and take on the role of a MOT peer leader at my school. I could hardly believe it. I wanted to cry, but I reminded myself that I am a strong girl and capable of leading others. That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Since then, I have grown into a confident young woman who believes in herself, embraces challenges, and trusts in God. I thank my classmates and my MOT coaches for seeing potential in me and believing in me before I believed in myself.

Like many young people, I have also faced difficult challenges. Losing both my grandmother and grandfather left a deep wound in my heart, and I often had to deal with hurtful comments about my background. Through MOT, I learned that even when we lose the people we love, their love and memories stay with us. I also realised that my background does not define my future. Instead of letting negative words discourage me, I decided that I would be the one to change my story. MOT gave me the courage to believe in myself and to keep moving forward. 

Some of my favourite MOT activities were Flashlight, because it reminded me to be a light to others, and Balloon, which taught me the importance of teamwork and working together to achieve a common goal. 

Today, I strive to live the MOT values every day. I have the Courage to Care by showing kindness and compassion to others. I have the Courage to Live, even though I come from a poor family, and I encourage others to keep believing in themselves despite their circumstances. I also have the Courage to Say No when friends or others pressure me to make wrong decisions. 

One of the most meaningful moments in my MOT journey was when I stood up for a learner who was being bullied at school. I would like to thank Coach Sanie for giving me the opportunity to speak up. That moment helped me discover my confidence, find my voice, and realise that I can make a difference in the lives of others. 

I am truly grateful for everything MOT has taught me. It has given me confidence, courage, hope, and the belief that no matter where I come from, I have the power to create a better future for myself and inspire others to do the same. 

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Thank You, Soyamise 

Thank you, Soyamise, for sharing your inspiring MOTivating story with us. Your journey reminds us that courage begins with believing in ourselves, even when life is difficult. Your willingness to rise above challenges, stand up for others, and embrace your role as a leader is a true reflection of the MOT values. 

We are incredibly proud of the young woman you have become. Keep shining your light, believing in yourself, and leading with courage. Your story is proof that our circumstances do not define us; our courage does.

Be the Next Youth Blogger of the Month

Want to read more inspiring stories like Aluwela’s? Visit The MOT Youth Blog here to hear directly from young people sharing their journeys of courage and growth.

And if you are a MOT youth or MOT Coach and would like to be featured as Blogger of the Month, we’d love to hear from you! Send your MOT journey to info@mot.org.za or WhatsApp us on +27 67 471 5684.

Your story could inspire someone else to find their courage.

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