“My goal is to see a community that is informed, healthy, and empowered to make positive choices,” says Tshegofatso Molefe.
At 24 years old, Tshegofatso is already making a difference in her community. From Thlabane Township in Rustenburg, she is passionate about helping people access information, understand their rights, and make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
Just like many townships in South Africa, Thlabane faces high rates of teenage pregnancy, youth unemployment, substance and alcohol abuse, and limited opportunities. But these challenges did not stop Tshegofatso from believing in a better future. She looked for an opportunity that would help her grow both personally and professionally, which led her to the role of community mobiliser at Peeletso Sechabeng Development for the Social Employment Fund, which is implemented by NACOSA.
She engages with community members, raises awareness about HIV, sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, and gender-based violence. She also supports people in accessing healthcare and other services when they need them. For Tshegofatso, the most important part of her work is connecting with people, listening to their concerns, and helping them find the support they need.
Through the Social Employment Fund programme, Tshegofatso has gained confidence, practical skills, and discipline. She believes that education plays an important role in improving lives and encourages people to test early for HIV and TB and seek healthcare when needed. She also promotes open conversations about health and wellbeing, helping to reduce stigma and encouraging people to seek support.
While she is committed to helping others, Tshegofatso is also focused on her own growth. She hopes to study law and use her skills to support those who often feel unheard. She wants to grow into someone who is disciplined, ethical, and courageous, and to be known for her integrity, hard work, and commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult.
Her passion for fairness and justice is what drives her dream of becoming a lawyer. She hopes to use the law to help people better understand their rights and navigate systems that can often feel inaccessible, using her knowledge to support people in solving real problems and making justice more accessible.
“For me, success in Law means more than a job title. It means I can support my family, represent those who feel unheard, and contribute to a South Africa where justice is not just an idea, but something people can experience.”
