By Sbongile Sokela
Tshegofatso Sadee Fenyane is a name to remember. This bright and ambitious 12-year-old from Emandela Extension 21 in Daveyton, Etwatwa, is already showing signs of a promising future. With her confidence, determination, and love for public speaking, she’s proving that age is just a number when it comes to chasing your dreams.
Currently in Grade 7 at George Mbilase Primary School, Tshegofatso is passionate about learning. “My favorite subject is our first additional language (English),” she shares, highlighting her interest in communication and expression.
When asked about what sparked her interest in public speaking, Tshegofatso explains, “I did get interested in public speaking because it helps me a lot when it comes to building my confidence. It’s also helps me to observe skills to speak and build my one-on-one conversation.”
She joined Siyakha Foundation’s public speaking boot camp with the goal of “becoming a more confident communicator to express ideas and connect with others. Developing leadership skills and influencing others.”
Her journey has not been easy, and Tshegofatso does not shy away from sharing her challenges. “My mom don’t want me to fail. She’s always telling me that every term I must achieve with level 6 or level 7,” she says. “But when time goes on, I was the one pushing myself to excel my passing rage and I’m happy about that.”
With her eyes on the prize, Tshegofatso confidently states, “I just want to achieve more, and I also want the first price on me.” Her focus is clear: To excel in her studies and making her mama proud.
Looking ahead, Tshegofatso has big dreams. “To secure and fulfil her career. Sharing my knowledge through mentoring and inspiring others and improving my public speaking,” she shares.
She also understands the importance of time management. “Balancing my school work and other activities can be challenging. I planned out my day and my week. I do set specific times for my school work. Focus on the most important tasks and deadlines. And you won’t believe I do break them down into a smaller manageable chunks.”
To other young people, she offers words of encouragement, “I would like to encourage them to speak in front of a friend, family and small groups. I will also like to remind them to focus on the value. Encouraging them to maintain eye contact, stand up straight and use gestures.”
On her academic goals, she adds, “I would like to get the scholarship and pass my progress in flying colours as always.”
Tshegofatso’s love for learning started early. “Yebo yes since from grade R, I did develop a love of learning and it’s wasn’t easy at all. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers. When you’re struggling always learn to say no to non-essential tasks that can derail your focus.”
Her mother, who stands firmly by her side, shares her experience, “As Tshegofatso’s biggest supporter, and as her mom, it wasn’t easy at all. I’m a single parent and she’s having a lot of activity every week. I feel like I’m the student too because I really need to help her always. But all in all, I’m so proud of her working hard and achieving her goals. She’s capable and smart. And I’m always telling her that she must believe in herself.”
Thabang Lichaba from Bacha Ba Dichaba adds, “She’s a Bacha Ba Dichaba beneficiary, started the Spelling Bee for 2025 and she’s been doing very well. She’s been participating in a lot of competitions like the Career Expo. She’s among the ones who will be representing the Ekurhuleni region in Pretoria on the 26th to the 29th of June. We, as Bacha Ba Dichaba, are so impressed.”
