Sello Alfred Rasebotsa, from Tembisa, met the love of his life, American Jacqueline Thomas, on the internet.
The Tembisan spoke to Sello about his online romance. The couple has since become the parents of Joy Amohelang Rasebotsa.
Tembisan: What is your name?
Sello: My name is Sello Alfred Rasebotsa and I am a father, a family man. I was born in Kgapane township, Limpopo. In 2008 I moved to Tembisa. I regard myself as a soldier against poverty, inequality and crime. I’ve mandated myself to promote sustainable living with the sole aim of turning our dirty, energy-based industrial environment into a sustainable eco-friendly industry for a sustainable green economy development.
Tembisan: What do you do for a living?
Sello: Like I have said earlier, I am a soldier against social illnesses; I’m involved in an international movement called Cornerstone Azania Network International. We are based in the USA and South Africa. Professionally, I’m an audio-visual engineer. I studied at Allenby College.
Tembisan: Tell us about your relationship?
Sello: Honestly speaking, I am a guy in love with a beautiful queen – her name is Jacqueline Thomas, a USA citizen. We have been together since 2012. On March 5 this year we were blessed with a healthy baby boy.
Tembisan: Where is she?
Sello: She is in California, in San Diego, visiting her family.
Tembisan: Two countries! Where are you going to settle?
Sello: Here in South Africa. We both decided on it.
Tembisan: What would you say is the foundation of your relationship?
Sello: The love of humanity and the will to make this world a better place for everyone to live in – that’s what united us. Back in 2012, while I was promoting my work through social media, I met Jacqueline online. She was involved in a similar mandate of promoting sustainable living. After a lengthy discussion we agreed to forge a partnership. Our first project was an anti-substance abuse initiative, which was a low budget movie called Gangster Paralyzed, which focused on nyaope drug abuse and gangs. We even produced a sound track for the movie, under the title Nyaope Campaign, on You Tube, that has already achieved above 1 500 views. The highlight of our career was when we met Mama Yvonne Chaka Chaka. More works followed until the Angel of Love visited us and the rest is history. We arranged for her visit and she came to South Africa in 2013.
Tembisan: I’ve heard that you are going to the USA. Have you ever been in the USA or abroad?
Sello: Yes, I’ll be going to California, and San Diego. This will be my first time abroad, let alone boarding a plane.
Tembisan: What is the intention of your visit?
Sello: I would say marriage. The Americans don’t have iLobolo. So I am going there to get my in-laws’ blessings and we will there after do a formal wedding in both countries.
Tembisan: Are there any challenges, due to your long distance relationship?
Sello: Eish, being 15 000 miles apart, with the Atlantic Ocean between us is a challenge. But our love is so strong that even the Atlantic Ocean couldn’t stop us.
Tembisan: Are there any culture shocks or challenges?
Sello: There have been a lot of challenges, things like iLobola (bride’s prize), starch-based meals, how to greet people, the different school systems and modes of transport, especially the mini-bus taxis.
Tembisan: Social media is full of scammers. Did you trust her online?
Sello: At first it was not easy. I had to do research. I was cautious at first, but we agreed to be open and honest with each other. Later I introduced her to my family and she did the same.
Tembisan: Was it your intention to date a foreign national?
Sello: No, not necessarily, it was like fate, it was never planned.
Tembisan: What is your opinion on internet romance? Do you approve of it and what advice can you give to the youth?
Sello: First of all, I would like to repeat what my elders used to tell me: “Don’t talk to a stranger”, and to the youth out there, I would say use social media positively, because it can either break or build you, and when starting a relationship, be careful because cases like mine are unique
