Sam Lehoko, also known as ‘Sammy Sosa’, is aiming to empower Tembisa’s young children through motivational talks in local schools.
On February 1, the radio and TV personality kick-started her project at Sunrise Combined College where she inspired learners by describing her life journey in the entertainment industry.
“The objective is to gauge what the youth are feeling, what their attitude is towards school and what they want to do after school.
“I also came here as a motivator and to say to them that life is challenging, difficult and full of surprises, good or bad, but they have to be prepared for those challenges,” said Lehoko.
She said she was eager to share her successes in the entertainment industry, challenges in her career and her encounter with substance abuse.
Lehoko hopes that her story can help to stop young people from losing sight of their goals due to the pressures they face in society.
“I think that for me to swallow my pride, humble myself and make myself vulnerable in front of young people was a very difficult thing to do.
“But it needs to happen. We need to be open and be honest about our lives, our mistakes, our challenges and we have to be realistic about life.
“We have to have dreams and aspirations in life,” said Lehoko.
The motivational speaker said she liked speaking to the Grade 12s as they were very receptive.
Sunrise Combined College communications officer Teboho Mokoena commended Lehoko’s initiative.
“We appreciate such visits from people who come and motivate these children because we believe our learners can be inspired more.
“Learners will learn that they have to work hard. Sunrise Combined College is open to everyone who wants to come and motivate learners,” said Mokoena.
Sunrise Combined College learner Tsolofelo Maibela said Lehoko should return to the school as she made them see that if one wants to achieve something, they have to be determined.
“She showed us that nothing is impossible and she must come back to inspire us more,” said Maibela.
Tembisa schools that want to invite Lehoko for motivational talks about careers in the media industry can contact Sabelo Radebe on 083 331 8202.
