Tebogo Raphadu: Empowering Thembisa youth through creativity and sport

My name is Tebogo Raphadu, and I am a purpose-driven young man guided by the values of respect, unity and excellence.

I love music, arts, films and sports. I am naturally introverted, but I enjoy outdoor activities and connecting with my community in meaningful ways.

Some of my favourite memories growing up are spending time with my family during holidays and playing football with friends.

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What I love most about Thembisa is the creativity and vibrancy of its people. Thembisans are expressive and innovative, and I enjoy living in a place where I can be myself without fear of judgment.

I love exploring the township, especially local kota spots. Some of my favourite places are Kwa-Bhaze, the Food Pound and the recently opened The Parliament.

For fun, I often visit the football grounds to watch matches.

A life-changing moment for me was taking a gap year after finishing matric. It was a year of clarity, when I learnt that my future was in my hands; no one else was coming to shape it for me.

I believe one of the biggest challenges in Thembisa is a lack of knowledge. People have talent and ideas, but many don’t capitalise on them because they feel entitled, hold onto pride, or remain within familiar routines.

Breaking out of that mindset opens new horizons and shows that the sky is the limit.

I am inspired by Sinki Mnisi. While he is a controversial figure, I admire his impact on football, building Vardos to create platforms for players like Themba Zwane, bringing a big club like Highlands Park into the township, and running one of the most organised and stable local football associations in the province. I hope one day to learn from him and achieve similar milestones.

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By nature, I am creative. People don’t know I write poems and short stories, and also enjoy photography and graphic design.
My goal is to teach black youth to love and empower themselves and uplift others in the process.

A great uncle of mine, Zwile, once told me to go after what my heart desires, not to fear failure, and to never feel less in rooms full of “bigger” people.

He reminded me that I am worthy and that there are no limits to what I can achieve. His advice inspired me to start my own project, the OTALA Group, which includes a football club aimed at providing youth with opportunities to thrive, develop life skills, receive mentorship and engage in community work.

Home, to me, means love, a safe space where I can be myself.

In Thembisa, even when we disagree, the community supports you and encourages you to grow. This is why I call Thembisa my home.