Mr South Africa 2014/15 Armand du Plessis and former Mr Mogale says, "If I could give my younger self some advice, it would be to take advantage of every situation. And to spend time on the important things in life. Balance is very important, especially when friends, family, academics and extra-curricular activities are involved. Believe in yourself and know that every dream can become a reality. Enjoy this time because it goes by so quickly."
Krugersdorp has a very diverse and rich history with great pioneers, trendsetters and influential role-players all calling it home.
The News approached some of them and asked them what advice they would give to their younger selves, assuming they had the opportunity.
In light of the 40th anniversary of Youth Day, these local unsung heroes share their wisdom for all of Krugersdorp’s youth to embrace.
Regular News reader and opinions writer Thabile Mange says that the 1976 youth have played their role in terms of fighting past injustices. “I would encourage my younger self to be empowered through education. Education is the key to success.”Amanda de Lange, Freedom Front Plus leader for the West Rand region, says she would tell her younger self to empower herself with knowledge and education. “Live life fully and be kind to your fellow man, Amanda.”Captain Paula Terblanch from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit within the Krugersdorp SAPS says that she would tell her younger self to use technology to her advantage. “But don’t let it become an obsession. The profile you create today will follow you for the rest of your life. Also, the more you know about those around you like your parents and teachers, the better you will do in life. Being a champion means you were a failure long before your achievements started rolling in. Don’t let the compliments you get define who you are, they should rather be an extension of who you want to become.”Regular column-writer Pastor Gerrit Mes says that the problem with life is that man has to live with the decisions the boy has made. “Being young is no excuse for poor decisions. Youth is the foundation for the rest of your life. I thank God for my foundation.”Krugersdorp Police spokesperson, Sergeant Tshepiso Mashale, says she would tell her younger self to listen carefully to her mother’s advice. “If I can arm myself with all my mother’s teachings, I can become the woman I was destined to become and more, by empowering young women to study hard so that they can achieve their dreams. Don’t look where you fall, but where you slipped. The late Mohammed Ali said, ‘To be a great champion, you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are’.”Melodie van Brakel, the founder of the Cradle of Hope, a home for destitute women and children says everyone is on a spiritual path. “I didn’t realise it. My life changed when I started to have a different conversation in my head. Forgiveness means standing in conviction that love will have the final say. See with your heart and never give up.”Krugersdorp DA Caucus leader, Christo Peyper, says that he would tell his younger self to remember that he is a South African first and foremost. “By remembering that, I should learn to understand each and every other South African as well. I should respect and appreciate their language, culture, beliefs and religion. Then I would tell myself that I am a very rich person. Not financially, but in time. If I begin to save as a young person, I would be financially stable when I am older.”Founder of the Bethany House Trust organisation, Gert Jonker, says he will tell his younger self to never accept that he is not good enough. “You are unique and you have loads of potential. Look out for opportunities to develop your potential and surround yourself with people who want to help you achieve your goals.”Brenda Dooge, Group Client, Media & Public Relations Officer of Guvon Hotels & Spas says, “A lot has changed in the past few years, but what has changed the most is me. Some things were good and others bad. That’s life – going through experiences whose end is uncertain. So, here is my advice to a me from the past, who can hypothetically travel in time. Learn to say “No”. Be the best self you want to be. The only person holding you back is yourself. The best advice is felt in your heart, not directed from your head. The sooner you can like yourself, the easier life will be.”
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