Schoemansdal local businessman honoured with professorship

SCHOEMANSDAL – Local businessman Simon Shata Shokane was honoured with the title of professor for his achievements in business and community development work by Omega Global University just over a week ago.

Omega Global University is an international organisation operating in countries such as Zambia, Swaziland, Kenya and Tanzania, with its admin offices in Mbombela.

The organisation, with operations coordinated by pastors and churches, aims to honour people who impact on others’ lives.

Shokane was nominated and the board verified the kind of impact he had in the community, before deciding on an award. This process culminated in a glamorous ceremony at the Valencia Hall in Mbombela last week.

This title follows the honorary doctorate he received a few years ago in Mozambique for his outstanding achievements in business.

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Shokane is the owner of Samsokol Enterprises, a construction company based in Schoemansdal, and also the patron of the Khulangwane School Circuit.

Shokane, who is known as “Samsokol” by many, is passionate about his company. “I have been running it from my own means and I do everything I can to keep people’s jobs. My wish is to be recognised by government so that I get more jobs to sustain the lives of my fellow South Africans who struggle to put food on the table,” he said.

The recognition is a great motivator and gives him strength to persevere in his efforts.

“In life, a recognition means more than any material support one can give. It simply encourages me to carry on. It answers the questions of doubt that develop in one as we live and do things in society. It simply says, carry on! You are on the right track,” he stated.

Shokane has been involved with the community, and especially schools, for several years. He helps finance events in the circuit, buys uniforms for needy children, funds the construction of toilets at several schools and is a motivational speaker at various gatherings like matric prayer meetings.

“Education will help us out of this poverty. By getting all of these accolades, I aim to inspire the youth to take education serious,” he said.

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Shokane is well-equipped to motivate the youth. He was born in a deep rural village, Mokgabeng in Limpopo in 1962 and raised by a single mother. After leaving school, he worked for construction companies to raise money to help the whole family. Supervisors noted that he was a hard worker and he started climbing the ladder of success.

Shokane attributes his success to his three wives, who loyally support him in all his ventures.

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Shokane hopes to expand his company by starting subsidiaries and aim to provide more jobs to unemployed community members.

One of his greatest wishes is to one day be given a presidential award for his efforts to develop communities.