Thobile returns from university to inspire Kinross youth

KINROSS – Ms Thobile Sukazi (23) calls herself a “child of the soil” because she was born and raised in Thistle Grove, Kinross.

She loves and values her family of six which consists of her dad Mr Benjamin Sukazi, her mom Ms Smanga Sukazi, and three siblings.

“My mom and dad were an interesting combination.

They played the two opposite roles in my upbringing. Mom was and still is the best friend, there for the advice, support and taking excellent care of the emotional side.

My dad was the disciplinarian, the stern voice that always aimed to rectify and correct.

They are very present in my life and cared immensely about my education and wellbeing, which meant they were quite strict,” Ms Sukazi said.

She added that she has them to thank for all she was able to accomplish thus far.

From Grade 1 Ms Sukazi attended Thistle Grove Combined School and matriculated there as well.

She described herself as an extrovert who always wanted to participate in academic and sporting activities.

Ms Sukazi represented Mpumalanga for baseball in 2008 and 2009, and later became the president of her school in 2013.

“Thistle Grove was not an easy environment to grow up in. I even wanted to change schools at some point,” she said.

But Ms Sukazi went on to achieve eight distinctions in matric and was one of the district’s top achievers in that year.

Ms Sukazi’s love for people and business attracted her to study industrial engineering at the University of Witwatersrand, because that type of engineering would keep her connected to people and numbers.

“I hated it for the first two years and now I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life,” Ms Sukazi said.

Her love for business grew stronger in university.

Ms Sukazi began her first business, an on-campus service that aimed to service procrastinators, a 24-hour printing and binding business.

“Eventhough it meant waking up in the middle of the night to bind projects, it also gave me a great chance to learn how business is supposed to work,” she said.

Ms Sukazi has returned to her hometown and her goal is to motivate and inspire change in the community.

She mentors young people in her community by being a confidential ear to speak to and gives advise to those who need guidance.

Ms Sukazi’s mantra is: “I am the embodiment of humility and confidence.

I am a melting pot of the experiences of many, because I learn from every conversation.

I am joy, gratitude and kindness, this is what I share with others.

I am a voice in my community, influencing change and the excitement of being.

I use my knowledge to find epic, simple and sustainable solutions to any challenge both for myself, and those who cross my life’s path. I build with every word I speak.

I act on my passions and allow others to do the same.

I do not fear mistakes. I live!

That is my purpose.”

Ms Sukazi is on a journey towards operating in purpose and inspiring others to grow. She describes herself as a happy person, saying: “In simple words, I am a lover and server.”