Celebrating extraordinary youth
As this year's Youth Month draws to a close, the Advertiser features three young people of Boksburg who are thriving in their respective careers.
Businessman Enrico de Bruin
The 29-year-old owns a restaurant called Spoorloos Pub and Grill situated on the premises of Summer Place.
Spoorloos was established in 2020 but only opened its doors on March 1 due to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
“I always wanted to own my own business after looking up to my grandmother who started De Bruins Catering in 1972. In 1992, when we moved to Boksburg she established Summer Place Restaurant and Wedding Venue.
“The influence comes from the hospitality industry that I grew up with. My experience of working in a nightclub in 2017 also motivated me to open my own establishment.”
The Boksburg resident emphasised the importance of young people opening their own businesses.
“I always say to people any business looks good on paper but the reality is always different. With the state of our country where people are losing their jobs, young people should open their businesses to have an income. Make sure whatever business venture you want to go in it shouldn’t be about money only but passion as well.”
His message to young people: “Never stop dreaming, your hard work will pay off.”
Cadet animal inspector Denise Govender
The 25-year-old animal lover who works at the Boksburg SPCA is dedicated to the welfare of animals.
Govender said her passion for animals led her to study an inspectorate course through the SPCA.
“I’ve always had a passion for animals. You could say I was born loving them. Animals have voices too. We’re just here to speak out for them. All animals’ lives matter and they all deserve to live a good quality of life.”
Her message to young people: “Don’t allow your situation to determine your future. Obstacles come and go, you just have to motivate yourself enough to keep your eye on the prize and work hard enough to reach the goal you’ve set for yourself.”
Fitness instructor and entrepreneur Forgy Mokalapa
She has many titles to her name but fitness instructor and entrepreneur sums up everything. Mokalapa is a personal and assistant trainer at The Future Shapers Fitness Club in Windmill Park.
Her fitness journey began when she joined a local gym with her aunt; she hasn’t looked back.
“In 2017 at the Boston Media House in Pretoria, I would use the hours in between my classes to go to the gym. I realised a lot of my peers who stayed around the campus would just roam the streets. I decided to recruit them, and I trained them at the Union Building. When I moved to the East Rand, I was presented with yet another opportunity to train people at Bodylab gym in Germiston.”
The 25-year-old said it is important for young people to stay healthy.
“A lot of people think working out is all about being in good shape but there is actually a lot of benefits. Staying healthy helps you feel energetic, keeps your mind fresh and helps you be productive. Committing to working out builds character. You don’t always feel like working out but you push yourself. It teaches you to get things done even when you don’t feel like it and that’s discipline.”
Mokalapa also hosts #Buildawoman which is an annual event that’s aimed at empowering women to find their purpose.
These seminars, which started in 2016, have been graced by powerful speakers such as Nimrod Nkosi, Mona Skenjana, Pamela Nomvethe, Ntokozo Mwelase and Amanda Mbonga.
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