Former Boksburg Correctional Services inmate, Tshepo Seakamela, from Dawn Park, has written a riveting book titled, Go and motivate them. The book is intended for aspiring motivational speakers.
The handbook equips aspiring motivational speakers with knowledge of how to enhance their public speaking career, as well as building a strong sense of purpose.
“While I was in prison I found my purpose and discovered my gifts. I decided to use the time in prison to write a book that will help to inspire people.
“I fell in love with public speaking, and encouraged people to be the best they can be which made me feel good.
“What’s unique with my book compared to any other books is that I wrote it with passion, and it’s very informative,” he said.
Seakamela, who was sentenced to life sentence for armed robbery, spent 19 years of his life in prison. He was released last year February on parole.
After few days of being released, he didn’t waste any time. He opened his own company called Motivation Empire, got it registered and published his book.
“My family assisted me with funding to publish my book. They have been my pillar of strength ever since, supporting me morally and holistically.”
His business focuses on entrepreneurship, media, advertising, television production and motivation.
Seakamela is working on his second book which he first wrote while in prison.
- Getting to know more about the author
Seakamela was born and bred in Thokoza. He lived there with his grandmother, siblings and parents.
At the age of six, his parents divorced and continued to live with his grandmother until the age of nine after which he moved to stay with her mother in Vosloorus.
Born into an educated family. His mother and grandmother were teachers. He grew up as an intelligent young man who was educationally sharpened at home and school.
“However, when I was in Grade Seven I was bullied by my fellow peers which caused my school marks to drastically drop.
“Because I was younger and they were older, I became a victim as a result of that. I don’t remember telling anyone that I was being bullied. Taking note that my father was at the time not in my life, so I had to go through abuse alone.
“In Grade Eight I told myself I was tired of being bullied, so I joined a gang to protect myself,” he said.
After that, he started picking up bad habits like smoking, consuming alcohol, partying and girls.
According to Seakamela, he passed Grade Eight but his grades dropped.
“My mother noticed my habits, and she enrolled me in a multiracial school in Johannesburg thinking that this would change my behaviour, but it didn’t.
“I failed that year and my mother took me to Sunward Park High School. I continued bunking classes and continued with my wayward habits.
“At every school I was enrolled at, I was expelled and so in Grade 10 I dropped out of school, and would get involved in petty crimes such as shoplifting.
- Ending up in prison, life inside
When he was 19, he got arrested and spent half of his sentence at Mangaung prison in Bloemfontein.
“When I was in prison I still took part in gangsterism which led me to being raped because of the wrong choices I made.
“As a prisoner you have a choice to make. You either spend the time in jail trying to be good, or you continue on your wayward ways.
“Life in prison is not easy because you are separated from the outside world, and from people who love you,” he said.
Seakamela advised people who find themselves in pressing circumstances not to join gangsterism as it can destroys one’s life.
- Community’s reaction
The author said when he got out of prison to face the community he prepared himself mentally for the backlash.
“There were few negative utterances from people, but they were not specifically directed at me.
“I took full responsibility for what I did and I didn’t expect a hero’s welcome because I understood that some people were affected by crime in one way or the other.
“I am just living my life now because I know that trust is earned,” he said.
In 2004 he found God, and he began to change his life for the better.
“I went back to school in 2005 and finished matric. I studied theology and I got a diploma. In 2011 I got transferred to the Boksburg Correctional Services where I continued with my studies. I also have a Business Management Diploma but could not finish a communications science course due to the lack of finances.”
While at the Boksburg Correctional Services, he was a member of Making a Difference Generation group. He became part of the sports and recreation committee. He was arts and culture coordinator.
In 2014 and 2016, he was awarded an award for Best Public Speaker of the Year by the Gauteng Libraries.
He is also the founder of Excellence Motivation Group where he trains motivational speakers.
His advice to young people is to be careful of their actions or behaviour.
“It is important to realise that one negative decision can cost you your life. So many people have lost themselves to substance abuse, teen pregnancy and many more negative habits. It’s time to restore your dignity, find yourself and your purpose. Whatever life throws at you, have the courage to face it and bounce back,” Seakamela said.
To buy this life changing book you can call him on 076 417 5099.
ALSO READ:
Enriching fun for the whole family at September’s Book Fair
Prioritise reading for this year’s Book Week and Fair
