WATCH: Going above and beyond with Bethuel Matabola

Teacher and author Bethuel Matabola (61) has written over eight books with the intent to strengthen the belief that any person can achieve success if they are resolute to pursue their heart desires.

The books are based on vast engagement in researched literature, other people’s unique experiences and his own journey.

He has also overcome many obstacles, such as being diagnosed with scleroderma.

Matabola published his first book Alumni of 2016 while he was still a teacher at Eden Ridge High School. Other material includes It’s up to you, Set Free, Life at Psychiatric Hospital, Everyone Deserves Success, Passion for Existence, Lesang Bana, Se lahle Tshepo and Even the snail did reach the Ark.

Despite having suffered from a nervous breakdown when he was in matric and from scleroderma disease which made life difficult, he went on to complete his education.

In 2009 he obtained a Bachelor of Education and then succeeded in obtaining a public relations certificate at Boston college in 2018.

WATCH: Author Bethuel Matabola speaks on consistency and repeatedly following through on any set goals to succeed.

“When my psychiatrist told me that she was taking me off the medication, I thought this was the right time to try and complete my matric because the medication was turning my world upside-down, “I was encouraged by Mr Nkosi, the school principal, who showed interest in me finishing school. It was tough, but I made it,” said Matabole.

He explained that it was a difficult time for him and his family as they were not sure how he was going to cope without the medication, but the change of medication resulted in a better recovery for him in 2002.

“That is when I started going back to school. I remember I was attending night classes at Aaron Moeti Adult School and the rules were that I was supposed to take three subjects, but I decided to take as many as I can.

He was a teacher at Eden Ridge High School in Palmridge from 2013 to 2018, and he currently stays at Tshongweni Section in Katlehong.

“Scleroderma in the end meant the end of my teaching career,” he said.

He is now focused on his career as a writer.

“I had already started writing motivational and inspiring books while I was still teaching at Eden Ridge. My first book was published in 2015. It is also in my Wits University profile and appeared in a local newspaper in 2015,” he explained.

The author said that self-doubt, easily giving-up, judgement based on mistakes and public discouragement are some of the main reason most people fail to succeed.

“People are even afraid to try because of external pressures, it is as if people are waiting for you to fail so that they can judge you,” he continued.

“The worst mistake most people do is giving up. Look at Thomas Edison, the American inventor. He failed for many years when he was working on the incandescent light bulb, but he did not give up,” he emphasised.

He said Even the snail did reach the Ark is his favourite book because it addresses what he went through in his life.
“Because no matter how fast one’s life can be, sometimes life can reduce your pace and you have to look for appropriate ways of coping,” he explained.

“Remember that we define our successes differently. Some people believe that their success is spiritual, others believe that it is material and others financial, so it depends on a person’s definition of success,” said Matabole.

He said the books encourages success because it gives one courage to make it despite obstacles in life.

“Though we also respect that life has no guarantees and that even well-orchestrated plans fail, we mustn’t settle for ‘no’ or that things will not change,” he added.

WATCH: Matabola explains how he managed to overcome his health challenges.

“I appreciate the fact that all the unique challenges that nature or God presents also offers us the opportunity to grow stronger, to be more tenacious and resilient.

“The trouble with most people is that when they achieve something that they have been longing then they no longer appreciate it once they have achieved it. They then go on to look for other things. “There is nothing wrong with moving forward, but we must never forget that the very same things we have achieved where once part of our dreams and therefore remain of value,” he said.

“A lack of appreciation will leave you unsatisfied for the rest of your life no matter how much you achieve.”

Matabole plans to further his studies. He has enrolled for a postgraduate diploma in public management for 2021. He is also hoping to publish his latest book Our Soccer next year before March.

“My plan is to continue teaching because I believe in it as a calling and is of great importance, just as being called to be a pastor. I will do my very best to deliver the excellence that Jesus has placed within me,” he concluded.

To purchase the books contact Matabola on 073 886 9182 or via email, Bethuelmatabola@gmail.com