Meet the woman behind the change

A bubbly mother of two has been the driving force behind one of Tzaneen’s recent facelifts.

Zantelle Ras (26) spoke to Letaba Herald recently, talking about herself, her family and the reason behind having started the initiative to restore Tzaneen to its former glory.

Ras currently works at Tzaneen Swaarvoertuie in the parts department where they sell agricultural, construction and truck parts.

Zantelle is married to her high school sweatheart, SJ Ras and they have two children by the names of Zian (5) and Zelri who will be turning four this year.

Ras took it upon herself to call on the community of Tzaneen to “be the change” they want to see.

She told Herald about her hobbies and landing a helping hand is amongst one of things she likes doing.

“I really enjoy singing in my house and on the farm (but also in the shower). But what I enjoy more than my singing is ‘Helping Our People In Need’ – which is the name of my non-profit organization. I got a vision during one of my prayers in 2016 and that was a command from God to me that I need to start doing what I have been called for,” she explained.

Aside from enjoying the nature around Tzaneen, Ras also stated that she likes visiting Somerset West.

“Ever since we first visited my husband’s father living in Kleinmond, we’d drive through to Somerset and I just cannot explain the experience of it all, but I simply lost my heart there. I love the beach, the people and the place as a whole.”

When asked if she had to do it over again or change anything about having taken up the initiative to start the Minitzani project, Ras stated that she would have started with the project years ago.

“Truly speaking, I believe that God led me to this path with a bigger purpose and the support I have received from the community has been amazing to say the least. Only difference now is that had I started the project years ago, we would be enjoying all the amazing changes that are happening in this time.”

ALSO READ: Park completes yet another transformation

Ras stated that she hasn’t faced any major challenges in the project and also explained that the negativity that some people are trying to create around the project has not weighed her down.

Being the God-fearing woman that she is, she believes that every act of kindness and every act sent through God needs to be prepared for as the devil will try to attack it.

“This project is only the beginning of many that will be done in Tzaneen. I know a lot of money has been invested into this and I promise that every cent sponsored will be invested into the project. I am not doing this for any earthly reward but for the reward of eternal life by God’s side. When God gives a command, who are we to question it?”

She also spoke of the changes that are still to be adopted into the project and exclaimed in excitement how happy each new feature that gets completed makes her feel.

“This project and the features that we are planning to still add makes me so excited that I wish I was a kid again to be able to enjoy it like I know they will.”

The play areas at the park will be getting complete makeovers and one such play area is that with the BEC roof.

“That area will be for toddlers and smaller children. They will be safe and secure inside the fence around that area with smaller toys for them to play with and rocking horses too. We will inform the community about the hygienic procedures there,” she explained.

ALSO READ: Minitzani gets a face lift

“There’s already two other new play stations that will be installed of which one will be built from wood with different levels and a sandpit underneath it.”

She further stated that they have about five or more bicycles and motorbikes out on a stand everyday ready for the children to use as these will teach them how to ride a bike.

They will also have road signs up and working daily so that the children can learn more about road safety while enjoying the park.

Ras concluded by sharing her word of thanks to the community from the inception of the project, to where it is now.

“As for the support from the community, in plain and simple terms, I could have and will have not been able to do anything without you guys. With all the sponsors and community members jumping in to help with absolutely everything, I believe this project has only been possible by God’s grace and guidance.”

Her motto is “Don’t be the one who wants a change, BE the change.”

More on the park upgrades will be published in Herald as the project continues to see more improvements and community involvement.