Sammy Mokgoatsane is a young Tembisa-born man who is passionate about education, so much so that he has turned it into a business.
The Blueberry Brands Events and Promotions owner is turning himself into a brand. The events management company is mainly involved in arranging educational talks, which entail career guidance, and disseminating bursary and employment opportunities information.
Mokgoatsane took his passion even further. He has two books which have been published under Dondo Publications, Self Love and the The Keys to Success. These are motivational books from which he bases his talks on with schoolchildren and corporate individuals to lift their confidence.
Mokgoatsane said that having been raised in a disadvantaged home and having the tenacity to succeed and to get where he is now, qualifies him to speak to others about making a success of their lives despite where they were born. “I was born in Kanana and my aunt raised me with my granny. They are the biggest influencers in my life,” he said.
“Google has changed they way we do everything on the Internet. That’s the type of legacy that I’m looking to leave behind long after I am gone, I want it to continue.”
The proud Tembisa resident is well on his way to achieving that legacy as he touches young people’s lives with his story, as well as his vision. “I do motivational speaking because as much as being book-smart is important, we all need to be street-smart as well,” he said.
Having started working at the age of 14, Mokgoatsane has a stellar work ethic. “Again, that is one of the things I attribute to my aunt. I started by washing dishes at a local restaurant after school and then I passed matric and became a petrol attendant, after that I was a call centre consultant and was promoted to manager.”
Odd jobs and making ends meet was not enough for him, though. “I started Blueberry over four years ago and I went into it on a full-time basis two years ago,” he said.
“What I realised was that I shouldn’t chase money, but rather chase passion and then money will chase you.”
Details: www.blueberrybrandevents.co.za
