Tell us who is Tshepo September, from as a toddler to the last day of your high school
Well, Tshepo Edward September was born on 01 March 1994.I wasn’t born alone though, I have a twin brother Tshepang Edgar September. We are not identical twins but fraternal, meaning we don’t look alike but there are some natural features that are the same physically and emotionally as well. I was born and raised in Monyakeng, Wesselsbron Sporong section by two beautiful parents MaSeptember and Ntate September. I am told that me and my twin we were very silly. We only went to pre-school for 4 months and had to withdraw and sit at home since our parents couldn’t afford the monthly fee for two kids since it was difficult at that time. We started our grade 1 at Letsibolo Primary School, we were in the same class until they separated us due to ‘bullying’ other kids, so I took my journey and chose my friends and Tshepang did the same. During my primary years, in 2005 I joined schools football team A3 captained it until I made it to the 1st team and also captained the team until I left Letsibolo in 2007. In 2006 I joined Soul Buddies club where we discussed issues facing teenagers at that time, tried to join the dance club but I realised that it was too late already. The very same year I received the certificate for goal scorer of the year and in 2007 player of the year. In 2008 I started doing my Gr 8 at Ithabeleng Sec School, this is where I met my twin again at the same class and we sat in the same group called 8Boys Under Education, which consisted of guys from different local schools. In 2009 I started to pay a lot of attention on my school work and improved everyday. In 2009 we did motivational poems with 8Boys even recorded poem video titled ‘Believe In Yourself’. When I made it to Gr 10 I was so confused on choosing which route to follow, science or commerce, tried science but walked out in few hours and chose commerce. I fell in love with economics and accounting. My last year of secondary school was the best of the entire 12 years. My self-esteem increased that I was the grade 12 C top achiever and class of 2012 top achiever and certificates of excellence performance in accounting, economics, Sesotho H/L and business studies. Those 12 years were not easy but through it all, I survived.
Share your experience/challenges at CUT throughout your course
As much as we like light, we must also experience darkness, CUT is where I was tested and also got an opportunity to shine. This is the place where I found myself and realised that life is full of its own up and downs but perseverance, courage, faith, prayer, determination and patience will always pick you up when you fall at higher institutions. I enrolled for NHC|ACCOUNTANCY in 2013 which takes two years and choose between Internal Auditing and Cost and Management Accounting in the 3rd year. I really met cool and inspiring people throughout the course. I trembled in my 2nd year and had to do few subjects and came back as determined like before. I reached a point where I almost gave up in 2015 due to the issue of non-funding but was able to register and complete my certificate and I graduated with my friends this year. If I survived CUT years, I believe I can survive everything.
Most people knows that you and your twin brother (Tshepang) are friends how did you feel when he got to move to China for so many years
When he told me that he just got a call from Premier’s office and received a scholarship I was surprised and asked him if he will survive being away from home for that long, he said he will figure it out when he gets on that side. Since he was studying at CUT Welkom campus and I was at Bloemfontein campus,I was already used to his physical absence so, letting him go was the best feeling knowing that it was his time to get closer to his dream. But I missed him and still do like you mentioned in your question that we are friends.
You have also given an awesome opportunity by Free State government, how do you feel about it
The feeling is unexplainable because such opportunities don’t come every day in one’s life. I am just hungry to complete my course and come back to serve my people. The FS Government just gave me a wider platform to achieve what I want.
How did you become part of the students who were selected to study at Turkey
One thing I know for sure is that being selected out of hundreds/thousands of applicants is something that will make you question and believe in your potential. I saw the post on facebook and its closing date was the following day, the same day I just applied and forgot about it because I used to send emails to scholarship officials’ until they blocked me and I gave up on trying to get a scholarship. When I got the call I wasn’t expecting it as I totally forgot about it and it was after my graduation so had to take some decisions since I was still doing my final year at CUT and I ended up grabbing this opportunity with warm hands.
Please share the experience on the few days you spent in Turkey before you guys were sent back to South Africa and the reason behind your return.
I felt like my dream just turned into a reality in just a short time as everything happened so fast. Everything completely changed from food to beverages, people to language and environment to social life. I met new people that would become my family for the entire years of my study. When I was settled and accepted that I am now in a different country and continent something historical for Turkish people happened, the military coup in the middle of the night on 15 July 2016. Since we were in a private institution and the Turkish government decided to take over all private institutions throughout the country our government decided to return us home as we were not safe since we had to move out of our residence. So that how we returned to Mzansi.
You are leaving very soon again to further your dream, what can you say to the young people out there who want to follow your footsteps
Well, if there is someone who wants to follow in my footsteps you have to know that I can only lead you to a certain place as I am chasing my dream and everyone is also chasing his/her dream,but the spirit of never giving up should flow in you my brother and sister. Your life plan is different from mine so is your life path. What is destined for you will happen at the appointed time and not one second before. Never give up black child.
What are you hoping to bring back to South Africa after your completion?
Well, I hope to bring back new skills that will advance the life of our communities. Development in rural areas and restoring love for one another.
The message of support to all South Africans, especially young people of kasilevesa before your departure.
To every young person, you are destined to win believe it. As young as we are, we are all at the beginning of discovering something new and beautiful in our lives, its up to us to ensure that we give the next generation the best and safe place to achieve their dreams. To youth ya Kasi Levesa. I respect the hustle sisters and brothers and surely one-day kasi will be safe again and full of young visionary leaders… Dankie mane…
Any shout out
Shout out to my parents…Respect!!!to 8 Boys respect mangenge, it all started with you all majita.Family kaofela halala and all my friends be it girls and boys dankie mane. Kopa le itshwareng hantle hleng bo baby le majita…nix manga manga business on my assets *sigh*
Çok Teşekkür Ederim. (Thank you very much)
You go boy boy and persue your dream… Your working hard is finally paying off, study hard and come back home to provide the skills.