Tlangelani Makhubela
Tlangelani is originally from a small village called Chavani, in Limpopo. She is a Physiotherapist by professional and also an alumni of the Wits Targeting Talent Program.
How old were you when you decided to pursue your current career path and what inspired you?
I was 17 years old, my inspiration stemmed from seeing a cerebral palsy child in my neighbourhood who was hidden from the community and never taken to the hospital or special school.
Did you ever get help with career guidance? Any mentor(s) & what role did they play?
Yes, I was fortunate to be part of the Targeting Talent Program which provided me with the opportunity to choose my career and also job shadow in a hospital before I could apply and go to the university.
What challenges did you face (or are facing) / had to overcome in your journey?
Having to move from the small village and adapting to the new lifestyle in Cape Town which was more than 2000 km away from home was the biggest challenge for me. Professionally, I previously worked for a company which the employer did not stick to the contract agreement and this took a toll on me, affected my life and my mental health in a bad way. I ended up resigning without a job and had to open my own practice without finances.
What has been your biggest driver/motivator?
My love for helping people and my dream of opening a neurodevelopmental center in Limpopo.
What advice or key learning points from your journey would you like people to take onto theirs?
You are your biggest competitor, if you can learn and believe this you will go far. Don't be afraid to take risks, this is how you will learn and grow.
Any advice for a young person from a rural area / township who currently has no clue where to even start when choosing a career path?
Being from a rural area is not a disadvantage, it is an advantage of doing better so you can bring change.