2011 South Africa Teams
FREEDOM WRITERS
KEANA CUPIDO, age 18
My name is Keana Cupido. All my life, I’ve been going through struggles and pain. When I was 12, I was paired by three men, one of whom was my boyfriend. He claimed that he loved me, only to find out that he was planning on taking my virginity by force, and having two of his friends help him. In December 2009, I started getting thrush and becoming very ill, which lead me to be hospitalized for 6 days. The doctor informed me that I was HIV+. I felt like my life was over! But ever since, I found God. He’s been working miracles in my life and I finally accepted my status. I want to inspire the youth out there and let them know that HIV is living with me. I am not living with HIV. Live your life to the fullest.
FORTUNATE KHIBA, age 23
My name is Fortunate Khiba. I am 23 years old. I grew up in Chiawelo. I completed my grade 12 in 2008. I am currently working at P.U.S.H. (Persevere Until Something Happens) as an Empowered Public Working Program Volunteer and I am really looking forward to the opportunity that GlobalGirl Media is giving me. Thank you, GlobalGirls! My hobbies are playing soccer, singing and cooking. I love Gospel music. My favorite singer is Rebbecca Malope. I love working with people and sharing ideas.
STHOKOZO MABASO, age 21
My name is S’thokozo Mabaso. I live at Soweto, Jabulani. I am 21 years of age. I live in Soweto with my aunt and my 2 cousins. I am originally from Kwazulunatal. My mother and my sister are still living in KZN. I am a calm person, and shy. I love kids. I love acting. I am a student at University of Johannesburg. I am doing Business Studies. My dream is to have my own NGO, taking care of kids who are HIV+ and AIDS orphans.
FREEDOM FIGHTERS
MADIKANE, age 19
My name is Mandisa Madikane. I am 19 years old. I love in a poor community, Kliptown, in Soweto. I was raped when I was 6 years old and I got infected with HIV/AIDS. I have been livening with HIV for the past 13 years. Being HIV positive is not easy for me, but I am doing what’s best. I play soccer and I am doing poetry that keeps me going. I am part of GlobalGirl Media and I am so am happy to be a part of it. I believe GlobalGirl Media can help me to become a motivational speaker. I want to help the people of South Africa. And I also want to tell people out there how I live my life with HIV. I do not let HIV overcome me, but I overcome HIV. I am a member of the CAB- Community Advisory Board.
SIHLE MHALANGA, age 15
My name is Sihle. I am 15 years old. I was born in Zola Clinic. I was raised by a single mother. I am in grade 9. I would like to become a paramedic, to help people. I love singing. I want to be a GlobalGirl to help improve my self esteem and learn more about journalism.
LERATO MAZIBUKO, age 17
My name is Lerato Mazibuka, AKA Lehanna, a 17-year-old girl from Soweto. I am a talkative, people person. I motivate and inspire. I like music, reading and writing. My skills are acting, debating, dancing Kwasa and writing poems. My motto of life is the great and glorious masterpiece of humanity is to live for a purpose. I am simply a nice person who loves people, not forgetting my future husband Justin Bieber. I love Science and Geography. My short-term goal is to be an oncologist. I am a girl who has a craving for knowledge.
VISCIOUS
EVELYN LINDIWE MAMOGOMOTSI MOKELE, age 19
My name is Evelyn Lindiwe Mamogomotsi Mokele. I am 19 years old. I am the mother of a cute son Mogomotsi Siyamthanda Mokele born in 2009. I’m proudly South African. I like challenges. I like DJs and dancing. I am a new member of GGM Academy.
NOMVUYO MOKOENA, age 17
My name is Nomvuyo Mokoena. I am 17 years old. I grew up in Talei. I live with my mother, sister, brother and two little brothers. My father died in 2004 when I was in Grade 4. I am living with HIV. I found out when I was in grad 9 in 2009. I love playing soccer. I was an athlete in school. When I grow up, I want to be a lawyer. I love Gospel music. I want people to know that being HIV+ doesn’t mean I am going to die tomorrow.
LESEGO TAU, age 22
My name is Lesego Tau and I am 22 years old. I live in Soweto. I come from a very small family of five. I am a very jolly and warm person who loves taking care of others. My favorite things to do are reading, eating, writing poetry and just having fun. I discovered my status in 2010 when I was pregnant, but I gave birth to a healthy baby girl. I have since tried to lead a better life by staying out of trouble and going back to school. I recently joined GGMSA and it has changed my perception of being young, black and HIV+. I think it’s the very best thing that’s every happened in my life.
CLEOPETRA VERONIQUE VISAGIE, age 21
Hi. This is Cleopetra Veronique Visagie A. K. A. Short & Sweet. I love to swim and sing and I love music with my whole heart because it changes my mood. I’ve always dreamed about becoming a doctor because I want to help people. I dropped out of school in 2010 when I found out that I was HIV+. I thank the Lord that he helped me cope with everything I’ve been going through since that day, because I’ve realized that it’s a lifestyle for me. I will always be positive about everything because I’m a Cleo Girl.
2010 South Africa Teams
TEAM WAT WAT
TUMELO MAUMAKWE, age 19
Tumelo Maumakwe is an intelligent funny and assertive young lady who knows what she wants and how to get it. She wants to be a lawyer and is up for any challenge, she is different from other 19 year olds because she has the quality of making a success of herself. This young, bright lady has ace’s up her sleeves, she is everything you would expect from a lady and she’s committed to her work even brings out the best in everything. Tumelo has a First Aid Certificate, an IT Boot Camp Certificate, a Personal / Entrepreneurial certificate of attendance and a matriculation certificate.
LESEGO LETSILE , age 18
My name is Lesego Letsile. I stay at Central Western Jabavu, Soweto with my mother. I am currently a hard-working grade 12 student who will be in university next year to study Architecture because I love designs and urban structures. My second option is medicine because I always wanted to be a doctor before I discovered architecture. My hobbies are playing chess, reading novels and listening to music. I enjoy the company of people who accept others as they are without attaching material values. I see myself in ten years time being a professional having a beautiful car and a house. I would also love to buy my mother a house with all the things she dreams of having because she is currently sacrificing everything for me.
TEBOGO TSOTETSI
My name is Tebogo Tsotetsi. I was born in a small township in Soweto called Mofolo. I am a matriculant and part of Ekasi Women’s Ensemble. I love adventure and great challenges. In 2008 I was chosen by my school to be part of the Micro scholarship program, sponsored by the US Embassy, and even got a chance to visit the US. My experience there was an eye-opener as I learned a lot of things about the country and my horizon was broadened. Being a girl my age and achieving what I already have is a blessing because by looking at my background, I really didn’t expect such things to happen to me.
My interests are reading, writing, art, and mostly being in front of the camera. I believe that I can go far with my interests, and I have the potential to go far with them professionally. One day I would like to become a journalist because I have good listening and writing skills. I truly value my life and I pray every day. Losing my mother is what motivated me to pray and thank God for every given day. I live each day as if it is my last because tomorrow might never come for me. I am Tebogo Tsotetsi and this is who I am.
MANTOMBAZANA ANASTASIA KHUMALO, age 17
I was born in White City Jabavu where I currently reside with my mother, sister and brother. I am a grade 12 student and would like to further my studies with an extended BA degree in Humanities specializing in journalism. My exposure to the journalism workshop last year through Micro Access classes is the one which influenced me towards this career. I am a netball player, and I like listening to music. I am an independent thinker who is not easily manipulated by peers or people with strong personalities. I believe that a better person is one who takes responsibility for their actions whether good or bad and practice this belief in my daily actions. Despite my difficult childhood, I know who I am, what I want and will push until I get it.
SINESIPHO NKOBO, age 16
Sinesipho Nkobo or mostly known as “SINE” is a 16 year-old-girl from Port Elizabeth. When SINE heard that she was selected to be part of the GlobalGirl Reporters, she burst into tears. Being part of this event is for SINE a very important opportunity that she will never forget in her life. Initially SINE grew up with a dream of becoming a newsreader, and then she changed and wanted to become a magistrate. She is willing to know anything about journalism and media and she is confident that this opportunity will bring her back close to the career that she has always wanted: that of being a news reader.
SINE spends most of her time writing poems, she loves sports, other people’s cultures and she is interested to knowing more about the city of Johannesburg.
TEAM LEGENDS
LUNGILE BUHALE age 17
I from Dube Village in Soweto; I was born at Baragwaneth hospital and I have been raised by my mother and grandmother. I enjoy public speaking, reading and socialising; I am a proud patron of netball, athletics and public speaking. I am a tenacious, talkative and outspoken person who desires being around proactive people. I am also a keen and optimistic young leader, and I would love to become a cultural anthropologist as I enjoy studying cultures, assessing people’s mindsets and asking questions of the different characters I meet. Currently I am doing grade 11 and I’m also attending the Teboho Trust Saturday Academy that forever changing my life and giving me better opportunities to better myself.
ANNAH TSEKO, age 17
My name is Annah Tseko, I am 17 years of age and I was born in Soweto, White City Jabavu. I live with my mother, brother and sister. I am currently in grade 12 and a science student. I am a simple girl with simple tastes, self assured and strong-willed. I love reading novels, socializing with people, playing my favorite sport tennis, watching movies and going out with friends and family. I see myself as young, hardworking and vivacious individual. I was a volunteer at Soweto Old Age Home, where I helped with cleaning and bathing elderly people. I was also and an English Micro Scholarship Program student where we also learned basics of journalism, constructing a magazine and photographing. In five years time I would want to have completed my degree in Aeronautical Engineering and driving my own car. I believe that fighting is for the survivors, you need to keep pushing to succeed because life is about surviving through the obstacles and be fearless!!!!
LULUTHO MAYANA, age 17
Lulutho Mayana is a student in Port Elizabeth. She lives in Joe Slovo one of the poorest Townships in Port Elizabeth. Lulutho is an intelligent, fast learner, a very confident young black woman who perseveres until she reaches her own dreams. Lulutho’s dream is to become one of the well known journalists and authors. Lulutho is a talkative person and loves travelling. But mostly Lulutho always strives to know about what is going on anywhere in this planet. She believes in giving back to the community and she promises to use her peer educators’ skills to share whatever she learned with other kids from her community.
DUDUZILE MDHLULI age 23
My name is Duduzile Mdhluli. I live at Meadowlands with my mom, sister and brother. My short term goal Is to go to university and study tourism, my long term goal is to be the first black African woman to own a top tourism agency. My hobbies are listing to music and reading books so that I can gain more knowledge and reading is very important you get inspired and educated while you are reading books. In the next five years, I would want to own a successful Tourism agency, because I have the ability to meet my deadlines and a hard worker, I believe that I can achieve a lot in life because there are so many opportunities. I also believe that one day I will get the opportunity to go to university. Right now I’m a volunteer at Teboho Trust and I help with cooking for the children.
ZIZIPHO KESWA
My name is Zizipho Keswa and I’m 18 years old born. I describe myself as an outgoing,ambitious,intelligent and hardworking young woman from the dusty streets of Soweto. I’m currently a performing artist at Victory Sonqoba Theatre Company. I love arts because I have the opportunity to educate and entertain people, but mostly because I can show and express my talent with passion. I’m also an actress at Ekasi Arts Women’s Ensemble, an organisation that educates and brings awareness to women about the obstacles faced by women: in particular women abuse, rape, women’s capabilities and women not being recognised in the world at large. I passed my matric 2009 and I’m interested in studying LLB law,Cinematography and performing arts. I am one person who stops at nothing until achieving what I want and making use of all the good opportunities coming my way.
KAMOGELO MABIZELA, age 17
I am Kamogelo Mabizela from White City Jabavu, Soweto. I am currently in grade 12. I love reading, dancing, singing and watching movies. My short term goal is to pass my matric with an A symbol and my long term one being to further my studies at university doing a degree in Actuarial Science if not then Computer Science. The exposure that I received in the past two years has shaped my life differently from what other kids of my age are experiencing growing up in Soweto. I am a highly motivated student and prepared to learn more in life and embrace every opportunity that comes my way. I am a young hungry mind that is willing to learn more and explore the world.
TEAM ICE BREAKERS
LESEDI MOTLHABYA age 16
My name is Lesedi Mothabya. I have chosen the science subjects because I want to write science books. I live in Orlando West with my mother, brother and younger sister. My mother is a disabled mother who has three children and us divorced. I also have a father who doesn’t stay with me and is unemployed. I mastered English while I was still in grade two. I also got a certificate for participating in a citizenship programme while I was in grade seven, a certificate for IT when I was in grade ten and other one for public speaking. When I grow up I want to be a writer and editor. The reason why I have chosen to be a writer and editor is because I love writing books and editing letter or short stories. I feel that I have a strong point when it comes to English because I know how to speak and write fluently. I think I should participate in different kinds of activities that include the English language.
BOITUMELO KGONYANE, age 17
My name is Boitumelo Kgonyane. I’m currently doing grade 12 and I’m doing Humanities subjects which are History, Geography, Business Studies and other compulsory subjects. I’m very enthusiastic about journalism since I was exposed to it when we did our class magazine. I’ve always planned to study it at the University of Witwatersrand. My hobbies are reading, watching movies and swimming. I’m always willing to learn and I’m very charismatic, determined and devoted student.
NANCY KAZADI, age 14
Nancy Kazadi, 14 years old, is in Grade 7 and is a prefect. She is an excellent student attaining distinctions. She has lived at Tshwane home of Hope since 2007. Nancy is soft-spoken and a very loyal friend who cares deeply about the welfare of all those around her. She is very protective over her autistic brother who lives with her in the shelter and sees to his daily care. Nancy is very diligent and persevering in everything she does. Nancy has a deep sense of compassion for people and readily takes on responsibilites. At this stage she has expressed a desire to be a botanist. Nancy plays tennis, runs cross-country and enjoys to sing.
YOLANDA MENDISI
My name is Yolanda Mendisi. I am 17 years old. I am currently doing my matirc and I would like to pursue a career of clinical psychology. I am a person who likes laughing and enjoys being around people. I am talkative. I think that GlobalGirl Media is going to open many doors for us. Because I enjoy writing and talking, I feel I am the right person to do the job of journalism.
YOLANDY SILOKA, age 18
Yolandy Siloka is 18 years old and is in grade 10. She has lived at the Tshwane Home of Hope since 2007. Yolandy is a natural leader and is very popular at the home and at school. She is out-spoken and is an opinion leader. She loves to dance and is a good artist. She enjoys making people laugh and does voice impersonations. Furthermore, she loves reading and writing poetry. At this point Yolandy wants to be a marine biologist. Yolandy is interested in the world around her, loves to learn new things and be challenged. She loves to question and has a natural writing ability. She has already won awards for her essays. This experience will be instrumental in developing and strengthening Yolandy’s natural abilities and expanding her mind. This may enable her to inspire people more powerfully.
TEAM CONVERSE
ZANDILE DHLAMINI, age 17
I am Zandile Dlamini, and reside in White City Jabavu in Soweto with my parents and sister. I am currently doing grade 12 and my goal is passing with high marks for me to get a bursary. I would like to study medicine at the University of Witwatersrand and become a Pediatrician. My hobbies are writing and reading so that I can gain knowledge and my biggest fear is heights. I like interacting with young children and as a result last year I had an opportunity to be a peer educator teaching 10 to 13 year olds and the experience was fulfilling. In 10 years time I see myself being a pediatrician with my own surgery.
SKYE SMITH, AGE 18
Skye is from Zimbabwe, and was brought to Kids Haven in July 2009 by Lawyers for Human Rights, from the Central Methodist Church. Skye experienced a huge amount of trauma prior to coming to Kids Haven, but is recovering well from these experiences. She is a very capable and intelligent young lady, who deserves a chance to become the best that she can be. She is very excited to be part of the GlobalGirl Media experience.
NONTSIKELELO NXUMALO, age 17
Nontsikelelo is 17 years old, and in grade 12 . She is from Swaziland. She was the head of a child headed household, and has 2 younger sisters in Swaziland. She tried very hard to provide for the needs of her sisters, but found it impossible to do. A neighbor took care of her sisters, and she came to South Africa to complete her education, and get work in order to go back and support her sisters again. She too landed up at Central Methodist Church, and was referred to Kids Haven in June 2009 by Doctors Without Borders. She is very keen on ice-skating. She would like to be a lawyer. It is a dream for her to be included in the GlobalGirl Media programme.
ATHENKOSI MABINDISA, age 16
Athenkosi Mabindisa is currently studying in Port Elizabeth. When it comes to achieving her dreams, Athenkosi says she is very positive and confident. Her dream is to become a sports journalist one day because she adores sports especially soccer and cricket. She wants to be a journalist who reveals the truth by investigating first and getting the right information before writing or publishing it. Athenkosi is a very generous young girl who gives support and advice to those who need it. She is also a very committed, hard working young lady. She is always eager to learn new things and she is a very curious person who always wants to know what is happening around places. She will use this occasion to tell other children to never give up on their dreams but to continue searching until they find the right path.
LEBOGANG NAPE
My name is Lebogang. I live in Soweto with my sister. I am a young lady who is interested in the media industry. When I am not working with Ekasi Women’s Arts Ensemble, I am with my friends, listen to the radio or my favorite music. I also love watching movies. If I were to describe myself in three ways it would be: polite, loving and respectful. I believe in myself because I know I have what it takes to make it to the top, for I am unique and special: I am Lebogang.
