for Indonesia where she will spend 12 months of her life studying drama and music. This happened after she had responded to an advertisement in a local newspaper to apply for one of the many opportunities to study in Indonesia as brokered by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the country’s deputy president. Her feat is a fitting tribute to the country’s women in a month where they celebrate their victories over adversity. Mahlalela has indeed triumphed over adversity. Being the third child in a family of seven, comprising six girls and a boy she came from the impoverished village of Magogeni. She matriculated from Mahhushe Agricultural School in 1999 and immediately got involved with an organization, which promotes HIV/AIDS awareness, NALDO, at Kamhlushwa.

With both her parents unemployed, making the trip to Indonesia would prove difficult and that’s when Mahlalela asked for help. The department of Sports, Arts and Recreation came in handy and so did the Nkomazi Municipality as well as big and local businesses such as TSB and Johan Sibiya of the Johan Sibiya Promotions. Whereas the scholarship covers accommodation, meals and tuition she needed to dig deep to raise airfares. To this end the Nkomazi Municipality raised R15000 for her with the others also coming to the party.

“I am so excited at the turn of events. I have always been a fan of the arts. Even at school I participated in the creative and performing arts. My break did not come as stroke of luck but it came as a result of me paying attention to detail. I encourage young people to read newspapers as they carry a lot of information. They should also be bold enough to knock on every door for assistance with their education and careers,” said Mahlalela.

Zibonele Shabangu, in the Executive Mayor’s office, has praised Mahlalela for having taken the initiative. “It is very rare for women to venture into the unknown. Mahlalela has lifted our flag as a municipality and we could not pass up an opportunity to lend help. We hope she finds her stay in Indonesia both exciting and enriching. We also encourage other young people to emulate her, as this will facilitate skills transfer,” he said