Young Minds: Interview With Tshidiso Ramogale
Each week, Youth Village recognizes young people who are doing exceptional work in their communities. Our aim is to highlight a young person who is making extraordinary contributions and commitments to service as the best, brightest young adults. Today, we salute Tshidiso Ramogale who is passionate about affecting positive change in South Africa.
In this interview, Tshidiso gives us an insight into his career, achievements and future aspirations.
Briefly tell us about yourself, who are you?
This question, irrespective of the number of times it is asked, is never easy to answer. But try we shall… My name is Tshidiso Ramogale, I am an advocate for social justice, a brother to my older sister, an uncle to my 1 year old niece and son to my gorgeous mother. I would describe myself as an individual that is full of life and love. I believe in the power of choice and an individual’s ability to change their own life.
Why did you choose to study law?
For as far as I can remember, my teachers were all sure that I would be a lawyer or politician.I have always been argumentative and had a passion for what is just and right. Alas, I didn’t choose law to succumb to my teachers’ desires.
I chose law because I saw it’s a conduit for meaningful change. It is a powerful instrument which has been accepted by society as a source of authority. I chose it because I saw myself building a society that believes in freeing the potential of all and respecting the dignity of every human being.
What does education mean to you?
Power. Through education, one possesses power. Power to make society better, power to change your life and more importantly, the power to choose. The choice to define and shape your life.There aren’t a great deal of things that one can do without choice.
What motivated you into affecting positive change?
Individuals act when they are the most affected. In my case, my own circumstances sent me on a road to change my community. There were many people on the road that contributed to my growth. I learnt about kindness and charity from my mother and grandmother. I believe that I had to thank them by doing exactly what they would have done.
Please tell us about yournon-profit company ‘Change SA’, what’s the aim behind it?
Change SA focuses on the power of an entrepreneurial spirit to effect change. Every entrepreneur confronted with a problem thinks of ways of overcoming that problem. Each entrepreneur focuses on the power of innovation, the importance of people-centered business and the indispensible need for sustainability. It is that kind of thinking that we believe is needed to change any society. We use entrepreneurial ingenuity in thinking of problems as a conduit for change. We believe in the power of entrepreneurship.
Please tell us about your role as an Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellow?
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, in more ways than I can imagine, has change my life. Not only were they there when I needed funding for my studies, but they have been able to instill important life lessons.
My role as an Allan Gray Fellow is to fulfill and further the Foundation’s vision in my work and daily life. The Foundation believes that entrepreneurship is a catalyst for change and naturally, it encourages its fellows to follow in that vision.
You made the list of the M&G’s 200 Young South Africans in 2014, Congratulations! How did you feel about this achievement?
I was completely gobsmacked when I first found out. I remember, it wasjust after the biggest and most exciting interviews of my life (my clerkship interviews at the Constitutional Court) when I received the call from the Mail and Guardian.
My initial inclination was to humbly decline this achievement. I didn’t think I had done enough to be on that list. I have always lived in admiration of the individuals on that list and completely in awe of the work they have done. I was only 22, how could I be included amongst those individuals.
But I was kindly reminded by one of my best friends to never slap the hand of God when he has given me something. He said that I may not think I was worthy, but God did, and that enough.
I am very grateful to the Mail and Guardian for this incredible honour. I am humbled by it and when in doubt, I can always look to it to remind me of the work I am suppose to be doing.
You have achieved so many great things at a young age, what inspires you to keep going?
My love for people. I absolutely love (wo)mankind. I believe in shared joy amongst all. It is that which keeps me going.
What do you think about the current state of the youth in South Africa?
Firstly, I must say that I am very proud of students around the country. This year, we have seen great leadership on all fronts. From the #RhodesMustFall activists at UCT to the #1Million1Month campaign from the SRC at Wits. You have all done us proud.
Secondly, I believe that more can and should be done to mobilise my peers around challenging socio-economic issues facing our country. We cannot constantly keep looking to government to lend a helping hand. Every revolution had ordinary individuals forging forward.
Lastly, there is a great deal of apathy and self-centeredness amongst my peers: ‘As long as I am doing well, I need not worry about my neighbour’. No man is an ideal unto himself, and this remains through to this day. We need to see our brothers and sisters not only through blood lineage but by virtue of the person sharing the same space and air as we do.
What do you see yourself achieving in the next 5 years?
I intend on starting and growing a social business. Businesses along the Grameen Bank. I would also like to start my practice in public interest law and of course, grow Change SA.
Who do you look up to for inspiration?
Without question, my mother and Oprah Winfrey. Two strong and powerful women.A constant well of knowledge and inspiration.
Your advice to the youth out there?
No one is going to give you anything. You must want your dreams so badly that it burns to sleep without advancing steps towards those dreams. Make a choice and grab what you want.
