MURRAY & ROBERTS LETSEMA KHANYISA BURSARY SCHEME ENABLES DREAMS

The Letsema Khanyisa trust awards qualifying Murray & Roberts employees an educational bursary for the further tertiary education of their children. Khutso Maphatsoe, daughter of Judy Maphatsoe who recently retired from the Murray & Roberts Corporate Office after 30 years of service, was a recipient of a Letsema Khanyisa bursary.
Robust Magazine got to know Khutso, who is now part of the editorial team at Benoni City Times, and was recently featured in the local community newspaper.

TELL US ABOUT WHAT STUDIES YOU DECIDED TO PURSUE AND HOW THE EXPERIENCE HAS IMPACTED ON YOUR LIFE?

The course I decided to pursue was Media and Journalism and this has impacted my life in more ways that I could imagine. I have access to all sorts of people and organisations. I have met all kinds of people, some of whom have impacted my life in more ways than one. I have had the chance to experience things I wouldn’t normally
experience because of the career path that I have taken.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?

My career goals include making an impact within the media industry. This includes starting my own publishing company that focuses on publishing content created by all sorts of people. I also have a passion for education and would like to be part of or create a platform, where those who lack the resources for quality education, can get the type of education that they need to improve their lives.

WHO HAS BEEN A ROLE MODEL FOR YOU?

That is a really difficult question to answer! I would say my mother and my sisters, as clichéd as that sounds, it’s the truth. The way they handle situations leaves me in awe at times and their strength and resilience to keep on pushing. Other than that, I draw inspiration from women such as Thuli Madonsela, Khanyi Dhlomo and Basetsana
Kumalo, because of what they have achieved in their careers and how they continue to uplift women across various platforms.

WHAT PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT MAKES YOU PROUD?

In my spare time, I love to write poetry or to read a good book. I also enjoy being at home watching movies or being outdoors with friends and family. It all depends on the mood that I’m in at the time.

WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Don’t be afraid to go out and get what you want, work hard and let your work speak for itself. Don’t try too hard to impress others or seek approval from people because you may not always get it and always be authentic. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you mess up, see it as a learning curve or an opportunity to improve on what you lacked. Pick your battles, as not everything is worth fighting for. Don’t give up on your dreams, regardless of the challenges that must be faced to achieve those dreams. Love yourself
unconditionally and know your worth, be the light that shines unapologetically and never stop learning, there is always room for improvement and through that comes growth.