Winner of the Allan Gray Entrepreneurship challenge.

On image: Kgalalesto Letsoalo.

Meet Kgalalesto Letsoalo, an 18 year old who is currently in grade 12 and the deputy Head Girl at Calculus High School in the Bloemfontein. Kgalaletso travel to school using a local bus as she is from a small town called Thaba Nchu, which is approximately 65KM from Bloemfontein. We asked her to share about how she grew and this is what she said, “I must say that I had a good upbringing, my parents were strict (still are) and like any other parent, they have always wanted the best for their children. Growing up, it was not as difficult, as my parents tried their best to put food on the table, clothe us and just simply be there when we need them. I did my schooling at a combined school until my grade 11 when was I transferred to Calculus as a result of unfortunate circumstances (cyberbullying and bullying by an educator). Besides all that, growing up has been a learning journey, sometimes it would get exhausting, but we all must go through the most to get ahead”.

Please share the profession you would go for after matric and why that one? “The profession I would like to take on is being an Agronomist. Agronomists conduct experiments to develop the best methods for increasing the quality and production of crops. The reason why I want to pursue this career is because South Africa is going through quite a problem with food security. Therefore, using science to carry out experiments that create new techniques for agriculture production and improving crop yield would really benefit the society. I would also like to build my own brand that focuses mainly on inspiring inner beauty and uniqueness together with fashion”.

Please share about the ALLAN GRAY challenge, what was it about and how did you happen to be part of it? “The Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge was a 5–6 week entrepreneurship programme that was open to all high school students that seek to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset through gamified learning in a form of online micro-challenges. It was mainly about entrepreneurship –building and managing your own business. I was introduced to the competition by my educator, Ms. Constance Mabote, and she convinced us (the team) to enter the competition, of which we did”.

Your passion for ENTREPRENEURSHIP – where does it come from and please share how do feel being one of the winners? “My love for entrepreneurship comes from home – my mother, as she herself is an entrepreneur. I’ve been interested in knowing how to properly run a business, of which I saw the practicality of it from my mother’s business. It really is overwhelming to be part of the winners, as it was only me from the group that won, but we run by a motto that “if one member in a team wins, therefore the whole team has won”.

Any business venture you are considering starting after this challenge, or already run? “As I would like to own my farm in the near future, I am considering on breeding chickens at the moment, and planting a few vegetables in our backyard to sell. This may take a while to set up, but with hard-work, determination and perseverance I will be able to accomplish it”.

Lastly, as a young girl in SA, what would you advise other young girls about the importance of education? “Education is the key to success” is a much-predetermined answer but I would rather say that education provides knowledge and helps open doors for opportunities, in most circumstances we need education to battle crime, inequality, GBV, poverty and many other social issues. Therefore, I encourage not only girls, but boys also, do get educated. The fortunate part is that education is free in our country, tertiary education is also free as there are a number of bursaries available, even NSFAS".

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