My name is Mahlatse Sesele, and I’m truly grateful to share my journey with you. Looking back, I can honestly say that my life has changed in ways I never imagined.
Before 2024, I felt stuck. Finding a job was difficult, and I didn’t have a skill I could confidently depend on. Deep inside, I knew I wanted a better future for myself, but I wasn’t sure where to begin. It was discouraging at times because I felt like I was standing still while life moved on around me.
Everything started changing when I heard about Thabiso Skills Development Centre. I decided to take a chance on myself and enrolled in the Welding course during the second intake of 2024, which included Basic Business Training and Life Skills training. I remember feeling nervous at first, but I was also excited and hopeful because I knew this could be the beginning of something better.
I started with the Life Skills Course and enjoyed the programme. As I continued with the course, I started growing not only in skills but also in confidence. The Welding facilitator, Mr Sthabela, taught me how to weld properly, work safely, and most importantly, take pride in what I do. I learned a lot from the Basic Business course. The journey was not always easy, but I stayed focused and kept reminding myself that I was building a brighter future for myself.
After completing my course, I chose not to sit and wait for opportunities to come to me – I decided to create my own. I started doing small welding jobs in my community, repairing gates, making burglar bars, and helping people with welding repairs. I don’t advertise on social media because I believe in letting my work speak for itself. I’m so thankful that people have trusted me and recommended me to others based on the quality of my work. Every happy customer has opened another door for me.
Attending the Basic Business course helped me to start up my business. Today, my business is named Pure Craft Welding, and it is still growing, which makes me incredibly happy and proud. Every project I complete teaches me something new and moves me one step closer to my dreams.
This journey has taught me that success does not happen overnight. It takes patience, consistency, and believing in yourself even during difficult moments. I am deeply thankful to Thabiso Skills Development Centre for giving me the opportunity to learn and grow through the mentorship received from facilitators and staff members. Today I am more confident, more focused, and excited about the future because I am building something meaningful for myself. My story is proof that when you stay committed and never give up, beautiful things can happen.
