A young woman blends her academic journey with a deep commitment to giving back, showing that real success lies in impact.
Bloemfontein, South Africa (29 July 2025) – In a country where youth unemployment continues to climb, many young people are looking for ways to take control of their futures. For Tumelo Leshabane, that has meant not only returning to university to further her studies, but also actively finding ways to give back to the communities that raised and supported her.
Currently enrolled in a postgraduate programme in Strategic Brand Communication, Tumelo is navigating the demands of academic life while staying grounded in values that go beyond personal achievement.
“I’m learning so much in my degree, but I also want to apply it in a way that feels meaningful,” she says.
That sense of purpose is not new. Long before she began this leg of her academic journey, Tumelo had already developed a strong connection to community work, something she traces back to her modelling days.
“Giving back has always been close to my heart. I can’t really explain it. It’s just something I’ve always felt drawn to.”
She recently organised a small outreach for children in her neighbourhood during the school holidays. The act itself was simple, but the intention behind it was clear.
“Seeing those kids smile, just for that one day. It reminded me why I do what I do,” she says. “A lot of them come from difficult backgrounds, but even the smallest gestures can bring them hope.”
Leshabane believes that giving back should not be seen as an afterthought, especially for those in a position to do so.
“Every business, no matter how small, has a responsibility to its community,” she says. “We can’t only focus on profit and forget the people who support us.”
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For Tumelo, building a future means staying rooted in purpose. And for now, that means balancing books, serving others, and holding onto the “why” that drives her.
Sources: GTG Interview
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