Top: Khanyiso Jonas, Siziphiwe Dinwa; bottom:Jerobiam Julies and Ricardo Smart
The TV channel VIA celebrates the inspiring stories of 13 remarkable people as well as of Bernadino Heights High School in the hour-long documentary, Rachel’s angels: Inspirasiestories.
In the documentary, Rachel Jafta, founder of the Rachel’s Angels mentorship programme, shares the stories of 13 mentors and mentees. These success stories are told from when the mentorship programme started playing a role in their lives, to where they are today.
Naomi Meyer asked some of the mentors and some of the learners about their involvement with the programme, as well as about their lives.
Ricardo Smart (photo provided)
Ricardo Virgill Smart, mentor and super mentor
Ricardo is a final-year PhD candidate in wine biotechnology.
I served as the super mentor for Steenberg Secondary. In simple terms, a super mentor is the group leader of both mentors and mentees. I heard about Rachel’s Angels at an information table set up in the Student Centre (better known as the Neelsie) on the Stellenbosch University campus. After I heard the values of Rachel’s Angels, I was intrigued and signed up immediately.
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Rachel’s Angels went above and beyond to provide the mentees with practical workshops on topics such as study methods, soft skills development and what student life entails. The mentees were also invited to Stellenbosch University on several occasions for first-hand exposure.
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Rachel’s Angels went above and beyond to provide the mentees with practical workshops on topics such as study methods, soft skills development and what student life entails. The mentees were also invited to Stellenbosch University on several occasions for first-hand exposure. Rachel’s Angels involved students acting as mentors and living examples for mentees. Within the Steenberg Secondary group, we created a secure space for mentees to ask questions concerning academics and university applications, and the mentors shared their personal experiences. On several occasions, the mentees expressed their appreciation and found the information valuable.
Some practical recommendations for learners interested in pursuing a degree at a university are to make effective class notes and to create a vision board. Spending sufficient time on each subject on a regular basis, summarising the subject content and working through all of the class activities will alleviate the need to study intensively during exam time. On the vision board, record all of the necessary subjects and mark requirements, then paste it near your bed or at any eye-catching location in your room. The vision board should serve as a daily reminder to achieve the goals you have set for yourself. The earlier you start doing this from the outset of your high school journey, the more time you will have to improve your marks to meet the requirements for admission to a university.
Before acting as a mentor to anyone, one must first understand the needs of the individual. Building a relationship with someone is a two-way street, and both parties must work together to achieve a common goal. Once you have found a mentee or mentees, connect with them and schedule regular check-ins to assess where they are mentally, emotionally and in terms of their goals. Give them advice whenever possible, and constantly remind them that their dreams are valid and that they are capable of accomplishing anything, no matter what their limitations are.
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Being connected with someone who inspires you and serves as a mentor already benefits you significantly. Knowing that you have someone to turn to when experiencing personal struggles is the best act of kindness anyone could ask for. Mentorship can drastically transform a person’s life and, in turn, make a significant difference in South Africa.
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Being connected with someone who inspires you and serves as a mentor already benefits you significantly. Knowing that you have someone to turn to when experiencing personal struggles is the best act of kindness anyone could ask for. Mentorship can drastically transform a person’s life and, in turn, make a significant difference in South Africa. In my experience, my grade 12 maths teacher registered me at Stellenbosch University. Today, I am the first member of my family to have obtained a degree. Through the Rachel’s Angels programme, I was able to assist others in getting registered at a university to pursue a degree. It’s exactly like a domino effect.
I am inspired by the song “Power” by Amanda Black. The opening verse says, “I believed that I was born for greatness, that I would stand and fight for all my dreams.” This opening is powerful and has become my daily affirmation. It reminds me that I am smart, capable and victorious.
When I joined Rachel’s Angels, I had already completed my undergraduate degree, a BSc in molecular biology and biotechnology. Rachel’s Angels runs over a two-year cycle, so I joined when I was studying for my BSc honours in medical microbiology in 2014 and continued during my MSc in microbiology in 2015, all at Stellenbosch University. I am currently a final-year PhD candidate in wine biotechnology.
A personal quote of mine states, “Be the key to your own strength,” emphasising self-worth and the ability to achieve your goals. Stand up for what you believe in, regardless of your limitations. Never give up, and “achieve the goals others proclaimed you could not”. In the end, you will reap the benefits of your sacrifices. Along the way, you will need a support structure. Therefore, “surround yourself with those who have your future as their interest”. Lastly, always remember that “believing in yourself is the best investment for your future”.
The documentary is for people from all walks of life. The documentary celebrates students from different under-resourced communities who have achieved the unthinkable. Knowing where everyone came from and where they are today elevates the clause “I am possible” to an entirely new level. Most of us broke generational chains by becoming the first in our family to obtain a degree. This phenomenon is very inspiring, and all our accomplishments are genuinely incredible.
Jerobiam Julies (photo: provided)
Jerobiam Julies, mentee
Jerobiam Julies obtained a degree in agricultural science.
Jerobiam, you have been mentored through the Rachel’s Angels programme. Would you please tell our readers how you heard about Rachel’s Angels?
I heard about the programme through my school, Schoonspruit Secondary.
The Rachel’s Angels programme empowers learners to be better prepared for university. How does the programme do this on a practical level? What are some practical tips you can give any learner who wants to go to university/college or sign up for a learning opportunity?
The Rachel’s Angels programme empowers learners on a practical level by equipping them with the necessary skills and exposure to give them at least a head start in being comfortable in university. These skills are normally demonstrated through various workshops, campus visits, etc. My advice to someone who would like to go to university is to ensure that you know what it is that you want to do (authenticity), and not allow other people’s perspectives of your life to disturb what you envision for yourself. I would also like to share with them my knowledge on emotional intelligence for when life or societal pressure might give rise to uncomfortable emotions and thoughts.
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My advice to someone who would like to go to university is to ensure that you know what it is that you want to do (authenticity), and not allow other people’s perspectives of your life to disturb what you envision for yourself.
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How do you go about being a mentor for someone without the help of a structured programme? What are some tips for those who feel they want to make that one-on-one difference or influence a group? How do you start?
I go about being a mentor for someone by investing a lot of dedication into what they share with me about what their ambitions are, but I also focus on what some triggers in their lives are that might throw them off balance in the future, and I try to help them adapt to these triggers so they do not affect them negatively. I would encourage anyone who needs a mentor to reach out to them – nowadays, there are so many channels where one could connect with someone, for example, on social media platforms.
How does mentorship help with personal struggles? And how can mentorship contribute towards making a big difference in South Africa?
A mentor’s role is to contribute to the mentee’s holistic development. By doing this, mentors are not only allowing younger generations to keep on believing in their dreams, but are also equipping them with the necessary practical skills to allow the mentees to reach success in a supported way. We owe it to our children to believe in them wholeheartedly.
Can you name some books or writers, podcasts, YouTube channels or shows that inspire you? Anything that keeps you motivated throughout the year?
What keeps me motivated throughout the year, and especially when things become truly chaotic and I might feel off balance or on the verge of losing it, is watching the videos uploaded on the “Goalcast” YouTube channel. These are testimonies of real people, making them powerful and relatable.
Please tell our readers about where you were before you started the programme and where you are in life at present.
Before I started the programme, I was very dedicated to my academics, but with Rachel’s Angels, it gave me that extra push to go even harder in search of making my dreams a reality, because the programme validated my dreams and made me tap into my potential even deeper. As a result, I am currently in a position where I can act in various roles on an international scale.
Any messages for the youth?
VAA: Always keep the vision and keep it alive. With that vision, ensure that you are always authentic. Moreover, be willing to adapt to life as it comes.
Is this documentary for the old or young? Who will it resonate with?
This documentary is for everyone. It creates a space for those who have paved the way to take on the responsibility of giving back, while creating a generational legacy of success.
Siziphiwe Dinwa (picture provided)
Siziphiwe “Sizzie” Dinwa, mentee & mentor
Siziphiwe Dinwa is currently working in the agricultural industry as a technical advisor for farmers in and around Ceres.
You are a mentor for, or have been mentored through, the Rachel’s Angels programme. Please would you tell our readers how you heard about the programme?
I heard about the programme while I was a student at Malibu High School; I was in grade 11 then. I was chosen as one of seven students to be a part of the programme.
The Rachel’s Angels programme empowers learners to be better prepared for university. How does the programme do this on a practical level? What are some practical tips you can give any learner who wants to go to university/college or sign up for a learning opportunity?
- Familiarising schoolgoing learners (from grade 11) with university prior to their applying for the courses they wish to study
- Introducing them to the university environment (ie library, student centres) so that they familiarise themselves beforehand with key places they will need in the future
- Having workshops with the students on university life and culture
- Mentors touring the university with the students and taking them to their classes (whether they be the mentor’s classes or the classes the mentees might be in, in the future)
How do you go about being a mentor for someone without the help of a structured programme? What are some tips for those who feel they want to make that one-on-one difference or influence a group? How do you start?
You can be a mentor to people without a structured programme (whether you are mentoring people in your immediate environment or not). Mentorship is all about sharing ideas and experiences, and telling/listening to stories which you (or your mentee) can relate to.
So, I don’t think a structured programme is needed to be a mentor, because I grew up with people I considered mentors (in my household and in my community). They were people who listened to me with compassion and always provided encouragement and motivation when I needed it.
I learn a lot (from my mentees) by being a mentor, as much as they do from me. I ask many questions of them, so as to assist them with their questions best.
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For people who want to make a difference in other people’s lives, the first thing is for them to avail themselves and their time. This means that you will have to put in extra time to dedicate yourself to being a mentor. Being a good listener also helps.
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For people who want to make a difference in other people’s lives, the first thing is for them to avail themselves and their time. This means that you will have to put in extra time to dedicate yourself to being a mentor. Being a good listener also helps. Sometimes, your mentee just needs someone to listen to them and their concerns, and not someone who is “prescriptive” and always comes up with solutions.
You can start being a mentor at any time. It really doesn’t have to be formalised or structured.
How does mentorship help with personal struggles? And how can mentorship contribute towards making a big difference in South Africa?
If someone has life experience where they struggled in one way or another, it makes them more relatable to someone going through struggles themselves.
It also tends to help the mentee to learn coping mechanisms to overcome the struggles.
Now, more than ever, the South African youth need mentors – people who can inspire them to dream bigger, and who show them that there is more to life than their current realities (especially children from previously disadvantaged communities).
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Now, more than ever, the South African youth need mentors – people who can inspire them to dream bigger, and who show them that there is more to life than their current realities (especially children from previously disadvantaged communities).
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With all these online learning initiatives coming up as well, some students need help in adjusting to this current reality. Some students might not even have access to computers, and others might only be being exposed to computers now, and therefore are struggling to complete their tasks. Therefore, mentorship for those students would also be needed.
So, there are different facets to mentorship, which is why I believe that anyone with a certain skill set can be a mentor to someone needing to learn/benefit from that skill.
Can you name some books or writers, podcasts, YouTube channels or shows that inspire you? Anything that keeps you motivated throughout the year?
I am currently reading How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie. I am enjoying it and think someone out there might enjoy it, too (whether they are a student or someone in the corporate environment).
Please tell our readers about where you were before you started the programme and where you are in life at present.
I was a schoolgoing learner when I was introduced to and joined this programme. I later became a mentor when I was studying at Stellenbosch University.
I am currently working in the agricultural industry as a technical advisor for farmers in and around Ceres.
Any messages for the youth?
We are the future, and we need to realise that our voice matters!
Life is challenging, but that should never stop you from dreaming big.
It is important to set goals and dream big. Even if your current reality might have challenges, know that your dreams are valid and will come true if you apply yourself to them every day.
Is this documentary for the old or young? Who will it resonate with?
Anyone can relate to the documentary.
Khanyiso Jonas (photo provided)
Khanyiso Jonas, mentor
Khanyiso Jonas is a lecturer in the Department of Linguistics at the University of the Western Cape.
You are a mentor and have been mentored through, the Rachel’s Angels programme. Please would you tell our readers how you heard about the programme?
I was walking in the Neelsie, and a friend of mine stopped at the RA table and asked what it was about. When I heard, I was interested and I signed up! Just like that.
The Rachel’s Angels programme empowers learners to be better prepared for university. How does the programme do this on a practical level? What are some practical tips you can give any learner who wants to go to university/college or sign up for a learning opportunity?
At a practical level, the programme created a space and time for us to meet up with our mentees and talk about what they wanted to study, go through the prospectus, calculate points, show them how to do the application online, show them the bursary options and how to apply for a bursary, etc.
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I would advise that you work towards your desired university entrance points from the beginning of grade 10 and build up towards them, rather than hoping that they will be as you wish by the time you finish matric.
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I would advise that you work towards your desired university entrance points from the beginning of grade 10 and build up towards them, rather than hoping that they will be as you wish by the time you finish matric. Many universities base acceptance on grade 11 final results, and scholars tend to relax in grade 11 and only start “working harder” in matric – by that time, it may be too late (but not always). I would also advise having a clear idea of the course you would like to study, so that you can start researching the various ways to get to that course. For example, many people think that if you don’t do accounting in school, then you can’t do it in varsity, but that is not always the case (that is one example). And the more you research your dream career/course, the more you will find that it may have elements of subjects you enjoy but did not think you could do while pursuing it. For example, some people love biology, but think that it is a waste of time if they want a career in psychology – but it’s not! So, research, read and ask lots of questions.
How do you go about being a mentor for someone without the help of a structured programme? What are some tips for those who feel they want to make that one-on-one difference or influence a group? How do you start?
In most cases, it happens organically, where someone asks you something, and through your helping or answering them, a mentee-mentor relationship is developed over time. In some cases, one can approach a school or organisation in their own capacity and offer their resources – be it time and expertise, financial assistance, etc. I think, though, that with an individual it is easier, as you address one person’s needs, whereas with a group, a little more planning is needed so that the needs of the group as a whole can be met.
How does mentorship help with personal struggles? And how can mentorship contribute towards making a big difference in South Africa?
In terms of personal struggles, mentorship gives mentees agency in changing their lives. It allows them an opportunity to learn self-reliance, while having someone to be accountable to. And these skills – self-reliance, being independent, taking agency, being accountable – are things you can apply to all aspects of your life. In South Africa in general, especially in the youth, mentorship can play a big role in that when we see someone doing something we thought was impossible, it motivates us to do and be better. The “something” does not even have to be something grand – it can be anything, no matter how small. Remember that success is relative.
Can you name some books or writers, podcasts, YouTube channels or shows that inspire you? Anything that keeps you motivated throughout the year?
I am not too big on “motivational” literature. I think it is better to find meaning and create motivation for yourself in whatever you read, watch or listen to. At the moment, I am reading Brief answers to the big questions by Stephen Hawking, and it tries to uncover scientific solutions to humanity’s biggest problems. I am a researcher, and I enjoy asking questions and finding the best ways to answer them. So, this book is my way to keep learning about the world around me. It encourages me to keep asking questions and reminds me that there is no “one solution” to a single problem. So, I guess it keeps me motivated in that when I fail at something, I know I need to re-evaluate and try again using a different method (as in any scientific investigation).
Please tell our readers about where you were before you started the programme and where you are in life at present.
When I started the programme, I was in my second year of university and still trying to find my feet, both personally and academically. At the moment, I am a linguistics lecturer in the Department of Linguistics at the University of the Western Cape. I am also doing my PhD in linguistics at Stellenbosch University. Personally, I am a new mom and happily married.
Any messages for the youth?
Everything is learnable, and all skills are transferable. So, be consistent, be patient and do everything in bite-sized chunks.
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Everything is learnable, and all skills are transferable. So, be consistent, be patient and do everything in bite-sized chunks.
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Is this documentary for the old or young? Who will it resonate with?
I think all audiences can resonate with the documentary, although the youth may relate to it more, as they may find traces of themselves in us and see that we are all the same, and just doing what we can with what we have, and that there is no “right time” to start.
- Watch Rachel’s Angels on VIA, DStv Now, or CatchUp
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