Getting close and personal with our young leaders in the hustle, we look at a young and inspirationa

1. To those who don’t know who Selaelo John Mabeba is, how would you describe yourself?

A reader by day and a writer by night, Selaelo John Mabeba is a 24 year old fellow From Dendron, born and raised in a rural Bochum ( Mmakgomotshweu), currently stays in Dendron. As a first born to my family, I'm a fervent visionary and a devotee of soccer also an optimistic, courageous and a friendly person who believes in hardwork. I'm a full-time child of God, born and raised in the Roman Catholic Church, not only a role model to young people, I'm also the author of South Africa’s scarcest piece of writing called “ The Naked Reality” which was published on the 24th November 2017. I'm not only popularly known for my piece of writing “The Naked Reality” Mabeba is also known as great leader who has served/led in so many organizations both in his interests and otherwise. To name a few, in 2007 I served as the Vice –Captain of a popular team around Bochum region called Candy Boyz Football Club which is situated in Dendron, Limpopo province. In 2008, Mabeba served as the Representative Council for Learners (RCL) at Dendron Primary. Furthermore, I also served as the Secretary-General of University of Limpopo Entrepreneurs Society in 2016/2017 financial year. Currently I'm the Vice-President of the very same society called UL-Entrepreneurs society. However, coming to my academic life, I'm a graduate of Honors’ in Public Administration, currently pursuing Masters in Public Administration both at the University of Limpopo.

2. One could easily classify you as a competent young man, what are some of the achievements you take pride in?

In 2014, I went to the University of Limpopo and enrolled for Bachelor of Administration in Local Government and the degree was completed in record time, in 2016 respectively. Because of the love and passion for education, In 2017, I decided to enroll for honors’ degree in Public Administration at the same university and the degree was also completed in record time of course. In November 2017 Mabeba was officially counted amongst other authors around the globe.

3. Now serving as an executive member in one of the vibrant entrepreneurship societies at the University of Limpopo, could you tell us about your portfolio in the society and the society as a whole.

I'm the current acting Vice-President of UL-Entrepreneurs Society, where my role is to assist the President in carrying out the society's mandate. I'm also responsible in liaising with potential sponsors and external organizations like the NYDA which is helping people with start up business funding, particularly people who need funds to pursue entrepreneurship as career. Nonetheless, the society is responsible for hosting seminars/events to be addressed by established entrepreneurs around the country. Furthermore, UL-ES links students with prospective markets and funding opportunities.

4. You seem to have some keen interest in entrepreneurship what fuels this interest?

It is not advisable these days for an individual to rely on one income, having one income will make you have stress, frustration and unnecessary pressure. It is better to participate in entrepreneurship so that you could be able to afford some of the things you wish to have in life, because with one income you might suffer for so many years to get all the things you want.

5. what makes you a good hustler?

Patience, hardwork and having a clear vision makes one a good hustler. “ If you want to become something in future, you must work hard and put your eyes on it” who can ever forget such a powerful statement from the former president of the ANC Gedleyihlekisa Jacob Zuma?

6. You have recently published a book titled “ The Naked Reality”, tell us what the book is all about and what inspired you to write a book.

This book comprises twenty-five remarkable chapters that take the reader on a mental journey which comes as twofold – success and motivation, and lessons that transform one from human being to being human. The reader is bound to learn about various ways of living and interrelating with other people on a daily basis, leading to a successful life. Notably, The Naked Reality frankly prepares the mind that nothing worth having comes easily in this world. Good things come to those who exercise love and support for others. The book boldly and unapologetically denounces jealousy, pretense, and hatred as lethal forms of destruction to human development. So, you will learn about two types of education - how to make a living and how to live with others.

The whole thing started in 2015, but at that time I did not have the courage to start writing. Until on the 10th August 2016, when I told my Lecturer Mr Siphiwe Ndou, that I want to write a book and he was like “The best way to write a book, is to start today” I then went straight to my room and started writing. I2 have always dreamt of being an author. Furthermore I want to change the world into a better place, through my piece of writing. That is why in my book I have highlighted pretense, jealousy and hatred as lethal forms of destruction to human development. On the other side, the main aim is to show people that everything is possible only if you are putting much effort on everything you do. While on the other side I believe that through my piece of writing a lot of readers can stand a chance to have a successful life, because some of the chapters in the book talks about motivation.

7. What does it take to be able to publish a book?

I want to be honest with you, if not honest I would be misleading you. It is not a child's play to write and publish a book, you need to be patient, work hard day and night, suspend some of the unnecessary activities and focus on the writing part.and sometimes you will run out of ideas on what to write, so you just need to be patient and remain focused. But hardwork, perseverance, determination made me to get to where I am today. “The man who wins, is the man who thinks he can”

8.What do you think the reader stands to benefit from the book?

The first chapter, as a prelude to the remaining 24, sets the foundation for the art of prioritising. You will understand that something that’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right and doing well. Let your passion show even in mundane tasks. The way he explains the realities of life, one would quickly realize that he is the Man of God. He infuses principles of living a divine life by removing jealousy as one of the distractions in life. Without breaking bad habits, success is a cliché. Oh! What a penmanship with authenticity. Reading this book will make you realize that you don’t have to be afraid to fail. Be afraid of not having the courage to try. Never want something too much too quickly, success is not an event nor a destination, but a process or a journey. There are stops along the way. Just know the path you are travelling on and have hope. In his philosophies of success, he says intelligence and talent are not necessarily what separates successful people from unsuccessful ones. The major difference lies in the fact that successful individuals believe in themselves. Such people don’t have time to make excuses.

9. What are your plans post varsity life?

To see myself as one of the best Public Administration Practitioners, meanwhile finding solutions for Mzansi. As well as to keep on changing the world into a better place, through my pieces of writing.

10. What does a hustler do get their business off the ground despite having no capital?

A hustler must go hustle for funding at some institutions which were introduced by government to help people start their small businesses. Because if you have a dream you will have to do whatever it takes to get to where you want to be.

10. How can people get in touch with you?

people can get ahold of me on my Facebook account: "Selaelo John Mabeba" and on Whatsapp/Call on 0790987234