​Sechaba Molefe (27), a proud beneficiary of the Bambisandla Sam program, vividly recalls how he shared his first salary with his family and later saved enough to pay lobola for his beloved fiancée.
Currently employed as a Chef at Harmony Gold Mine in Wedela, Molefe completed a cooking course through Bambisandla Sam, a program funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development. His journey began when he accompanied a friend to apply for a learnership program. Both gentlemen visited an internet café to print their CVs before dropping them off at the Bambisandla Sam offices.
"Since I was not studying or working at the time, I decided to take my friend's advice to apply. After a while, he got called for an interview, but I did not. Still, my friend asked me to accompany him," Molefe recalls. With no money for transport, the pair walked to the interview site. While Molefe waited outside, a panellist approached him and asked if he was there for an interview. Molefe explained that he was not, but to his surprise, they encouraged him to apply anyway. "They said they still needed more people. Silently, I thought to myself, God works mysteriously," Molefe smiles.
That unexpected moment changed Molefe's life. After completing the program, he became a Chef at Harmony Gold. Before securing his current role, he and his fellow students often cooked for new learners and did catering for events at the mine.
Molefe's hard work and dedication paid off, he saved enough to marry his sweetheart, purchased a car, and moved out of his family home. After paying lobola, Molefe and his bride hosted a small ceremony with close family and friends. Today, he drives to work every day in his car, supports his mother and siblings, and continues to follow his passion for cooking.
"Passion can make your dreams come true," says Molefe, reflecting on his journey. "I used to love cooking at home, and now I get to cook for important people. I encourage young people not to underestimate government programs, they can change your life."