He might not have Patrick Motsepe’s clout or billions , but, still, in his own way, Xolani Shelembe is making a huge difference to his community.
The owner of Doing Things Differently’, Shelembe launched his business after identifying a dire need for career guidance in his community. And his initiative is already paying off.
The qualified extraction metallurgist has worked in the mines in Mpumalanga Province, Richards Bay and later a large manufacturing concern in Pietermaritzburg. He left full-time employment and went into business five years ago.
A idea came to him and he worked hard to see it being implemented.
Shelembe says he realised that there was a need for career guidance and that teachers were not providing assistance.
“I realised that learners were ignorant on how to select careers, what kind of financial aid is available, and how to apply for a job – career guidance in a nutshell. They were also ignorant on basic study and exam techniques.”
Shelembe laments the sad fact is that very bright and talented learners are failing due to these basic knowledge gaps. And he is committed to addressing this. “I teach life skills with an emphasis on the fact that successful people always have a vision. I also cover memory improvement techniques,” he says.
“Doing things differently,” focuses on maths and science tutorials for rural schools. “I cover the career guidance and study skills aspect of the project. We serve mostly rural and semi-rural schools where the need is desperate,” says Shelembe.
“Doing things differently’s“clientele include the Msunduzi and Mkhambathini Local Municipalities, as well as the Olwazini Science Discovery Centre – it has a mandate to foster student interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. “I service the career guidance aspect of their mandate,” he says.
Pressed to reveal his role models, reluctantly, Shelmbe says: “I am inspired by Sir Richard Branson. I think he is a madman and I love him. I love Dr John Maxwell, Robin Sharma, Dr John DeMartini, Dr Steven Covey, Pastor SthembisoZondo and others in the Inspirational movement” .
