Lesego Godana

RUNNING FOR LIFE

Weltevreden Park mother, Lesego Gordana, says her love for helping others is what made her join The South African Breweries 18+ Campaign, a call to action for young adults to ‘be the mentor you wish you had’.

Lesego, who considers herself a natural teacher, says that being a young mother of three has taught her to only want the best for those under her care. She has encouraged her young mentees to be patient and responsible by not rushing into alcohol consumption.

Her motherly instinct shines through in her mentorship style. She emphasises that mentorship implies selflessness. “In my view, mentorship is sharing what you have learnt so far and giving it to the next person who may not have that much knowledge, ” she says.

Lesego shares a close bond with her daughter, Katlego. “I see my mom as young and relatable, we have a lot to talk about, ” the 16-year-old says. Lesego also mentors a friend of Katlego’s, who adds that their talks mainly focus on social issues. Katlego’s friend views Lesego as a leader with whom they have much to discuss.

“Frequent communication builds trust.  It is from a place of trust that I am able to openly discuss responsible alcohol consumption with my mentees. Alcohol abuse is part of the reality in our community and is the norm for young children to witness theirs elders’ abusive drinking habits on a daily basis.”

Running plays a significant role of Lesego’s life. “To me, running is life. It is a fun recreational activity but also a means of reaching out to others. It gives me the opportunity to extend a word of encouragement to those along the road in need of a push to make it to the finish line.” She reflected on the friendly faces she met when she was first invited to run along with a friend. “I hope to teach my mentees to also engage in running and hence mentorship, as a way of life.”

Lesego reflected on the fact that she wished she had a mentor when she was younger. “I would have made wiser choices.” She takes joy in the thought that her mentees will be able to look back in 10 years’ time as responsible career women who reflect on all that they have loved and accomplished.

“I am grateful that the SAB 18+ campaign has helped me to enter my mentees’ lives at the right time.”

South Africans can be part of the campaign and make a difference to someone else’s life by pledging to be a mentor at www.sab.co.za/alcohol-issues/.

To watch Lesego’s video, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nETpxaDMpxQ.