32-year-old Tshegofatso Mphongosha has proven that it is possible to juggle family, motherhood, and being a wife while pursuing dreams. Despite the challenges, she has not only refused to give up but has also fully embraced her aspirations and is living them out loud.
Hailing from Motlatla in Thaba Nchu, Tshegofatso is a married mother of two who faced significant hurdles during her educational journey. She struggled in school, and when she failed her matric exams, it felt like a devastating blow.
“I cried for days and felt deep pain and shame, like I had disappointed everyone who believed in me. For a while, I thought that was the end of my future,” she recalls.
However, Tshegofatso refused to be defined by her setbacks. Rather than succumbing to despair, she dusted herself off, registered to rewrite her exams, and balanced her studies with being a mother and helping out at home. There were sleepless nights, financial struggles, and self-doubt, but her resilience eventually paid off when she passed her matric.
One crucial lesson she learned was that failure is not the end, provided one is willing to put in the effort for a second chance. Following her success, Tshegofatso explored various courses from IT to Home-Based Care, even volunteering at a psychiatric hospital in search of her place in the world. Unfortunately, secure employment eluded her, leading to a pivotal decision that would alter her life’s trajectory.
“I decided to work with my hands. I chose panel beating. I was drawn to cars because I love seeing real, tangible results. A car comes in dented, broken, written-off — and with skill and patience, you restore it. That process reminded me of my own life. If a car can be rebuilt, so can a person. I also wanted a trade that could support my family and that not many women in my village were pursuing,” she explained.
After training at C3 Auto Body, Tshegofatso gained substantial experience at an auto company working on dent repairs, welding, panel replacements, and refinishing. In a field often dominated by men, she has shown that women can excel in tough jobs that are traditionally seen as male roles.
“Now I get to train and guide other students, especially young people from communities like mine, and show them that this trade can give them dignity, income, and pride,” she emphasized.
While being a woman in a male-dominated workshop has its challenges, including skepticism about her abilities, Tshegofatso has let her work speak for itself. She excels in her craft, proving her capabilities time and again.
“Balancing work, marriage, and motherhood is not easy, but I do it for my children and for every girl from Motlatla and Thaba Nchu who might think a trade is ‘not for her.’ If I can do it, they can, too.”
Tshegofatso hopes to inspire others with her journey, believing that communities are filled with untapped potential. “Failing matric did not end my education — it redirected it. Today, I am providing for my family and helping to build the next generation of tradespeople in an industry I love,” she adds, confidently sharing her story.
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