Books, Tea, Meals, Hymns and Guests… A Mother’s Legacy and Family Tribute

First things first, it is by no wisdom of my own that I am able to be launching a business and website this month. Looking back to my early years in Ga-Rankuwa and Mabopane, I recognise that many hands were put together to get me to where I am at this stage. I will not be able to do justice to every single person in my family who supported me, nor do I have the right words to express my gratitude fully. Suffice it to say, I stand on the shoulders of many and hope to carry the legacy that my dad (Mr. Peter Sekhute and mom Mrs Goitsemang Sekhute) left behind.

There were no fancy frills or luxuries for my brother and I growing up. Yet each time I reflect on our school days I get a warm feeling when imagining walking back home each day, to be met by a warm, delicious meal and tons of cups of tea from my mom. This after she had spent the day attending to a host of tasks and family needs. Unlike many 21 st Century women striving to raise families while climbing the corporate ladder, while grappling with guilt on a daily basis, my mother was content and very proud to be a fulltime parent. Round the clock each day, she focused on meeting her family’s needs, meeting and sharing meals and tea with neighbours, and welcoming several relatives from time to time, who needed a temporary home or company. It gives me great pleasure on the eve of Mother’s Day in 2016, 21 years after her passing, to pay tribute to my mother. “Thanks for the many warm meals and cups of tea, served with a smile and gently humming of your favourite hymns. I am grateful for the many feet, young and old, who graced our home simply because of your welcoming arms and compassion, my brother and I ended up choosing careers that involve working with people on a daily basis. What immense joy that brings! It is indeed a privilege to serve others”.

The second tribute goes to my second mother, my grand-mother Mrs Mosetsanagape Maleka. Nkoko, we appreciate you for your sense of humour, your big heart and unconditional love.

Last but not least, some of my precious memories while growing up are of my father’s book collection. Even though we had very few years with him before he passed on at the age of 33, at any given moment, he and I would be reading together or doing my homework at the crack of dawn. That went a long way towards me knowing what I wanted to study by the time I was in High School. Yes I was very shy, yet I knew I wanted to work with people. I found it easier and more comfortable to listen to my peers than express too many of my own views. The how and specifics became clearer later at University. My father had big dreams and immersed himself in studies and hardwork to leave a legacy we could all be proud of.

Fast forward to 2016, I am grateful for the many sacrifices that my family had to make, to help me get to where I am today. My brother remains my pillar of strength, through all life changes and for that I remain eternally grateful.

As our company, Kgomotso Sekhute and Associates is born, it is my wish that my team and I can partner our clients and their families to envision and work towards their desired business goals and leave a unique mark. For the individuals and families, we support through the clinical psychology practice, my wish is for a space to process trauma induced by health challenges and bounce back with hope.

Join me in the next issue of our blog in four weeks’ time, where we will introduce the Associates that we partner with and start sharing thought leadership articles in the areas of people strategy, talent acquisition and management, leadership development and wellbeing programmes.