02 May 2017

For many a young people saving money is the one ‘struggle’ they can gladly choose to miss, but 24 year old Larona Seribe swears that saving and using money wisely was the best decision she has ever made.

She told BOPA in an interview that saving is more like a sacrifice to her and she had to cut down on a few luxuries to make it all possible adding that she would not have achieved half of her dreams if it was not for saving.

Seribe inspired a lot of people late last year when she managed to fill up a five litre bottle with coins.

“A lot of people think that it takes a lot of money to start saving but every cent counts, they tend  not to see the value of coins and misuse, them oblivion to the fact that those coins can be turned into hundreds of pulas”, she explained.  

Seribe, who holds a Bachelor of Business management said she is now using her savings to sponsor herself in furthering her studies and keep updating her academic profile as she believes that education is definitely a key to success.

Ms Seribe said when she was left with just a few months to graduating, she started saving up her monthly allowance so she can open a small business since getting a job right after graduation has proved to be a challenge.

She stated that she started operating a tuckshop using her savings early last year.

“I am that beautiful girl who used to walk from the wholesale stores to the bus rank carrying a bag of mabudula and never paid attention to those who threw in funny comments because I understood my goals and knew I was building my future”, she added.

Ms Seribe explained the other reason she was never bothered by what people said was because her mother used to sell snacks just outside her school and other children would make fun of her but it never affected her confidence in any way because she never needed anything thanks to the sale of those snacks.

“My mother passed away when I was in my late teens and I was left with my father and younger brother, circumstances forced me to woman up and take more responsibility to take over my mother’s duties and be more than just a sister to my little brother,” she stated.

She went on to say after that she did small businesses while she was at school to ensure that she remains stable and independent.

 “I have seen many young women living off men and having absolutely nothing of themselves to show when they could have created profitable opportunities with the little they had and I never wished to find myself in that position, moreover, my mother taught me to always use my brain and hands to fend for myself and never rely on a man,” she retorted.

The young woman said her savings have also enabled her to start up initiatives that can help other members of the community. She recently founded an organisation named Men Web Organisation, which deals with the boy child protection and men empowerment.

“I am very observant of my surroundings, so as an open minded person, I have realised that the society has neglected the boy child that is why we have so many male inmates, murderers, abusers and criminals in general and I believe it is high time we approach men’s fears and challenges,” she explained.

Ms Seribe further advised her fellow youth to never shy away from saving the little they have as it can be the gateway to their success and bring them closer to their goals, always be a silent slave of their dreams, work hard without making noise and let progress speak for them. ENDS