GIVING UP IS NEVER AN OPTION | A RESILIENT LEADER, MEET DR PEARL MLOTSHWA – THE NATIONAL DIRECTOR: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

By Cuma Pantshwa

• Dr Pearl Mlotshwa, a champion for youth development, has overcome personal challenges to inspire countless young lives.
• Despite facing adversity, she has remained resilient and committed to empowering youth and women.
• Her work highlights the importance of education, self-belief, and seizing opportunities to create a brighter future for South Africa.

“If you cannot run, walk, if you cannot walk, crawl until you get to the finish line. In life, I learnt that some mountains will always seem higher than they really are until you face them head-on with the belief that for every problem, there is always a solution awaiting to be tapped on”.

Dr Pearl Mlotshwa has had her fair share of ups and downs, but as she reflects on her journey and the challenges she’s encountered along the way, one constant remains her north star – an unwavering determination to never give up.

Having lost both parents at a tender age she shares how her journey is testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience. She turned around the pain of absence and the struggle to find extended family’s support and discovered her inner strength in order to thrive! This unrelenting spirit has fuelled her ascent to becoming a champion for youth development, inspiring countless young lives along the way. “I developed the hunger to invest in working with children and youth from vulnerable and at risk backgrounds in order to plant seeds of hope and guide their paths, even if life circumstances are defeating. My childhood influenced my career choice of working with children and youth”, she explains.

Dr Mlotshwa understands the complexities of her work. Majority of the South African population is young, black and female and this group requires guidance and support to help them navigate life’s obstacles. Her passion shines through as she says, “Today, I channel my experiences into empowering youth, I remain committed to making a positive impact in the lives of young people, helping them navigate life’s obstacles and unlock their full potential”.

She also advocates for education and encourages young people to tap into opportunities available, seek mentors and to prioritise self-development. She admits it isn’t easy but her strong sense of self-belief has paved the way. “I have developed myself up to the Doctorate level. I learnt at an early age to tap in to opportunities, ask for help where I needed, accept things I have control over and let go of those I had no control over”. Youth issues are indeed complex and multifaceted, Dr Mlotshwa highlights the availability of sufficient resources to cater to their needs as a significant challenge. Her role in the Department involves pooling resources through collaborations, strategic partnerships, and cross-sectoral engagements to help bridge this gap. “By working together and leveraging our collective strengths, we can create a brighter future for our youth and unlock their full potential.”

As the country celebrates 30 years of democracy and Women’s Month this August, Dr. Mlotshwa speaks with conviction about the vast opportunities available to women, urging them to be bold and seize them with both hands. “While opportunities are availed, we remain challenged if we do not grab the opportunities. I grabbed empowerment opportunities, education advancement opportunities and this has added value when I explore different ventures” she stresses.

She adds, ‘Opportunities won’t come to us; we must go out and grab them. The journey starts with self-belief, self-investment and self-empowerment to position yourself in all aspects. I believe that there is still a lot that can be done for women. If women continue to develop selves, take initiatives, fight for our rights and justice, the future would be different”.

With passion and determination, Dr. Mlotshwa encourages women to break free from limitations and embrace their potential because they are capable and resilient and adds that the country needs more women leaders in leadership positions.

“My vision is for women to confidently step into roles that challenge the status quo. I envision youth playing a crucial role in shaping the next 30 years of our democracy. They need advocacy, resource mobilization, and support from leaders like me to achieve this.”

In closing and, she says it’s her parents’ memories that inspire her to be better. “I’m inspired by women who’ve made it from humble beginnings, fought for change, and didn’t give up. Also my passion for children and youth drives me to never give up. I am who I am today because I was resilient. I believe that children and youth can do well if they have someone who believes in their abilities no matter how small, “said the inspiring Dr Mlotshwa.