SEDIBENG.- Growing up in the village of Ga-Mphahlele, Limpopo, Dr George Mothapo faced a significant obstacle: the absence of educational infrastructure. Despite this challenge, he committed to a daily ‘trek’ to a neighbouring village for schooling.
“For many of us, the path to education involved enduring long, challenging walks across the rocky terrain that defined our rural surroundings,” he remarked.
With no particular favourite subjects or teachers, every educator was a beacon of knowledge in his eyes, shaping his early understanding of the world. However, it was his high school teacher, Mr Staps Mphahlele, who guided Dr Mothapo towards technical education, igniting a spark that would eventually lead him to pursue higher education at the now Tshwane University of Technology. Despite initially dreaming of a career in radio, the influence of this mentor set him on a different path. As a child, illness struck, robbing him of the ability to participate in various sports. This setback threatened to dim his spirits, yet it also served as a vessel of strength, igniting a determination to overcome obstacles with unwavering resolve.
“I found solace and joy in two enduring passions: singing and church. The Methodist congregation became a second home, a sanctuary where faith intertwined with fellowship,” he added.
