Phiwe
“You are where you need to be! Breathe. It’s okay girl. Your dreams are valid. Failure is part of the greatest lessons. Failure in an aspect of life, it does not mean that you are a failure. Invest in yourself.”
Phiwe is a nurturer - a nurturer of life and also dreams. She is always looking towards the light, even when faced with darkness. When Phiwe lost her job, she initially felt like she had lost everything. But she used this as an opportunity to change course, and invest in a more meaningful path. Now she runs Botlhale Hub Afrika - a women-led platform that seeks to address inequalities faced by women and children in Africa. There is no denying she lives a fufilled life, devoted to supporting women and children and enacting positive social change. She’s a believer, a champion, a fighter and a leader. Meet Phiwe. This is her story.
P: Please introduce yourself!
PM: Mommy to an angel in heaven, a daughter, a sister, an aunt to a king, a friend, human and a woman. A 29-year-old South African born woman, global citizen, lover of life and all things beautiful. A nurturer, giver and light bearer.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
PM: Light bearer, resilient soul, beautiful mind and gracious spirit. Brazen, ambitious and champion!
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
PM: I unashamedly never give up on myself! I believe in myself, because I believe in myself it’s not difficult for me to encourage others!
I always go for my dreams!
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
PM: Story? I have many to tell! *laughs*
I call this story the defining moment that led to my destiny. Where do I begin to unpack a defining moment and destiny? I remember it vividly. I was told that the company I was employed at was not renewing my contract. I believed it to be a death sentence in the beginning however, that was a blessing in disguise. A blessing because I had the opportunity to decide on my career, life and goals. Yes, the thought of not receiving the notification text of a salary was daunting. However, I had an encounter with peace - the kind of peace that said “its okay”. You should not define yourself with a job!
I took some time to reflect on what I really wanted to do with my life. I observed the world around me and the evolution that was taking place. I browsed through the internet about how I could make an impact and still serve the world.
Then, I made my decision of registering my business. The scariest and liberating move I have ever made in my life. You know, the saying “do it scared, do it shaking”. I am a living testimony. I registered my business broke as I was living from my Unemployment Insurance Fund. Tough times, I tell you. Then, I began this journey.
It was very lonely, tough and emotionally exhausting. There were days I would beg myself to wake up or look for a job. I cried, I laughed, failed, rejoiced and yes, the being broke life is real. Being broke was my middle name. Have you ever worried about your negative bank balance because your bank would threaten to deactivate your card? A reality for me *laughs*.
To cut a long story short, I don’t have a million rand in my bank account yet, but I am in a better place. There are highs and lows, but I am still yet to live in my best days.
What this journey taught me was stand in my truth and own it! The isolation birthed a strong individual who is initiations, gets things done and is not fearful. After all, I was not lonely, I had myself and God!
For more about what I do, you can connect with me we will laugh off our struggles together, recharge and make things happen (refer to the bottom of this interview).
P: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
PM: You are where you need to be! Breathe. It’s okay girl. Your dreams are valid. Failure is part of the greatest lessons. Failure in an aspect of life, it does not mean that you are a failure. Invest in yourself. Keep on trying. Keep on learning. Read, read and read! It’s okay to be by yourself, that is where you will discover the best parts about yourself. Be yourself, the best way you know how to. It okay not to have everything figured out girl. Live, love and be girl! Trust God!
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
PM: Being a woman to me means so many things, where do I begin? Being a woman means that you get to be a mother, nurturer and a prophet.
By mother I mean whether you can bear children or not you are in position to mother your dreams. You nurse them back to health when they are feeling a bit under the weather.
Nurturer - nurture your emotions in a world that seeks to shut your voice.
Prophet - you predict and get to decide what you make out of your life!
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say if they were here now?
PM: My late grandmother Conny K Ndamane!
What I would say to her:
Thank you. Thank you for teaching me the importance of leadership, impact and influence. Thank you for graciously fighting to stand in your truth. Thank you for teaching me love and compassion. Thank you for giving birth to my mother. Thank you for your life. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Your prayers are still carrying me, and I feel the warmth in my heart. I will never forget you my dear love.
Madiba! *clan name*
Connect with Phiwe
YouTube | @phiwemncwabe
Website | botlhaleafrika.co.za
Instagram | @botlhaleafrika
LinkedIn | Botlhale Hub Afrika and Phiwe Mncwabe
Email | info@botlhaleafrika.co.za