“Care is my Leadership Style” – Community Trustee Mokhoabane

Mme Dikeledi Mokhoabane is a community trustee based in Soutpan, bringing together local wisdom, years of teaching experience, and the lived reality of being a mother and grandmother. Her work sits at the intersection of family, education, and community leadership; spaces where care, responsibility, and resilience meet. 

In this conversation with our Communications Officer, Lumka Mohapi, she reflects on how she navigates her many roles, the challenges she faces, and what continues to ground and guide her. 

As a teacher, mother, grandmother, and community trustee, how do you manage to balance all these roles? 

Balancing these roles is not always easy, but I try to approach them with love, discipline, and good time management. Each role requires something different from me, and I have learned to plan my time carefully and to stay organised. 

What helps me most is reminding myself why I do this work. Whether I am at home, in the classroom, or serving the community, I know that I am contributing to something meaningful. That gives me strength to keep going, even when things feel demanding. 

What challenges do you face when trying to juggle these different roles? 

One of the biggest challenges is managing my time and energy across all these responsibilities. There are days when everything needs attention at once — family matters, school responsibilities, and community work. 

It can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to give your best in every space. But I have learned to prioritise and to accept that I cannot do everything at once. Staying committed and reminding myself of the bigger purpose helps me push through those difficult moments. 

How do your experiences as a mother and grandmother influence your work as a teacher and community leader? 

Being a mother and grandmother has shaped how I relate to people. It has taught me patience, understanding, and compassion. These are important qualities, especially when working with learners and community members who all come from different backgrounds and experiences. 

I find that I approach my work with a nurturing mindset. I try to guide, support, and encourage others in the same way I would with my own children. This helps build trust and stronger relationships, both in the classroom and in the community. 

What keeps you motivated to continue serving your family, learners, and community? 

What motivates me most is seeing growth — especially in young people. When learners begin to believe in themselves, improve in their studies, or start dreaming about their future, it gives me hope. 

I am also deeply motivated by the women in my community. Supporting one another and seeing women stand strong despite challenges reminds me why this work matters. It is not only about today, but about building a better future for the next generation. 

What support system helps you stay strong and continue your work? 

I am fortunate to have support from my family, my colleagues, and the women in my community. These relationships are very important to me. They give me encouragement and remind me that I am not alone. 

I strongly believe in the power of women supporting each other. When women come together to share experiences and uplift one another, it creates strength within the whole community. That is something I actively encourage in Ikgomotseng. 

What does Mother’s Day mean to you personally? 

Mother’s Day is a time to recognise and appreciate the love, sacrifices, and strength of mothers and grandmothers. It is also a moment to reflect on the role that women play in shaping families and communities. 

For me, it is not just about celebration, but also about acknowledging the responsibility and impact that comes with being a mother and caregiver. 

What advice would you give to other women who are trying to balance family, work, and community responsibilities? 

My advice is to never give up on yourself. Being a woman comes with many responsibilities and challenges, but it is important to stay strong and believe in your ability to overcome them. 

We must also remember that we do not have to do everything alone. Supporting one another is key. 

“Rele boMme ba Ikgomotseng hare tshwaraneng re tshwarisane” — as women, we need to come together, stand strong, and support each other.