Born and bred in a small town outside of Pretoria named Bronkhorstspruit, Goodwill Mabena is a 23 year old business enthusiast, an editor, co-host of ‘Tech People Talk’ - a Jendamark podcast and a growing leader of the new school that strongly believes in action more than anything when it comes to dreams. This young leader, who specializes in public speaking has recently moved to Port Elizabeth also known as Gqeberha, working as a voice over artist and digital content marketer for Jendamark Automation, a Gqeberha tech-driven company that made him fell inlove more with the tech world.
“In all honesty, I came to work for and partner with Jendamark because of a mentor who recognized something useful in me that others did not. He is the one pushed and fostered me; the reason I am so inlove and curious about the tech world and mostly the reason I am where I am today”, he added.
"Our youth is unaware of the digital world beyond social media".
Goodwill Mabena
When did you realize you have a speaking gift and what inspired you to start making money out of it? “Speaking was always secondary for me; I saw it as a by product of my fascination with storytelling. I've always had a natural ability to relate tales, from my own life to those that alter the world and inspire me. In my opinion, reality is one enormous narrative. When I was 16, I discovered that storytelling was a multibillion-dollar industry and I’ve since been on a journey to discover myself through the artform”.
What do you think is the current struggle for the youth of SA, and what solutions do you have in mind about those issues? “I believe it is hazardous to presume that the youth of South Africa or any other society are one people, because we are not. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and if we are to truly empower the youth, we must consider individualized solutions. My concern is that we live in a digital world that is rapidly taking over, and that most of our youth are unaware of the digital world beyond social media. It is time to start fighting our own conflicts, not of blood and wars but, of financial transformation and economic prosperity”.
So, what do you think youth should invest their time on, to become better every day in their spaces? “The single most essential thing for everyone to devote time in is determining who they are and who they want to be. The sooner someone believes in their mission and purpose, the sooner they are transformed beyond measure”.
Tell us about the GOODWILL MABENA SHOW, and your plans about it. “The GOODWILL MABENA SHOW is all about discovering what makes us unique. It is about discovering oneself and the chances that exist for us to live our greatest lives. I've shared my story to others who are trying to figure out who they are.
What has been your highlight? It could be in or out of your occupation thus far? “Thus far, my highlight has to be success and the attitude of people who succeed. I'm still amazed at how much my life has changed in such a short period of time. It has changed my life to realize how crucial it is to be kind. Kamogelo Mashotja's act of goodwill altered my life”.
Lastly, word of advice to the youth out there? "My advise is that we should start defining success for ourselves rather than allowing others to define it for us. Personally, I'm constantly wondering what I could become if I acted out everything I've imagined in my thoughts”.