Mnothtowandile Cele was born and bred in Diepkloof, Soweto and currently resides in Port Elizabeth. Cele is a multi-talented young woman who is the last-born daughter of seven siblings.
She grew up in a happy household, despite her family's challenges. She believes that her tenacity and resistance come from her parents, and that she owes her wisdom to her (paternal) grandmother. "I call my childhood home the waterhole because that's where family members would come from different parts of the country, they would come to our home to replenish and recover from life then move in the direction that they decided to go on with. Cele told The Konvenient Magazine that this where her love for helping people and wanting to create change in her community started".
When did you start with the community and education activist role you're playing and what inspired you to begin the journey? "I started my role in community development back in Jozi 2011, through our local community police forum. I was recruited into activism by the late Nonhlanhla' Black Diamond' Mthembu. At that time, I participated in local and major beauty pageants, and she heard me speak on youth development and how it was non-existent back then. She invited me to a meeting a few days later, and I have never looked back. I have actively been on that platform for over ten years. I have always been an education activist as I believe that is where our future lies. The problem is that society wants to box us (youth) into academia, which is not always the best option for everyone. I advocate for children and young people to be placed in positions that use their strengths. I actively assist young people in the application process of various universities and TVET colleges in and around the Eastern Cape and Gauteng. We all know the saying, 'education is the key to success' but the key here is to know WHAT KIND of education is suitable for each applicant and support them in their individual journeys".
As a young woman wearing many hats, what challenges have you faced in creating a positive impact on your society? "The BIGGEST challenge I have faced was the undertone of that I think I know it all, I honestly don't. I just equipped myself with enough information to engage in the topic at hand. Knowledge is power, and that has always been my superpower. Knowledge has assisted me in impacting my society because when someone comes to me seeking information about a certain topic, I can then direct them to where they can go for further assistance".
How does it feel to be a recipient of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africa's of 2021 award and being nominated for #Top 100 Most Influential young South Africans? "First of all, when I received the email from the Mail and Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans team back in June last year, the first question that came into my mind was, 'Are you sure you have the right person?!!' I was so confused. I was happy but confused because I didn't know that the most influential list could notice my influence in the country. I remember calling my parents crying when I saw my name and picture in the leaflet in the newspaper. I was floored when I got the email from the Top 100 Most Influential Young South Africans. I kept on thinking how can a little girl from the dusty streets of Soweto be known, recognized and acknowledged on a global platform? "Surely this is a mistake, right?!" I couldn't believe it until I, again, saw my name and picture on the list and flyers. I was nominated in the "Leader of the Year" category, and I was the only young, black and female South African to represent in that category. It was a proud and very humbling moment for me".
What are some of your highlights thus far? "2021 has truly been a year of aha moments for me; I realised many epiphanies. My highlights have been the two experiences I have spoken about in the previous question, however, the biggest highlight of my year was when I was accepted as a member of the Young International Arbitration Group under the London Court of International Arbitration. That was a major career leap in the right direction for me, and to have access to an international law fraternity is still a humbling realization".
Lastly, as a woman in SA – do you think women are given enough opportunities in the business world? "Yes, I think women are given enough opportunities but are the opportunities conducive for women? I think not. I've always had a challenge regarding how the world engages with an empowered woman. The world advocates for women empowerment but doesn't know how to engage with an empowered woman. I think that is why there is such a major discourse with the term feminist. Society has to evolve in understanding that empowering a girl child is not challenging the masculinity of the boy child. Creating and most importantly maintaining opportunities for women will assist in not just the betterment of that woman's life and family but her community and society as a whole".