As part of our celebration of youth who are making an impact, Tukkievaria spent some time getting to know Loveness Rakgantsho, an executive member of the Student Wellness Committee at UP.

“Never let your struggle define where you are headed,” is a quote that final-year BSocSci student Loveness Rakgantsho lives by. He chats about the importance of Youth Month and more.

Tell us about yourself.

I am a final-year student who is studying towards a BSocSci degree in Industrial Sociology and Labour Studies. I am the marketing and communication officer for UP’s Student Wellness Committee. I also volunteer as a radio presenter at TuksFM; this is becoming my passion. I never imagined having a love for marketing and media, but here I am! I’m always open to developing and learning new skills. I am driven by my desire to be a better person and to never let challenges define my future. 

What does your work entail and how long have you been at UP ?

This is my fourth year at UP. In 2020, I enrolled for a Bachelor of Education, but I realised I was not passionate about the field of teaching. So I enrolled in my current degree.

The Student Wellness Committee addresses issues of mental health and wellness, gender-based violence, rape culture, and masculinity and its influence on day-to-day experiences. We encourage a positive attitude towards financial literacy, ways to keep both the mind and body healthy, and active participation in addressing issues that the LGBTQIA+ community experiences. We bring about awareness about issues that need to be publicly addressed. 

As a child, what career did you envision for yourself?

I always wanted to be in the health field. As a child, you change your mind frequently: I used to rotate between wanting to be a nurse, doctor and paramedic. My career choice depended on my mood that day, but it was always going to be a career in the health industry.

What is the best career advice you have ever received? 

Do not choose a career based on financial gain – choose it because you are passionate about it. Basically, don’t be in it for the money; be in it for the love and passion.

What’s your favourite quote?

“Never let your struggle define where you are headed.”

What does Youth Month mean to you?

It is the month when we honour those who fought for the education and rights we have today. We get to embrace being free youth, the youth that did not have to experience oppression. As young people, we need to acknowledge that we are the future of the country, and we need to work hard to make it a better place for those who follow us.

Do you have any advice for young people?

Life is not all about having a nice time. You need to start building your future. Utilise the opportunities that are provided so that you can multiply them in the future. Make the most of the opportunities you have – there is someone out there who dreams of having the opportunities you have.