William Mahlatsi Sebelebele is a Personal and Business Advisor, an Executive and Management Transformational Coach, and a Business Consultant with expertise in long-term insurance. He is also a Property Investor with a portfolio of
rental income and an Inspirational Speaker, sharing messages through storytelling. Additionally, he is a philanthropist, focusing on child-headed households and addressing neglected school needs. He is committed to proving that non-profit
organizations and companies can play a key role in solving both social and economic issues.
“Difficult times don’t come your way just so you can survive them; God uses these times in your life to form and refine you.”
Born by a 14-year-old single mother, an orphan with no parents nor home. William grew up in Pretoria at a place called Swacina Park, where they had to move from one dilapidated backroom to the next. Things started falling apart because of alcohol abuse and gambling. At age 8, he had to become an adult and started living with older friends who took him and his younger brother & taught him survival skills. In that experience, he made a decision of going to school at all cost, with the hope that one day he will improve his family background.
“It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”
Primary school was better than high school because the only challenges were school uniform and the distance one had to walk to and from school. However, for higher grades we had to travel to Atteridgeville by bus, of which bus fare was a big challenge to a point that he would spent a whole weak not going to school because he didn’t have money to buy bus ticket… or sometimes it was because of alcohol or gambling.
“The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.”
To ensure that he finished school he had to sell eggs and loose cigarettes and later had to work at a tavern/shebeen to cover his accommodation, bus fare and food. This was not for long that he lost this job, and his teachers took him to a children’s home by then he was In grade 11. Children home turned his life around for the better and he experienced being a child at age 18.
Without ID, nor birth certificate he completed his matric and met a company that took him to school and later he was employed. Today, he is a husband, a father of four and a brother to the African continent.
My personal and professional journey is a testament to the fact that transformation is possible. I firmly believe that the best way to live a fulfilled life is through coaching and advisors to those who are going through similar paths as mine.