But why?
This finance savvy 24-year old alumnus of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Vanderbijlpark, has learnt the hard way that money can’t buy contentment and that life has a way of teaching us incredible lessons if we are willing to open ourselves up to a fresh start every day. As the author of the book “Mind Power (#iprayineverdiebroke) – which is also available in audiobook format, Nkosi believes that one should leave a legacy for upcoming generations and not more liabilities. “The current generation should heed the call and take responsibility for their own financial standing. There is nothing sadder in this world than seeing an elderly person barely making a living of his/her pension. Through my book, I want to acquaint readers with the basic principles of being self-sufficient,” says Nkosi, and adds that he writes from his own experiences growing up within a financial insecure setting.
A topic which features prominently in his book is the value of philanthropy or “paying it forward”. When Nkosi relates his life’s journey, you can’t help but compare it to a modern-day fairy-tale: true to the plot of a fairy-tale the young Nkosi – orphaned by the age of eight, had to make do with very little luxuries whilst growing up. In his Grade-12 year a teacher recognised his potential and gave him the R150 needed to apply at the NWU. “We are all interlinked and henceforth we should not only focus on taking care of our own families, but also reach out to others less fortunate than ourselves. Where would I have been today if it was not for the R150 my teacher gave me in good faith?” When he was not in class or behind his books, Nkosi worked at various local informal vegetable stalls and assisted street vendors in selling their goods.
He obtained a Bed degree (Senior and FET Phase) in 2013 and is currently a mathematics teacher at the Thuto-Lore Comprehensive School in Vereeniging.
“Everyone desires to be rich, but not everyone actually knows what constitutes enduring riches,” says Nkosi and adds that he is of the opinion that “great riches” are impacted by a positive mental attitude, good health, impactful relationships, and optimism towards the future, philanthropy and self-discipline. “Your riches are therefore not solely dependent on your bank balance, but rather the encompassing value of your being,” says Nkosi. When it comes to the subject of philanthropy, Nkosi is of the opinion that giving reflects an individual’s love towards humanity. As far as charity is concerned, they complement each other in the sense that both are concerned with caring, nourishing, developing, and enhancing the human experience.
Realise that you have the ability to thrive
The twist in his fairy-tale comes when he realised that he alone is responsible for his future and that surviving is not the only option he has. “I want to thrive and in the process motivate others to do the same.” This realisation placed him firmly on the path to success, and like the saying goes: the rest is history!
“I live by the motto that my circumstances may have influenced who I am, but it will never define me as a person,” explains Nkosi and adds that one of the reasons why he wrote the book was to debunk the myth that if you are born into poverty, you will die in poverty. “I do however believe that it is up to each and every person to work towards being self-sufficient and we can only do that by taking control of our lives and finances. I choose to live a life of moderation because I know that I will reap the benefits in the future.”
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Nkosi is a popular motivational speaker and frequently contributes opinion pieces to national newspapers.
The book authored by Nkosi James Moremoholo.
