TRACIA Makena runs a company which offers corporates a range of management courses.
It’s a far different outcome that the 28-year-old might have imagined as a little girl growing up in Keeremo Village near Marble Hall, Limpopo.
As a child, she walked many kilometres to her school, which she often attended in a wrinkled uniform.
“Electricity was something they couldn’t afford. The family was so poor her meals consisted of porridge and water.
“Every day was a challenge for me but I drew my strength from God and the Bible.
“I knew that my situation was temporary and it was making me strong,” said Tracia.
She said she had a dream and she followed it. Tracia said her determination and efforts have paid off.
Tracia began her career after matric at Knowledge Upgrade Management. She was a trainer for two years.
In 2011 she borrowed money from friends and family members to start Dreamfinders Consulting.
Through her company, she has created a better life for herself and her mother. She built her mother and herself houses at Phola kasi in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.
She said her grandmother Mogadi Makena encouraged her to dream big.
“When I grew up, I wanted to be a pilot and I still want to be one.
“My situation forced me to look for a job after matric.
“I have managed to succeed although I don’t have any academic qualifications. However, I don’t condone that people should not study further. I was forced by my circumstances,” Tracia said.
She has 10 employees. She said it’s satisfying to give other people opportunities. “My dream is to have our own building bearing our brand and also a business school where we could no longer outsource,” she said.
Her message to young up-and-coming business people is: never give up! It’s not over until you win.
