Matlhodi Ramatlhape is a young and vibrant go-getter who is clearly passionate about making her mark in the professional world. She was born and raised in Alexandra Township and says Alex has always been her home even after she left to pursue her studies and later, her career.
“Growing up we were a big family, living with my grandparents, my mother and her siblings, as well as my cousins. We were a close-knit, loving family led by my strong-willed grandparents who instilled these values in all of us,” she says, proudly. “My family life was beautiful with varying dynamics that made me who I am.”
She adds that her family, especially her grandparents, were avid readers and encouraged her to pursue education. “Education was a big factor at home. My grandmother prided herself in our hard work and dedication to education, which she believed will lead us to a better life,” she says, adding that her mother was also a voracious reader, inspiring her to do the same as she grew older.
Ramatlhpe’s mother enrolled her at Rose-Act in grade six, where she remained until grade 11 (even after moving to Tembisa). Her mother was a tutor for many years with Rose-Act Saturday School in Alex and even served on the Rose-Act Committee because she believed in the impact of the initiative. Rose-Act is a community programme run by Rays of Hope since 1991 that now offers extra maths and English lessons to learners living in Alex. Over the years, the programme has adapted to the changing educational needs of the community, with the goal of empowering children to successfully complete their schooling and create sustainable lives for themselves in the future.
“The environment at Rose-Act was like family, where each child was important and felt seen, and that built much of my character. I got involved in extramural activities that really boosted my confidence and my self-esteem. These qualities have been a part of me all through my career and personal life,” she says.
After realising her passion for public relations, Ramatlhape moved to Cape Town to study PR at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where she received the First Year Media Studies Top Student award and later graduated with a diploma in PR. She went on to attend Tshwane University of Technology in 2017 and obtained a BTech in Public Relations Management the following year.
“Today I hold an Honours in Communication Management from the University of Pretoria and am advancing my skills through a short course in Project Management.”
She is currently an account manager at Weber Shandwick, a global PR agency, where she works on a range of clients focused specifically on the technology sector.
“My short-term goal is to keep on acquiring skills through education (short courses) and experience to position myself well,” she says. “Ultimately, the goal is to use communications and public relations to positively shape narratives for the good (such as telling the story about Rose-Act to ensure it gets more support and continues impacting lives), and ensure the practice is impactful in improving and advancing lives and not just as a business tool for organisational branding.”
