When I first heard about the book Lift As You Rise by Bonang Mohale, my initial reaction was, "Oh well, it's probably one of those motivational books." Honestly, I was feeling too lazy to read at the time, even though the idea of reading it stuck in my mind.
Months later, after a friend had been raving about it, I finally picked it up—and now I truly believe this was one of those books I was meant to read. It’s transformative, impactful, and brimming with wisdom that speaks directly to the core of my advocacy and life mission.
As someone who has always believed in the mantra of lifting others as we rise, this book has not only reaffirmed my beliefs but has also reignited my passion for social justice and advocacy work.
Bonang Mohale, a highly respected South African leader, businessman, and advocate for ethical leadership, writes with such clarity and purpose that every page feels like a personal conversation. Mohale’s illustrious career, his commitment to service, and his dedication to uplifting others are nothing short of inspiring.
One chapter that particularly resonated with me delves into the importance of mentorship and creating opportunities for others to succeed. Mohale doesn’t just speak about leadership in the boardroom; he talks about leadership in communities, in families, and in everyday interactions. He emphasizes that true success is not measured by how far you go alone, but by how many people you bring along with you.
Coming from a background rooted in township and village life, I know all too well the challenges that many young people face. Poverty, lack of access to quality education, and systemic inequalities create barriers that are often insurmountable without intervention.
I see so much talent and potential in the marginalized communities where I come from and work—young people brimming with ideas, creativity, and determination. Yet, their dreams are often stifled by circumstances beyond their control.
That’s why the message of Lift As You Rise is so deeply personal to me. I have made it my mission to use my advocacy work to inspire and empower others. I want to be the kind of leader who creates pathways for others, who removes barriers, and who believes in the potential of every individual. Lifting others as we rise means more than just lending a helping hand—it means creating opportunities for people to become self-sufficient, economically and socially. It means investing in others so that they, too, can become agents of change.
I think about the young girl in a rural village, her eyes shining with dreams but her path blocked by societal challenges. I think about the young boy in a township who knows he has the brilliance to succeed but is held back by the lack of resources. These stories are not abstract—they are real, and they are happening every day. And they are the reason I do what I do.
I look back on my own journey with gratitude and humility. I come from the very backgrounds that many dismiss as "too hard to escape." Yet here I am, using my voice and my platform to champion social justice, to fight for gender equality, and to advocate for the marginalized. And I do it with the hope that my journey will inspire someone else to believe in themselves and to rise above their circumstances.
To all my readers: let us take this message to heart. Let us commit to lifting others as we rise. Whether it’s through mentorship, financial support, or simply believing in someone when no one else does, we all have the power to make a difference. And as we do, we create a ripple effect that transforms not just individuals, but entire communities.
To Bonang Mohale, thank you for writing such a profound and necessary book. Thank you for reminding us that leadership is about service and that success is about sharing. Your work has inspired me deeply, and I know it will continue to inspire countless others.
So here’s my challenge to you, dear reader: How will you lift others as you rise? Share your stories, your ideas, and your actions. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
This is more than a call to action—it’s a movement. Let us rise, hand in hand, and create a legacy that future generations will be proud of.
The time to act is now. Let’s lift as we rise!
