LIVING LIFE ON MY OWN TERMS

Women’s empowerment and gender equality are ‘essential to global progress’, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres stressed in his message for International Women’s Day, which this year puts ‘innovation by women and girls, for women and girls’, at the heart of efforts to achieve gender equality. 

Siphosethu Matsebula feels no different being a young lady, known for her work ethic, determination, integrity and an extraversion.  

“I am very sociable and talkative. I am passionate about anything I set my mind on. Jesus Christ is my first love”, she said. STYLE got an opportunity to chat with the dynamite of a woman. As the adage goes, dynamites come in small packages. 

STYLE (S): Who inspires you?

Siphosethu Matsebula (SM): I find inspiration from a variety of people and things. I would say the person, who has greatly inspired me is my mum. She always wears a smile on her face and always gives more than she will receive. Currently, I’m inspired by our helper. She joined our family in 2007. In December, she will be graduating as a fashion designer. Now that’s something.

 S: What inspired you to follow your career path?

SM: I hold a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Public Administration from the University of Eswatini. Sociology is the study of society, how it works, why it works and how it can change. My love for people led me to study the course which involves all aspects of modern life.

S: How has that evolved over the years?

SM: I am currently exploring a new dimension of understanding humans: The Customer Service field. Thank you to the Employer of Choice Eswatini National Provident Fund, for providing me with such a great opportunity to further my career. I know who I am and what I want. My life is set on my own terms.

S: Young girls are inspired by the social circles they encounter in life, how has that had an impact on how you turned out?

SM: Your social circle shapes your mind and inspires you to achieve greater heights. Fortunately for me, my circle is filled with amazing people from all fields, be it corporate, entertainment and business, who at a young age helped me to build great interpersonal skills, career goals and develop a positive attitude. Wonderful people lift each other up.

S: You participate in a man’s sport (soccer). Why is it important for women to break barriers and do away with the status quo?

SM: My love for soccer came as a result of being told what the big child can ace. I am capable of just doing that. Women are breaking boundaries left and right in every industry. It is important for women  to break the status quo so that society can harness a new future, one where every woman can do exceptional things without being imposed on to ‘act’ in a certain way or ‘be’ a certain way.

S: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

SM: Over the next five years I want to explore and pessue skills in my field of sociology and get a master’s degree.

S: Why do you think women empowerment is important in today’s day and age?

SM: Women empowerment is important for the very development of society. It enhances quality and quantity of human capital in society. Empowering women promotes a healthier prosperous world in combating poverty and stimulates development.

S: Mention five things you feel they need to be addressed as far as women are concerned?

SM: 1. There is no trade of between having a family and being career-oriented Putting off marriage and having children in pursuit of a career is a preconceived misconception. You can do both.   

2. Acceptance is freedom. If you have pounds of weight to lose then start eating a healthy diet. Try by all means to be better. If you have a forehead that stands out stop spending half of your life fussing over it. 

3. Accept things you can’t change and change the things you can. 

4. Intelligence is sexy, nothing is more attractive than a smart educated woman. Stay informed and up to date.

5. Be willing to work hard, as with anything in life you have to work hard get it. Action is what is important.

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