Despite a shaky start in life, Tendai Sean Joe is now an international advocate for disadvantaged children and youth
Tendai Sean Joe is the true embodiment of his forename, which means ‘appreciate’. The former Zimbabwean has taken more knocks in life than most people his age, but he has still managed to build a successful life. Appreciative of what he has, he now works tirelessly to give back to the African community.
Tendai shared stories about growing up in Zimbabwe and living in South Africa during the xenophobic attacks, and spoke about the importance of education.
Tendai was born in Zimbabwe, and his primary schooling was sporadic. He later attended Kotwa High School and was informally adopted by a teaching couple. Here, he says, he realised that he was intelligent and then some things became easy and some things not so easy. But he never gave up. Today, Tendai is involved in a number of hope-building initiatives, including being the Director of Young Republic SA and the founder of the Trail of Hope Foundation. In addition to his Unisa studies, he is also a social entrepreneur, philanthropist, concept originator, filmmaker and writer, and an office administrator at Tshwane Home of Hope.
Q: How have the good and bad experiences shaped you?
A: Every bad experience gave me the strength and skills I use today. There came a time when I would ask myself, how I managed to do some things, and then I would realise the hardships had prepared me for anything I face in life. I am conditioned to live under any conditions and survive; I also understand what it feels like to sleep without eating, to walk without shoes or to spend your days without knowing what tomorrow holds.
Q: What have you learnt about life from your experiences?
A: There is nothing guaranteed in life, and the world does not owe anyone a living. Everyone must just make use what they have and make themselves better people. If you cannot grab given opportunities, then create your own. Living your dreams is possible!
Q: What did you believe was the reason for the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, and how can universities such as Unisa play their part to ensure such things never happen again?
A: Xenophobic attacks in South Africa were a result of ignorance and some negative stereotypes created by the system and private institutions. The police used to hunt and harass illegal immigrants whilst some South Africans would cheer them on or even help them. There were times when we would be looking for odd jobs and South Africans saw us as competition, and whenever the police came to round up African immigrants, they would be so happy. Unisa as a university has students and lecturers from across Africa and that helps many South Africans to understand fellow Africans better. The sad part is most people who are xenophobic are not that educated and lack exposure.
Q: How did the xenophobic attacks in South Africa personally affect you?
A: There was a day when I thought it could be my death. There was another day when I could not sleep the whole night and my friends slept in the bushes.
Q: Why did you choose to study marketing management at Unisa? And how have your studies been thus far?
A: I decided to study with Unisa because I am working and I could study at my own time. Unisa also allows me to study from anywhere in the world and it’s affordable.
Q: How do you balance your life and your studies?
A: What I know very well is that education is very important for one’s growth, so no matter what I do, I always have to spare time for my studies.
Q: What contribution do you believe Unisa can make to educating African children and people?
A: Unisa could open more centres across Africa and offer the short courses that could be an advantage for those who cannot afford the full university fees. I know there are already some cntres, but having more would be great and grant more access.
Q: Do you miss home and what dream do you have for Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans?
A: As long as I am in Africa, I am at home. My dreams are for Africa, not a single country. I love my motherland, though.
Q: What advice can you give students on life and studies?
A: With an education anything is possible. If I was on the streets and did not go back to school, I would not be able to read and write, but today I do. This has helped me break boundaries and built my confidence.
*Source: Inspired Vol 7, No 2; November 2011
