How Moe Cassim's Unisa journey empowered him to transform lives

In a world where resilience often shapes destiny, the story of Moe Cassim is a powerful testament to overcoming adversity and transforming personal challenges into a beacon of hope for others.

Born in 1982 in Azaadville – a town established for Indians under the Group Areas Act during the apartheid era – Cassim experienced a sheltered and loving upbringing. Excelling academically, he became head boy at his Islamic school before matriculating. Yet, just days before his final exams, his world was upended by his parents' divorce. This pivotal moment was a harsh initiation into the complexities of life, forcing him to navigate uncertainty and adversity at a young age.

Moe Cassim

“A significant turning point came just before my final matric exams when my parents divorced,” says Cassim. “This upheaval forced me to navigate life’s complexities at a young age, and it was during this period that I grappled with uncertainty about my future.”

Despite the emotional turmoil, Cassim completed his matric exams and ventured into the field of information technology, following the path of friends rather than a clear personal passion. The subsequent years were marked by further hardships, including financial ruin in his family, personal losses and, eventually, a divorce after his own 17-year marriage.

Amid these trials, Cassim discovered a spark within him that ignited his passion for growth and self-improvement. “Through these trials,” he explains, “I found solace in prayer, fitness, and eventually in my own internal spark of motivation”.

The power of education and transformation

The turning point in Cassim academic and professional journey came in 2019 when he decided to pursue a BA in Psychological Counselling at Unisa. He soon realised  that this academic journey was not without obstacles. ““This decision was made amidst personal turmoils, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Unisa’s seamless digital learning space allowed me to persevere, leading to a cum laude graduation in April 2023, at the age of 41," he explains. 

Making a difference: Moetivation’s impact

Inspired by his own journey and the transformative power of fitness, Cassim founded Moetivation (Pty) Ltd, a fitness centre. “The gym, and fitness in general, saved me from a lot of difficulty in my life,” he says. “It had become my escape from reality for the moments that I spent lifting weights and pushing my body to its limits. It also became a great analogy for my life in that resistance creates strength. I had started training a few individuals at a small gym and sharing my fitness journey with them. As it so happened, one of my clients said to me: ‘Your name is Moe; we should just call you Moetivation because that is what you do to us on a daily basis’. That is how Moetivation (Pty) Ltd was born.” 

Asked how he has applied the skills and knowledge gained from his education at Unisa to contribute to his community, Cassim says: “Moetivation has started two incredible projects to help communities currently, which in turn can help societies going forward.”

The first of these is the Moetivation Youth Mentorship Programme, which brings youth into the Moetivation Fitness Centre based in Rosebank Johannesburg. “This programme,” explains Cassim, “is designed to allow the youth to understand the importance of aligning their mind, body, heart, and soul. The core values that are shared in this programme are the understanding of oneself from a young age, the belief in oneself and the drive and determination to find one’s passion and to go after it.”The second project is the Moetivation Male Mentorship Programme, which allows men a safe space to share the difficulties they face daily, and in doing so allow each other to be the support that is so desperately needed in the male community. Says Cassim: “The true power of vulnerability comes out, and in that strength is created. Once again, the importance of aligning mind, body, heart and soul is the core value that is spoken about.”

Cassim adds that Unisa has played a pivotal role in his journey, opening doors, and providing a new perspective on life. “The skills and knowledge gained have been crucial to the success of Moetivation and have shaped my approach to motivational speaking.”

From the trials of his early life to his achievements and contributions through Moetivation, Cassim exemplifies how adversity can be a powerful catalyst for change. His journey inspires others to turn their challenges into opportunities for growth and impact.

* By Rememberance Manganyi, Journalist Intern, Department of Institutional Advancement

** Photo supplied by Moe Cassim