Nkosi James Moremoholo believes we should all work towards being self-sufficient and we can only do that by taking control of our lives and finances.Being born into poverty doesn’t have to mean living and dying in poverty, says Nkosi James Moremoholo, 23-year-old Vaal Triangle Campus alumnus, teacher and author of a book on financial independence, Mind Power: #iprayineverdiebroke.

 

Financial independence is a goal many aspire to and few achieve. “The current generation should heed the call and take responsibility for their own financial standing,” Nkosi says..

 

“There’s nothing sadder than seeing an elderly person barely making a living on his/her pension. Through my book, I want to acquaint readers with the basic principles of being self-sufficient.”

 

This mathematics teacher from Vereeniging, who completed his BEd degree in 2013, writes from his own experience of growing up within a financially insecure setting.

 

More to life than survival

 

Orphaned by the age of eight, Nkosi had very few luxuries while growing up. In his Grade 12 year, a teacher recognised his potential and gave him the R150 he needed to apply at the North-West University. When he was not in class or behind his books, he worked at various local informal vegetable stalls and assisted street vendors in selling their goods.

 

A defining moment came when he realised that he alone was responsible for his future and that surviving was not his only option.

 

“I want to thrive and in the process motivate others to do the same.”After graduating and finding formal employment, he rented a backroom in Sebokeng. Now a teacher at the Thuto-Lore Comprehensive School in Vereeniging, he says this room will remain “home” until he makes his dreams a reality.

 

Debunking the poverty myth

 

“I live by the motto that my circumstances may have influenced who I am, but will never define me as a person,” explains Nkosi.

 

“I believe that it is up to each and every person to work towards being self-sufficient and we can only do that by taking control of our lives and finances. I choose to live a life of moderation because I know that I will reap the benefits in the future.”

 

In his e-book – which is available from the online bookstore Amazon and sells for $16,47 – he explains his three-pronged model: academic education, professional education and financial education (which informs the bulk of the content).

 

Deon and his second-year roommate, Reinhard Eubel, were both in the airforce choir and concert group, (the Canaries), and were well known for their night-time serenades under bedroom windows.

 

Paying it forward

 

A key question the book raises is, “How financially intelligent are you?” Another topic which features prominently is the value of philanthropy or “paying it forward”.

 

“We are all interlinked and henceforth we should not only focus on taking care of our own families, but also reach out to others less fortunate than ourselves,” says Nkosi. “Where would I have been today if it was not for the R150 my teacher gave me in good faith?”

 

Asked what his next big project is, he replies that he wants to link up with funders who could help make it possible to publish his book in South Africa and by doing so make the message of financial independence more accessible to others.

 

Nkosi says on his Facebook page:  “… Money enables you to help the less fortunate… I believe avoiding being broke may benefit you personally but it also helps societies at large. Entrepreneurship, therefore, comes with responsibility. You must learn to create jobs, help the underprivileged and change the world.”

 

Being born into poverty doesn’t have to mean living and dying in poverty, says Nkosi James Moremoholo, 23-year-old Vaal Triangle Campus alumnus, teacher and author of a book on financial independence, Mind Power: #iprayineverdiebroke.

 

Financial independence is a goal many aspire to and few achieve. “The current generation should heed the call and take responsibility for their own financial standing,” Nkosi says.

 

“There’s nothing sadder than seeing an elderly person barely making a living on his/her pension. Through my book, I want to acquaint readers with the basic principles of being self-sufficient.”

 

This mathematics teacher from Vereeniging, who completed his BEd degree in 2013, writes from his own experience of growing up within a financially insecure setting.

 

More to life than survival

 

Orphaned by the age of eight, Nkosi had very few luxuries while growing up. In his Grade 12 year, a teacher recognised his potential and gave him the R150 he needed to apply at the North-West University. When he was not in class or behind his books, he worked at various local informal vegetable stalls and assisted street vendors in selling their goods.

 

A defining moment came when he realised that he alone was responsible for his future and that surviving was not his only option.

 

“I want to thrive and in the process motivate others to do the same.”

After graduating and finding formal employment, he rented a backroom in Sebokeng. Now a teacher at the Thuto-Lore Comprehensive School in Vereeniging, he says this room will remain “home” until he makes his dreams a reality.

 

Debunking the poverty myth

 

“I live by the motto that my circumstances may have influenced who I am, but will never define me as a person,” explains Nkosi.

 

“I believe that it is up to each and every person to work towards being self-sufficient and we can only do that by taking control of our lives and finances. I choose to live a life of moderation because I know that I will reap the benefits in the future.”

 

In his e-book – which is available from the online bookstore Amazon and sells for $16,47 – he explains his three-pronged model: academic education, professional education and financial education (which informs the bulk of the content).

 

Paying it forward

 

A key question the book raises is, “How financially intelligent are you?” Another topic which features prominently is the value of philanthropy or “paying it forward”.

 

“We are all interlinked and henceforth we should not only focus on taking care of our own families, but also reach out to others less fortunate than ourselves,” says Nkosi. “Where would I have been today if it was not for the R150 my teacher gave me in good faith?”

 

Asked what his next big project is, he replies that he wants to link up with funders who could help make it possible to publish his book in South Africa and by doing so make the message of financial independence more accessible to others.

 

Nkosi says on his Facebook page:  “… Money enables you to help the less fortunate… I believe avoiding being broke may benefit you personally but it also helps societies at large. Entrepreneurship, therefore, comes with responsibility. You must learn to create jobs, help the underprivileged and change the world.”