Semakie’s dream was always to be a doctor, but after the death of her father when she was in Grade 11, this dream shattered. “Not only was he the only parent working, he also always encouraged me and made me believe in myself.”
In 2002, Semakie was offered a position in a retail store, which she now manages after climbing the ranks and proving herself. Very much a people person, she enjoys her work tremendously. “I never saw myself working in retail, but my mindset changed when I realised how much I could grow within the company. It has also taught me to respect and appreciate the differences in people, their cultures, their likes and dislikes,” she says.
“Gearing up for the busy festive season means I’ll be dealing with customers even more than usual, and I can vouch for the fact that retail can be extremely challenging. You have to be able to multitask, lead and manage the store, which includes customers and staff. It takes a lot of energy, but I love it,” she smiles.
The mum of three boys, Bonolo, Njabulo and Sibahle, Semakie and her husband Themba love spending time together at home. Juggling family, work and studies, Semakie has a lot on her plate, but is confident she can easily cope. “We do everything together as a family,” she smiles. “It’s the everyday things that are so important; getting the boys up every morning to prepare them for school, travelling to work with my husband. We also love spending time in the Kruger Park, as well as the Echo Caves on the border of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. We also love the Sudwala Caves. My kids are happiest when travelling and exploring nature.”
Christmas is a big event in the Mlombo family. Every year they travel to Semakie’s home town to visit her mother, siblings and extended family. “On Christmas Day we visit the the rural areas next to Strydom’s Tunnel to pay our respects to the graves of our forefathers and give our children a taste of rural life, which includes making a fire to prepare the Christmas lunch! I think it’s sad that people are forgetting the true meaning of Christmas. I am a very cultural person, and we will always celebrate Christmas just as I did growing up. I believe it is our duty to teach the next generation the true meaning of Christmas, and how it was celebrated,” she says.
I see myself as a strong woman at heart, capable of dealing with the challenges that life inevitable throws at us. I am result-driven, which also helps me to achieve my goals.
When she finds the time, Semakie loves going out for lunch with close friends. She stresses that as someone who enjoys a healthy lifestyle, she is always mindful of the food she eats, but believes that everything in moderation. “I see myself as a strong woman at heart, capable of dealing with the challenges that life inevitable throws at us. I am result-driven, which also helps me to achieve my goals. I am shaped by the experiences I have had in my life, especially those during my childhood years. These things, along with my family and my work, are what make me tick.”
