Tshegofatso Seoka Remains Driven Despite Learning To Walk Again and Battling Illness
- Tshegofatso Seoka is a multi-talented woman in the art industry who had to battle severe illness to become the success she is today
- The businesswoman founded Ms Simone, is a TUT Art Theory lecturer and works with UNISA, among other activities in the South African art space
- Seoka got candid about some of life's biggest struggles and how other women can follow in her footsteps
- Tshego's incredible story of determination and hope has earned her a spot on the list of Briefly News Women of Wonder 2022
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Tshegofatso Seoka had to learn to walk again after a crippling health diagnosis, but after her incredible and baffling recovery, she wouldn't allow anything to dim her light.
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Seoka, an academic professor, does it all by curating art and organising the UNISA art gallery, among other activities.
Prof Seoka's business is aimed at uplifting modern South African art. She rose against past challenges to make sure that her mission was fulfilled.
Tshegofatso talks about her diagnosis and how it started her art business
Tshegofatso Seoka is an accomplished woman who has made efforts to impact the South African art scene with her company Ms Simone. She organises events that uplift and centre up-and-coming artists in South Africa.
Tshegofatso did all this while dealing with a health diagnosis that changed her life.
Tshego suffers from SLE lupus. According to the Centre for Disease Control, it is a disease that causes a person's immune system to attack the body even when it is healthy.
A late diagnosis made her condition worse, she said:
"I was diagnosed after my condition had reached its peak. I had kidney failure, and had to go to dialysis every day.
"I lost the use of my hands as well as my legs, and could not walk or do anything for myself. The only thing I could do was watch myself die."
The professor said, "by some miracle," medication later worked for her. Tshegofatso explained she had to learn to walk again through physical therapy after being discharged from the hospital.
"I never thought I could work or be a fully functional member of society and that is how my company Ms Simone was born.
"It was supposed to be an online only company that could provide remote services."
Tshegofatso told Briefly News she could not sit on her dreams and ignore destiny, knowing that she survived for a reason.
"As soon as I could walk I officially launched my company and the rest is history in the making."
Tshegofatso Seoka explains the importance of South African art
The professor explained why she decided to enter the art space. Seoka believes art is important because it allows you to participate in different life expressions.
Tshegofatso believes it's especially important for black people to be active art collectors:
"South African and African art is not just art for art's sake, but questions and details social issues, socio- political and economic issues as well as frames different forms of identity expressions."
Tshego added the art industry is a significant part of the country's GDP, which helps to contribute to youth, women and disabled people's employment.
"The effect of art in South Africa is not only economic but also social.
"The arts play a huge role in the education of large groups of people as well as through the ease of communication as everything around us is created and designed."
Local artists inspire Tshegofatso Seoka
Tshegofatso draws inspiration from Tracy Rose, who Mail and Guardian reports is a local artist.
Prof Seoka describes Tracy as a significant educator and visual artist in South Africa whom she wants to meet one day.
Tshego also mentioned that Nina Simone is another woman she would like to talk to and ask "about her music, her work and her belief in art as an instrument of social change."
For the artist, the modern and ideal South African woman is one who is changing the country for the better. Seoka believes this woman should have "strength, empathy and the drive to move beyond all obstacles".
"A woman who is changing the country has to be able to smash patriarchy, especially patriachal culture within the various sectors of industry in the country.
"She should also be willing to assist those that come behind her. She should be able to break barriers and smash thresholds."
Tshegofatso advises women who want to enter the academic art industry to be unashamed when they fight for their space.
She emphasised that one must be in one's abilities and work hard:
"A young black woman in the sector continuously needs to fight for her space, to exude excellence in practice.
""You will be told many times that you are not who you think you are you will always be reminded of your place.
"Fight that! With everything in you, fight every voice that tells you that you are inadequate."
"Huge power move": Lady impresses with 7th truck purchase for delivery fleet
Briefly News previously reported that a hardworking lady celebrated a brand new purchase to her collection of trucks. Instagram user Mathato Sisanda showed off her news that she is growing her truck company, Loxion Business Solutions.
Mathato Sisanda's business purchase was met with approval as people commented on the Instagram post. Many netizens expressed that her choice to get another lorry was nothing short of inspirational, and she told Mzansi exactly how she does it.
South African businesswoman, Mathato spoke to Briefly News about her business that she started less than a year ago.
Briefly News 2022 Women of Wonder aims to inspire women
Briefly News wants to celebrate the female changemakers of 2022 by honouring a few influential, inspiring women.
The team looked for women who made a success despite some tough challenges they faced in their respective sectors.
Our goal is the create inspirational content that shows our audience what the embodiment of a resilient and strong South A woman is.
Briefly News aims to motivate other women to go beyond their limits.
If you want to participate in our next special project or want to be featured in one of Briefly News' women empowerment articles, please email contact@briefly.co.za with Women Empowerment in the subject line.
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Source: Briefly News
