“I Have Always Been a Giver From as Young as I Can Remember” – Seitebogo Peta

This Women of SATT feature with Seitebogo Peta made me tear up a bit. I will not lie. A powerful Woman with a beautiful heart fighting for others…we all love a story like that. But I had to pull myself together so that I can publish this for the world to see. This is a very important story. This is how the Q&A went:

Sibusiso Nkosi: You are in the field of giving back to other people. When did you realise that quality in yourself?

Seitebogo Peta: I have always been a giver from as young as I can remember (early teens) – from collecting old swimming costumes for underprivileged children at a community swimming pool in Atteridgeville, to collecting old clothing from family and friends to give to children I found to be less privileged than those in my circle. That has always been me. I think moreover, because one of my mantras is “to whom much is given, much is received”. To answer your question, when I got into the Non-Profit field, it was more about seeing a gap between the Cleft Palate Community (emotionally and socially) and the medical community. I wanted to bridge that gap which is almost like the “missing middle” of seeing the Cleft patient as a human being instead of a patient on the operating table, which in turn (without me realizing) turned into me “giving back” .

Sibusiso Nkosi: How did you gravitate towards Cleft Palate specifically as your way of giving back?

Seitebogo Peta: I was born with a Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate myself. The only difference between me and majority of the children that were affected by the condition was the privilege that my family came from. It afforded them access to premium health care services and education which technically meant dealing with it better. So, I wanted to offer that to those that did not have that privilege – to educate while also alleviating the stigma and burden that came with it by showing them that “there is someone that looks like you or your child that has gone through it and thriving in it because of family support and being educated on it”. Also, to teach those that are not affected by it to stop the stares, the stereotypes and uninformed stigma associated with the condition.

Sibusiso Nkosi: Being in the space of giving back can be emotionally taxing. How do you keep your cup full?

Seitebogo Peta: I have an incredibly beautiful circle of individuals in my life that I draw love and light from. My daughter, my family and friends. I am also a huge fan of health and wellness podcast channels. Also, once or twice a year I enjoy going on island holiday destinations where I just relax and reset. But most importantly, I have a solid spiritual foundation and connection. So, even when the work gets emotionally and physically overwhelming, I just go inward and connect with the source.

Sibusiso Nkosi: How can people get involved in your initiatives?

Seitebogo Peta: I always urge huge corporations to collaborate with us in terms of their CSI programmes and any individual that has extra to give. But more than anything, if one person, whether they are affected or not, can learn a bit about the condition, it makes the job easier because when one is educated another can be too. That way there will be less stigma, shame and unnecessary stereotypes going around in society.

Sibusiso Nkosi: What advise do you have for young people who want to make a difference in this world?

Seitebogo Peta: I have the words “no one is coming” tattooed on my leg and that is always a reminder not only to myself but to others as well. To remember that no one is coming. Whether to make your dreams come true or make the world a better place. So, if you want to see any kind of change in your life or in the world, you need to know that no one is coming. So just start and the rest will follow.