“I carry a teachable spirit with myself”, – Odireleng Mohajane

For the very first time in this blog, we have a Q&A with a student! Odireleng Mohajane has made history by being the youngest person featured and just that alone tells you a lot about her. This young Award Winning Public Speaker has achieved a lot at such an early stage of her professional life…imagine her in 5 years?? Here is her Q&A:

Sibusiso Nkosi: How did you discover your profession?

Odireleng Mohajane: I am currently a Biomedicine student at Eduvos, Midrand campus and my journey into Biomedicine began with the love of Medicine, accompanied by curiosity and deep desire of comprehending how science improves human health. Lamentably, I could not get into medicine, however I later realised that it was a blessing in disguise as I was constantly fascinated by how data, evidence and research can play an enormous role in real world decisions. All of this, from the prevention of the disease to public health policy. Therefore, as a student, I am still exploring, growing but more than anything I am still learning, hence I am confident that my field aligns perfectly with my purpose. Faithfully, I strongly believe that it shall end with a “Prof” title before my name, specialising under the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, a public health scientist that explores the root cause, patterns and control of the disease in the world.

While my academic journey continues, I unleashed the hidden potential of public speaking within myself. My voice became the weapon I needed to better articulate my thoughts on personal development. Public speaking became a place of both reflection and inspiration. Well, not because I had all the answers, but simply because I had the willingness to learn out loud, hence I carry a teachable spirit with myself. I slowly but surely came to a greater realization of understanding that my path is not just boxed into becoming a scientist one of the good days, however, it is also about conveying the message forward through the knowledge received, encouraging growth and ultimately making science easily accessible to our people in a well detailed concept. In the fullness of time, humility and intentionality are what made me explore both worlds with so much grace.

Sibusiso Nkosi: What do you love about your profession?

Odireleng Mohajane: The love that comes with my profession is the challenges that I get to face, that enforce some sense of critical thinking above and beyond myself. The field has taught and continues to teach me what patience looks like, the definition of discipline and the art of deep thinking. I get to develop the skills that extent far beyond the lecture rooms. I hold it with so much pride to know that what I am learning has the potential to lend a hand to the betterment of the healthcare system.

Simultaneously, public speaking gives me a fair share of engaging and connecting with people emotionally and intentionally. It gives me the capacity to take complex ideas and personal experiences as a student and alter them into stories that empower, encourage and inspire others. The merge of science and speaking serve as a reminder to me that knowledge is powerful, however, it becomes purposeful when it is shared with pure clarity like crystal clear.

Sibusiso Nkosi: What are your biggest achievements in your field?

Odireleng Mohajane: In academia, it has to be the power of resilience. I tri-peated a module resulting in a distinction for the third attempt during the year 2025. No lies detected, I faced academic pressure, self-doubt and painful understanding that growth is not always linear, but I fought differently and rose above that. I mastered the art of consistency, all in the name of studying, asking questions and improving myself daily. This is my proudest accomplishments I live with.

Moreover, finding my confidence within my voice. In the past year, 2025, I got a public speaking award from Respublica Princeton Village, holding 2^nd place from the competition. I hold multiple public speaking awards from high school to date. Later, in 2025, I was invited for a radio interview at UNISA Radio to touch base on “What makes a great public speaker”. Afterall, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so feel free to check my social media pages for my accolades. I am Odireleng Mohajane both on LinkedIn and Facebook and glencia_m at Instagram. This is the beginning of many more achievements that lie ahead of me. All of my achievements have strongly laid a foundation for the professional I am intending to become.  

Sibusiso Nkosi: Who inspires you in your field and why?

Odireleng Mohajane: In both biomedicine and public health, I am passionately inspired by Professor Salim Abdool Karim, who happens to be a well respected South African epidemiologist whose work signified the power of science, ethical decision-making and evidence-based leadership during the course of COVID-19 pandemic. I saw in him the ability to convey complex theory in an informative and clear manner. This is when I got to see the impact science has when it is conjoined with effective communication.

While in public speaking, I am inspired by many other individuals, I would like to name a few for now. Nozipho Tshabalala, who is the founder and CEO of the conversation strategist has my heart. Her authenticity is what drove me to be having a copy of her book called “After the Fires.” She speaks so well that I listen and watch her YouTube interviews every now and then. Moreover, Vusi Thembekwayo is the peak of public speaking in my view. I am continually researching what it takes to become everything and more than him. A strategic thinker he is and a good posture of speaking is what drove me to him. Together these induvial inspire me to have “EXCELLENCE” as my second name, not just in what I know but in how I deliver my message across the stage and online through social media.

Sibusiso Nkosi: What advice do you have for young people trying to get in your field?

Odireleng Mohajane: My parting shot of advice would be, embrace the art of being a student. Be a lifelong learner. Give yourself the permission to peel away the layers that no longer serve you. Ask those questions, make mistakes, fail but rise above them all at the end. If you are dearly drawn to both science and public speaking, do not serve a lie that says these two things do not go hand-in-hand. They absolutely complement each other. Continue to dream bigger, better and greater.