Lihle is an ab fab role model
Meet the charismatic founder of Umphongolo Women's Club, Thembelihle Brightness Madondo
HER middle name, Brightness, was well-chosen because of the positive, charismatic energy she exudes. Her eyes twinkle with life and as she drops her gaze on you, her expression changes to one of deep concern.
Her success and triumph over circumstances has been celebrated in True Love magazine and Revlon’s Absolutely Fabulous Woman competition of which she was one of six finalists, ‘judged by their courage and determination and indestructibility’, according to the judges, and they were all declared winners.
Many roles
Thembelihle Brightness Madondo, or Lihle, is bit of an enigma. Her charm, self assurance and concern for others does not reveal what she has achieved in her life, despite despairing circumstances. It does not reveal the many roles she plays in her own life and in the lives of those she helps.
You see, Lihle won’t just do something without giving it her full commitment and, therefore, finds herself on committees, boards and in organisational positions where she not only contributes time, effort and expertise, but also leadership. And it goes without saying, she leads by example.
She is a Senior Education Specialist at uThungulu Department of Education and although teaching was not her first choice, (she wanted to be a doctor) circumstances forced her to change courses, and perhaps it was a blessing, as she has found teaching to be her passion.
Developing people
She not only enjoys teaching the usually dreaded subject of mathematics, and finding ways to reach children, but in her current position, is supporting teachers and helping them to better explain mathematical concepts to pupils.
Having her own development as an example and inspiration, Lihle loves developing people. This probably stems from her mother, who also overcame the odds to become a nurse.
Her mom said: ‘Start from where you are and push until you reach your dream.’ If Lihle spots a problem, or area of concern, she does her best to fix it. For example, she noticed the girls not only fearing maths, but thinking it was a subject for boys.
‘So I encouraged the girls not only to choose mathematics, but motivated them right out of their cocoons to embrace the subject and get comfortable with it. The girls I taught started doing well, if not better than the boys,’ she said.
Share experiences
Lihle is a woman people turn to for help, old and young, they share their troubles with her. ‘I am a strong Christian, and I feel God uses me to assist those in need.’
She also felt prompted by God to set up a women’s club where women can meet and share their experiences and expertise and uplift one another. This she did and offically launched the Umphongolo Women’s Club on 9 August this year.
This is just the beginning for Lihle who always has long term plans and goals, and best of all, she takes others with her to achieve them.
My high school teacher,so proud of her. She is one of those people who inspired me to be this strong woman I am today and still becoming. It was not only what she would say, but her being herself made a woman out of me. She is blessed for life.