Curro Academy Pretoria learner overcomes stutter to become radio host
15 November 202218-year-old matriculant Oratilwe Mashigo overcame a stutter and hardship at home to become a radio presenter and a Miss Teen Global representative. She also started a non-profit organisation, Sandpaper Victors, which focuses on the mental and emotional well-being of learners who may experience difficulties at home.
Oratilwe joined Curro Academy Pretoria as a proud Ruta Sechaba bursary recipient and quickly made a good impression, achieving high marks in both academics and sports.
“After my father’s untimely passing, I was raised by my mother from the age of 12 and experienced first-hand how challenging it can be to concentrate on schoolwork when things at home are not steady. I was also born with a stutter which made life so much more difficult for both me and my mom,” says Oratilwe.
Her speech impediment didn’t thwart her passion for public speaking and advocacy though. Over her few short years, Oratilwe has hosted the first Curro Academy Pretoria school debate, undertaken plenty of public and motivational speaking opportunities for Sandpaper Victors NPC and has even become a radio presenter.
“I had always wanted to work in television and advocate for the youth but at first I thought my stutter would stand against me. I slowly learned that it shouldn’t and have since proudly become the first radio host on Unisa’s Teen Talk show,” she laughs.