By Mzukona Mantshontsho
MSPPLANTS will be celebrating a year’s anniversary in 2025. It’s important to develop an understanding of the skills required in artistic expression projects, causes to empower our communities and business and to change the mind-sets of residents, particularly the unemployed youth. It’s important to encourage the youth through examples to aspire and pursue their own paths, to further developing their own skills to earn a living, be better citizens and FUTURE Leaders!
I recently spoke to Founder at MsPPlants Phuti Mothapo about her personal, professional and entrepreneurial journey thus far.
What is at the centre of MsPPlants, when people ask you what you do, WHAT DO YOU SAY? The name, how did that come about?
I searched for a suitable name related to plants and most I could think off were already in use. I settled for MsPPlants. I celebrate myself for taking the first step. It’s bravery.
Tell us about your early life (school, any further education or professional qualification to your role today)
I’m an MBA Graduate from University of Limpopo Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership (TGSL). I did my undergraduate degree and honours in Media Studies at the same institution many years ago. I work in a Communication and Marketing space, but my love for plants has broaden my perspective on career growth. I understand learning is a life long journey and I’m always willing to gain new insights.
What does your role mean to you?
This role means a lot. I get to make a difference and give life to people’s spaces. I realised people don’t see the importance of having plants in their spaces and I made it my mission to educate, whenever I get an opportunity.
What are the most critical resources for your successful leadership?
You need to understand that it always seems impossible until you do it. We all start from somewhere. The most important life changing lessons may come from places or people you never thought of. So be considerate at all times.
What can we expect from you going forward since you started? when did you start the initiative exactly?
In February, we celebrate one year anniversary. I will be at Malatja Pre-School, Mohodi Ga-Manthata planting with kids.
What are your words of advice for young people, particularly women to take that first step and start community projects or small businesses?
We need change of mindset, if you think of it like me, I thought I needed a lot of money to start my business which was not the case. That led to a lot of procrastination and created self-doubt. I say to anyone with an idea, start with what you have.
What are your thoughts on Covid-19 in terms of small businesses, what measures should business owners take to protect their businesses if another pandemic were to hit?
As much as it was a tragedy, we draw lot of lessons and opportunities from it.
What is the legacy that you would want to leave when you retire?
There is no retirement in plants. It is a fact; plants are an imperative component of the environmental ecosystem. We need to have more.
How does your work DIRECTLY contribute to the community?
I always take my time to educate people about the importance of plants and will be planting some at Malatja Pre-School as part of celebrating one year anniversary of MsPPlants.
What have been your highs and lows of your career?
Like life, this journey has not been without losses, gains, lessons and pain. I choose to remain positive and grateful for every encounter.
When you not at work, what do you get up to, and where can people follow the program online?
I recently joined social runners, and I also dedicate a lot of my time to plants.
