A LEADER IS GROOMED
The desire to be a leader is the reason that 21-year-old Antonio Liberty is going the extra mile at the Motheo Academy.
Most young South Africans are faced with the dilemma of what to do after matric if they cannot afford tertiary education. For 21-year-old Antonio Liberty from Westbury, an opportunity presented itself at the perfect time; saving him from asking that often-harrowing question. He found out about the Motheo Academy and the opportunity that was being offered and he jumped at the opportunity. “I was very excited about applying and when I made it in, my family was proud. We have had builders in my family line so this seemed like the perfect path for me to also follow,” says Antonio. At 21, he is one of the younger students at the academy but his confidence is greater than his years. “I didn’t know the details of construction so this experience has opened up my eyes. Now that I have more of an idea of what it takes to create successful projects in the industry, I feel like it is no longer just a dream - it is now a possibility.” Plastering has been Antonio’s favourite part of his practicals and working on site. “Even though I love the actual building, I am most interested in becoming a construction company owner. I have noticed that I am able to encourage people and that I do well as a leader. Learning that about myself has made me want to take my learning up a few levels so that I can realise that dream.” Antonio credits his lecturers at the Motheo Academy including the Master Mentor, Henk Dippenaar for his growing confidence. “We were taught to take pride in our work here and for me, the moment I did that, I started feeling really good about myself. That sense of pride makes me want to do well in other areas of my life as well.” Antonio says he has already started working on his ultimate goal of being a leader in his field. “I try to go the extra mile on site, to learn as much as I can. I ask a lot of questions and am willing to do extra work. I know that I have to do that because I don’t just want to be a worker. I want more so I have to do more. I’m very thankful that this opportunity came up when I was still young because it has given me direction.” His gratitude to Motheo is something that Antonio is keen to talk about. “It’s not everyday that people think of helping others who are not family. That Motheo thought about us means a lot. I want to be able to do that for others one day because it makes a big difference. I am very thankful; it is something I will never forget.”
