By Maphuti Mongatane
The Kgarose Kgaros Welcome Back to School campaign, aimed at empowering rural learners in Limpopo, was a joyful event. And the man behind it has plans in the pipeline for equipping rural farmers with valuable knowledge.
Education is the key to unlocking a brighter future, yet for many children in rural communities the road to success is filled with obstacles such as limited resources, lack of access to opportunities and financial constraints. These challenges should not dictate the future of young people, Molatelo Edward Kgarose believes. He is an entrepreneur who himself grew up in a rural area and went on to found an agribusiness called Kgarose Kgaros, which produces Pota Yoga, a drinking yoghurt made with sweet potatoes.
Molatelo launched the Welcome Back to School campaign in rural Limpopo, an initiative dedicated to ensuring that learners return to school not just equipped but also inspired.
The launch was held at Mamodikeleng Secondary School, Molatelo’s alma mater. What began as a mission to support 245 learners quickly evolved into something much bigger. More than just an event, it was a movement driven by passion, purpose and the belief that a child’s circumstances should never define their destiny.
Having grown up in a deep rural area where opportunities were scarce, Molatelo understands the struggles first-hand. “We often had to relocate closer to town just to access basic services,” he says. Through this campaign, he aims to send a powerful message to rural learners: “Your background does not define your future; your mindset does.”
Beyond academics, Molatelo understands that education and nutrition go hand in hand. That’s why the initiative included the distribution of Pota Yoga, a nutritious sweet-potato-based yoghurt drink that’s rich in protein, calcium and probiotics. By providing an alternative to sugar-laden snacks, the aim is to boost concentration, improve overall health and encourage healthier eating habits. “One of our key objectives is to empower, give hope to rural learners and to help them believe in themselves,” Molatelo says.
Thanks to media coverage of the event at Mamodikeleng by Thobela FM radio station, the event also attracted learners from Dipuwe Primary School and members of the community, increasing the attendance far beyond expectations. What was meant to be a simple school visit turned into a massive community celebration.
“The joy was overwhelming,” Molatelo says, “and the school couldn’t even reopen because of the excitement!”
Representatives from the Polokwane Local Municipality, including Tshepo Nkwe, the MMC for Finance, attended the event, proving that this initiative resonated beyond the school and the community. Even with limited planning time and resources, the event was a resounding success, inspiring Molatelo to take this project to greater heights. “If I had more time to plan and invite additional stakeholders, I believe it could have been even greater,” he says.
The biggest lesson learnt was that even small efforts, when done with passion and purpose, can create ripples of change. The impact of the initiative continues long after the event. “Even now, students recognise me, waving excitedly and asking if I have more sweet-potato yoghurt in the bakkie!” Molatelo says, laughing.
Building on the momentum of this campaign, Molatelo is now gearing up for his next big initiative, Basadi Temong, a seminar designed to equip rural farmers with essential agricultural knowledge. The focus will be on topics such as crop rotation, soil testing, market access, cooperative formation and funding opportunities. With planned collaborations involving institutions like the CSIR, the Department of Agriculture, the University of Limpopo and the Agricultural Research Council, Molatelo is determined to uplift emerging farmers and unemployed individuals seeking economic opportunities.
The support for the Welcome Back to School campaign by local businesses – Thobela FM, Adamen Business Consultant, Ziggy Media and Graphics, La Familia, ABieS Chilled Delights, GentiShe, Marie Delarouche and The Style Lab – proves that partnerships can drive meaningful change. Molatelo is committed to making the campaign an annual event, and expanding efforts to educate communities on self-sufficiency, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
Looking ahead, he welcomes anyone who shares his vision to join the movement. “We are open to anyone willing to contribute from the heart. Giving back benefits our communities, and together we can achieve so much more.” Through his dedication, innovative thinking and deep love for his community, Molatelo is proving that small actions can spark big transformations, and that education, nutrition and empowerment are the pillars of a brighter future for South Africa’s youth.
