Lerata Joseph Mokgadi, a student from Goldfields TVET College, grew up in Theunissen, a small town in Free State. The student from the rural Tosa Campus had a childhood that was marked by hardship as he grew up in poverty and with a medical condition that was visible to others.
Instead of kindness from his peers and kids from his community, he faced relentless bullying and mockery that left deep emotional scars. The cruel words cut deeper than anyone could see.
Despite the pain, Lerata pushed himself to continue his education. When he enrolled in the Pre-Learning Programme (PLP) at Goldfields TVET College, Tosa Campus, he hoped it would be a new beginning. He was excited to learn and to build a brighter future, but the weight of rejection and isolation drove him into a silent battle with hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. Some students still whispered, laughed and treated him differently.
The rejection pushed Lerata into isolation. He began to feel invisible, hopeless and unworthy of life. Dark thoughts filled his nights, and suicidal feelings became a silent battle he fought alone.
But his story did not end there.
One day, Miss Palesa Mphitsi, Higher Health’s dedicated Campus Care Worker, noticed his quiet suffering. With patience and compassion, she reached out. She didn’t see “a problem” – she saw a young man with potential, strength and a story that mattered. Through counselling sessions, she helped him open up, guiding him through the darkness and teaching him how to face his pain instead of hiding it. She also showed him that his life held meaning and potential.
Alongside her, Mrs. Monyamane, Higher Health’s Peer Mentor, also became a powerful support. She walked with Lerata not just as a mentor, but as a friend who understood the struggles of student life. Her encouragement and peer-to-peer support gave Lerata the courage to step back into group activities, helping him reconnect, rebuild trust, and believe in himself again.
With the guidance of Miss Palesa Mphitsi and Mrs. Monyamane, Lerata began to heal. He discovered that his medical condition didn’t define him – his resilience, kindness, and determination did. His PLP journey has become more than just an academic course; it has become the foundation for his healing and transformation.
Today, he is not just a survivor of bullying and hardship, but a living example that help, hope, and healing are possible.
In his soft words, Lerata mentioned that, “If you believe asking for help is weakness, remember this: It takes far more courage to open up than to suffer in silence. Strength is not pretending to be fine while breaking inside – strength is choosing to seek support and fight for your well-being”.
Counselling is not a sign of weakness it’s an act of bravery self-respect, and hope. Just like Lerata, you deserve to be heard, healed, and reminded that your life has value.
📞 If you are experiencing bullying, cyberbullying, or suicidal thoughts, please reach out to Higher Health’s 24-Hour Tollfree Helpline: 0800 36 36 36.
Your call is free and confidential – and you will be connected to one of our professional psychologists who is ready to listen and support you.
