How We Met...

Both our career path is in School sport and that’s how we met. We were working in School Sport Directorate as contract workers but based in different Education District Offices. Thabang resigned from the department to go join a company called DREAMFIELDS projects.

We saw each other again in 2012, when he came to our District Offices to build private sector-government partnership to develop sustainable Football in primary schools. We started dating in May 2012.

HOW WE KNEW THINGS WERE GETTING SERIOUS?

Dude started hinting marriage when we were 3 months into the relationship. I did not take him seriously at the time, obviously! Six months into the relationship he proposed, guy had the ring and all, got on one knee and asked me to be his forever and I said YES!!!

SPECIAL PART OF OUR WEDDING

It has to be our wedding vows and rings.

MOTTO OR DAILY PERSONAL MANTRA

I know the best way to get things done is through action.

WHEN DID WE JOIN THE DEPARTMENT OF SACR?

• Mr. Ramaboya o 2007 – 2011- DSACR – Contract Worker o 2011 – 2013 – Dreamfields Project o 2013 – to date – DSACR - SPO

• Mrs. Ramaboya

• 2008 - 2016 (School Sport Contract worker)

• 2017 – to date (Assistant Librarian)

HOW WE BALANCE WORK AND FAMILY TIME

To be honest, it’s quite difficult. Simply because my wife has a sport background, I always take advantage of my family time and do more work. The past 6 years I was studying, then it was extra difficult because work and studying is always demanding.

But I must say, I’m a very lucky man. My wife did an extremally good job in keeping the family intact with our values.

So, we strive towards creating a daily routine and sticking to it, that is setting boundaries between working hours and family time.

CHALLENGING PART OF WORKING TOGETHER IN THE SAME DEPARTMENT

We work in different directorates, as such it’s not a major issue, but for the fact that we know each other’s work schedules and process, it creates no room to lie a bit to have one beer with friends after work or event. Or even worse, having all your colleagues contact numbers, when your phone dies we can still find you… LOL!

TO CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT WORKING IN SACR

As much as it’s not a major issue, we would love our colleagues to see us as colleagues with our own capabilities not “Ke monna wa…” or Ke mosadi wa…”

PROUDEST MOMENTS IN THE DEPARTMENT

Lebogang “Joining Library Information and Services Team”

Thabang “For me, is for the department being able for my Honours Degree in Developmental Studies which I completed with Wits University.”

KINDS OF MUSIC I HAVE IN MY PLAYLIST

I have lots, Amapiano, R’nB, Gospel, Soul and of course Limpopo music, I am after all a Pedi Makoti. Amapiano, Afropop mostly Big Zulu and Makhadzi.

IF WE WERE TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT HOW WE MET, WE WOULD YOU NAME IT?

Mjolo in the workplace...

Oooh yes, I agree with my wife there. And I know most people will automatically say it’s a No No, but for us……. we have a lot to say about Mjolo in the workplace...

GREATEST CHALLENGE WE HAD TO OVERCOME IN OUR MARRIAGE

Two pillars of any relationship, Lack of communication and trust.

FAVOURITE HANG OUT PLACE AND WHY?

We do not have a favourite hangout; we are the kind likes to try out new places all the time. The most important thing is to spend quality time together.

HOW MANY YEARS IN MARRIAGE AND HOW WE CELEBRATE OUR ANNIVERSARIES?

We got married on the 31 October 2013 at Home Affairs and our wedding was on the 02 November 2013. A whole 9 years together as husband and wife, going on 10 years this year 2023.

How we celebrate our anniversaries differs on each year, sometimes we would go on vacation, out to dinner or simply stay home, celebrating with our kids.

What’s important is we are together on those two important dates of our lives.

HOW WE PLAN ON CELEBRATING VALENTINES DAY?

I know I always fight with my wife around this time of the year because am a typical guy who believes that love is celebrated every day or every moment you can get. As much as we see more people celebrate it and of which my wife wants to join them, I just make sure I’m home with her and we debate about love in general, and that gives me more insight at which level is she at now on love, so I can improve.

THREE THINGS MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT US?

• Love for our kids

• Soft hearts

• Forgiven