“I only dreamt about China, but I never thought I would ever visit the place one day. I encourage other young learners like myself to use their talents effectively because it benefits them and their community…”

These are the words of a young energetic ballroom dancer, Rofhiwa Mmbofheni (17), who has just arrived back from Hong Kong, China. A Grade 11 learner at Khwevha High School, near Thohoyandou, Rofhiwa is a member of the Vhakololo Dance Group which toured Hong Kong from January 26 to February 5. The Vhakololo Dance Group comprises 16 young people who were selected from different provinces of the country, a project initiated by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.

Rofhiwa said she took it for granted when she took part in the auditions at Phalaphala FM studios, Thohoyandou, in September last year. “I impressed the judges and I was more than excited to be informed later that I would join the group to Hong Kong. We held some training sessions in December and early January before we took our trip to Hong Kong…”

Rofhiwa said she was nervous to board a plane because it was her first time. “I never imagined a poor girl like me boarding a luxurious plane and it was a lifetime experience that will always remain in my mind…”

Before her participation in the tour, Rofhiwa took part in different competitions held in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Pretoria and Polokwane.

“I never went beyond position 3 in all the competitions I took part in. Due to my dedication, hard work and motivation, I foresee myself being one of the best ballroom dancers in the world, in the near future…”

Rofhiwa started her ballroom dancing career at Tshivhazwaulu Primary School in 1999. She then joined Movers and Shakers, a local group of Limpopo dancers. That was where it all started!

She owes her success to her parents, Edward and Sarah. “They are the pillars of my strength and they always encourage me to take my talent seriously, while at the same time concentrating on my studies…”

Rofhiwa encourages her peers to take education more seriously before venturing fully into the entertainment world.

“If you are educated, you will have something to lean on, if your entertainment career fails…”