Rorisang’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and an unrelenting pursuit of growth. It begins with a calling—one so profound that it led him to the seminary at a young age, where he sought not just knowledge but a deeper understanding of himself and his purpose in the world.
Born and raised in Soweto, Rorisang was a standout student at Tetelo Secondary School, where he achieved an impressive six distinctions in Grade 12. His academic excellence earned him a place in the Siyandisa Achievers programme – Class of 2019, marking the start of a journey that would take him across disciplines and continents.
Growing up, Rorisang felt an undeniable spiritual pull toward the priesthood. The seminary became his first real test of personal growth, exposing him to the works of great thinkers like Henri Nouwen and John Powell. These teachings encouraged him to push beyond his comfort zone, confront his insecurities, and build the self-confidence he once lacked. By the end of his first year, he had undergone a transformation so profound that it inspired him to write his first book, Building My Self-Confidence, which aimed to help young people navigate their struggles with self-belief.
In 2022, he enrolled at Saint Francis Xavier Orientation Seminary, where he pursued a program in Orientation to Philosophy. This experience deepened his understanding of personal development and faith, yet he knew his journey wasn’t meant to end there. With an insatiable hunger for knowledge and a growing fascination with finance, he took a bold step—enrolling at the University of Johannesburg to study in a field vastly different from his past experiences.
As an older student, he faced the daunting challenge of adapting to a new academic environment. The gap between his previous studies and his new coursework was overwhelming at times, but he remained steadfast, proving that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams.
His passion for finance deepened as he explored topics like investments, retirement planning, and property valuation. But it was an unexpected opportunity that would change the trajectory of his life—a prestigious exchange program at the University of Tübingen in Germany.
On 7 January 2025, Rorisang found himself at OR Tambo International Airport, embarking on his first journey outside South Africa. The mix of excitement and uncertainty was overwhelming. How would he navigate life in a foreign country? Would he manage financially in a place where the cost of living was so high? Germany proved to be a revelation. From studying European diversity and identity to engaging in deep discussions on religion and history, every experience enriched his worldview.
A visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg expanded his understanding of global governance, while walking through the streets of Paris—standing before the Eiffel Tower, admiring the grandeur of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and exploring the Louvre—felt like stepping into the pages of a history book. Yet, it wasn’t all easy. Adjusting to temperatures as low as -5°C was a shock. The cold was so intense that he saw people leaving items outside to freeze as if nature had become a refrigerator. But with each challenge came a lesson—about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of careful financial planning, a skill he had already honed while saving for the editing and publishing of his book.
Perhaps the most eye-opening experience was witnessing the level of safety and security in Germany. Expensive cars sat unattended on the streets overnight, something unimaginable in South Africa. Walking through the woods alone at night without fear was a freedom he wished his own country could one day experience. Beyond academics, it was the people Rorisang met that left the most lasting impact. Conversations with peers from diverse backgrounds broadened his perspective, and a chance encounter with an investment banker provided invaluable career guidance. These experiences also sparked a new ambition—Rorisang hopes to work abroad one day if the opportunity arises, allowing him to gain international expertise while contributing to the global finance industry.
As he returned home, Rorisang carried with him more than just memories—he brought back a renewed sense of purpose. His journey, from a young man searching for meaning in a seminary to a scholar who had walked the halls of European academia, was proof that no dream is too distant, no challenge too great.
Today, as he stands on the threshold of new opportunities in investment banking, property valuation, or even academia, one thing remains certain—Rorisang’s story is far from over. It is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and the unyielding pursuit of growth. And for every young dreamer wondering if they, too, can rise above their circumstances, Rorisang’s journey serves as a resounding answer: Yes, you can. Soweto Sunrise News
