From facing childhood challenges to excelling in our careers.

I’m Portia, and with my incredible twin sister, Pat K Monnapula, we share a story of perseverance and hope despite our childhood challenges.

After losing our mother at the age of nine, we were raised by our father, who was committed to education. He taught us discipline, commitment, and perseverance. Our father, a professional golfer who also ran a taxi business, provided us with business principles and emphasized the importance of education.

While preparing for our matric exams, we learned that our father had been involved in a car accident. We completed our matric exams during his recovery, motivated by the goal of achieving academic success and making him proud.

Following high school, both my sister and I pursued higher education. Unfortunately, our father passed away just as we began our careers.

In the initial stages of our professional careers, we successfully balanced the dual responsibilities of work and study to meet our goals. I commenced my career in the public sector, where I quickly advanced, ultimately earning honors and a master’s degree in public management and development. Driven by my ambition to become a clinical psychologist, I pursued further studies in psychology at the honors and master’s levels, with the support of my mentor, Rose Nkosi. Additionally, my exchange experience at Vrije University in Amsterdam was exceptionally influential.

Today, I hold a PhD and have published articles on mental health stigma in both international and local journals. Additionally, I earned a diploma in Neuroscience.

My twin, Pat Kele Monnapula, is a seasoned business professional with extensive experience in the Telecommunications and ICT industries. With a strong background in marketing, business development, and strategic sales, Pat currently serves as the Lead for National, State-Owned, and Public Safety Entities at Microsoft.

Pat holds an MBA and is currently pursuing a PhD focused on how strategic leadership drives sustainable innovation.

Our journey is a testament to resilience and the power of grit. Through perseverance, support from family and friends, and a relentless drive to succeed, we believe it is possible to achieve your dreams. We hope to continue inspiring others to pursue their passions and goals. Let this be a reminder that no matter what life throws at us, we have the power to rise, uplift others, and reach our full potential.