Lesego Mareetsi
Nominee's Province:
Free State
Age:
33
Project Name/Description:
Founder – The Dux Program
Raised in a humble single-parent home, Lesego Mareetsi is the embodiment of strength, compassion, and purpose. Though she began her academic journey in accounting, it was in the classroom that she discovered her true calling. “I heard the call,” she reflects, and from that moment, she transformed into the kind of teacher every learner hopes to encounter—hardworking, nurturing, and a daily reminder that greatness can come from anywhere. Mareetsi says she teaches in communities like Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu, where many learners face poverty, hunger, and instability. But through every challenge, she rises with creativity, empathy, and a drive to inspire. Her initiatives go far beyond the curriculum: she founded The Dux Program to mentor top learners, leads a majorettes team that’s competed nationally, and uses virtual platforms to expose learners to global possibilities. “Winning the National Teaching Award for Excellence in Accounting (provincial level) affirmed my impact, and for me, success lives in the eyes of every learner who dares to dream bigger. I believe in holistic education—developing not just scholars, but leaders, changemakers, and resilient young people,” she added. Now a Master’s candidate, she continues to grow so that she can give more. “I want to be remembered,” she says, “as the teacher who showed up fully, consistently, and with heart.” Through her unwavering commitment, Mareetsi is not just teaching—she’s transforming lives, shaping communities, and building a legacy of excellence and hope.
