Executive Director for Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET)
Chantelle Oosthuizen
Chantelle Oosthuizen is the Executive Director for Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET), but more so, she has been a mother to over 500 CRET bursary beneficiaries. Chantelle has the difficult job of equipping CRET students, not only for university, but also preparing them for what follows in life after university.
With her experience in supporting youth development, Chantelle is well-placed to advise on planning a career. Her advice is simple: "Know your interests and plan your goals around them. Remember that if your goal is to drive a Mercedes it's all good and well but driving it to a job you despise will make you unwell and cost you money."
Chantelle studied a BA degree, majoring in Journalism and Psychology, which has helped her to recognise stories in every person and situation she deals with. She is passionate about the Trust's beneficiaries and their many life stories that document a book of legacies.
Chantelle has impressionable people skills, evidenced in the relationships she has built, not only with her students, but also her CRET team and other colleagues. Starting out her career as a motoring journalist, she faced a great deal of sexism in a traditionally male-dominated field. She had to develop resilience to deal with different people and situations. Chantelle recognises that self-belief and a commitment to one's own abilities - as opposed to feeling undermined by others’ competencies - speaks to personal growth. Travelling along her own life path she has learnt that as an individual, she brings her own strengths to the party and that diversity is important.
When asked about her executive role and whether it was always a key career goal for her, Chantelle gave an answer that reveals her wisdom of a journey of growth and knowledge acquisition.
“When I was younger," she said, "the importance of a title was more important to me. But titles are simply that, a given name. Often, we are too caught up in chasing the wrong goals. Today I value the titles of empath, mentor, and passionate enthusiast over that of Executive Director. Still, dedication and hard work mean you will move up the so-called corporate ladder, and can enjoy a fulfilling career.”
These words are truly inspiring but Chantelle advises young people not to be afraid to make bold moves, follow their dreams, be passionate and not to procrastinate - because life is short. The rewards of enjoying your work and making a difference for others far outweigh money in your bank account.
Under her leadership for the past decade, the CRET team has had an insurmountable and measurable impact on the lives of many beneficiaries.
As for what is next for Chantelle, she wishes to remain in a position where she is positively impacting society. “I would like to be doing this from an office with a sea view, surrounded by those I love – which includes my extended family of students. This means I will continue to reach for my dreams and set sustainable goals for the better good.”