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. 

A calling to the Seminary 
Growing up, Rorisang felt an undeniable spiritual pull toward the priesthood, which led him to the seminary. It was there that he began a transformative journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and confidence-building. The seminary environment encouraged deep reflection, and by the end of his first year, he had undergone a remarkable transformation. Inspired by this experience, he wrote Building My Self-Confidence, a book born from his observations of young people struggling with confidence and his own path to self-empowerment. 

Through the seminary’s spiritual teachings—drawing on the works of Henri Nouwen and John Powell—Rorisang learned to push his limits and step outside his comfort zone. This period laid a strong foundation for his personal and intellectual growth, reinforcing his belief in the pursuit of one’s full potential. However, publishing his book also taught him practical lessons about financial planning, particularly the importance of saving for editing and production costs—insights that would inform his future projects. 

Transitioning to finance studies
Yet, Rorisang’s academic aspirations did not end at the seminary. With a long-standing interest in finance, he pursued a degree at the University of Johannesburg—a stark contrast to his previous academic experience. As an older student among younger peers, he faced challenges adapting to university life, especially given the gap in his formal education. Nevertheless, his unwavering focus and commitment to long-term goals helped him embrace his unique path. His journey reinforced an important message: education has no deadline, and each person’s academic path unfolds in its own time. 

Despite occasional academic hurdles, Rorisang remained passionate about his studies. He found enjoyment in subjects like investments, retirement planning, property valuation, and financial law. Although concerns about balancing work and further studies surfaced from time to time, his drive for continuous learning fuelled his ambition. He envisioned a future in investment banking or property valuation, with academia as a potential long-term goal. 

An international exchange opportunity
A defining milestone in his journey was his selection for a prestigious exchange program at the University of Tübingen in Germany. From 7 January to 4 February 2025, he immersed himself in European culture while studying international themes such as diversity and identity. The program included workshops, intercultural discussions, and a study trip to Strasbourg, France, where he toured the city and visited the European Parliament. 

While in France, Rorisang fulfilled a lifelong dream of exploring Paris. He visited iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre—the world’s largest museum. The surreal nature of these experiences only became real when he found himself at OR Tambo International Airport, ready to embark on his first journey outside South Africa. 

Preparing for the trip brought a mix of excitement and anxiety. Navigating the financial demands of living in a country with a stronger currency was a challenge, but with careful budgeting, he secured everything he needed, including winter clothing. Adjusting to the cold was another hurdle, with temperatures plunging to -5°C. The cold was so intense that he saw people leaving food items outside to freeze as if nature had become a refrigerator 

Cultural and security observations in Germany
Beyond academics, Germany left a lasting impression on Rorisang, particularly regarding safety and security. Seeing expensive cars parked unattended overnight and walking safely through the woods at night were eye-opening experiences. He couldn’t help but reflect on his wish for South Africa to share the same level of peace and security. 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.    

Academically, the exchange program was deeply enriching. One of the standout modules explored the intersection of religion and European identity. Visiting historic churches in Tübingen and Reutlingen, Rorisang delved into the Protestant Reformation and the Enlightenment—topics that resonated with his deep-rooted interest in religion. While the classes were demanding, he relished the intellectual challenge. Additionally, he took German language classes, which, though initially difficult, became enjoyable as he grew more comfortable with the language. 

Meeting people from diverse backgrounds further broadened his perspective. One particularly meaningful encounter was with an investment banker, who provided valuable career insights. At a crossroads in his academic and professional journey, this interaction helped him refine his aspirations and consider new possibilities. 

A future filled with possibilities
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.