Author, indigenous language activist and motivational speaker Mashudu Ravele from Ha-Masakona is encouraging young people to use their twenties as a foundation for long-term success. She makes this call through her newly released fourth book, Don't Waste Your Twenties.
The book was launched two weeks ago and is aimed at inspiring young adults to take action and invest in their future, regardless of their current circumstances. It focuses on personal growth, discipline and purpose.
Ravele is best known for her Tshivenda novels Tshisima Tsha Dora and Ndi Vhudza Nnyi. Her work continues to explore youth development through literature and community engagement.
She has observed, particularly through book clubs and youth empowerment events, that many young people delay their dreams while waiting for the “right time” to begin.
“The biggest mistake many people make in their twenties is waiting for ideal conditions. Your twenties are your lowest-risk decade to experiment, fail and build skills,” she said.
Ravele acknowledged that many young adults face unemployment and systemic barriers. However, she stressed that the concept of “wasting” one’s twenties is not about poverty or lack of opportunity, but rather about allowing hardship to stop personal development.
“Even without money, you can still invest in skills, relationships, discipline and vision,” she said. “It is about building capacity even in constraint.”
She also highlighted the importance of Tshivenda cultural values, particularly vhuthu, which emphasises respect, community and responsibility. According to Ravele, traditional values and modern ambition can complement each other in guiding young people.