Achiever of the week: Kutlwano Molefe

    Dec 10, 2020  | By Nqobile Mdima 

This week’s feature is Kutlwano Molefe. He holds a Bcom degree and majored in Logistics Management. Kutlwano obtained his degree from the University of Johannesburg. He is a full-time teacher at a kindergarten and part-time dance teacher at a local dance studio in Zhongshan city.  

Kutlwano has been working and living in The People's Republic of China for 1 year and 11 months. Before he moved to China he worked as an Order Processor at Investec Import Solutions (Logistics). This job was not fulfilling for him and moving to China was going to be a perfect fresh start. When Kutlwano is not working, he goes out with his friends or play some sports with people he knows. He also hosts some events for the expats and locals in Zhongshan city. 

Kutlwano shares with us his TEFL journey, his highlights in China, his expat life hacks, the pros and cons of living and working in China, his future plans and great tips for individuals considering to move abroad. 

  What were doing before you moved to China? 

I worked as an Order Processor at Investec Import Solutions (Logistics).

What motivated you to move abroad and why China? 

A friend of mine actually pushed me to apply for the job, after months of trying to convince me. And my job at that time, was not fulfilling. China was a perfect fresh start for me, which had the perfect for opportunities waiting for me.

You are a kindergarten teacher and a dance teacher. Which job did you get first and where did you apply for it?  And how did you get the second one? 

I got the kindergarten job first. I applied for it on ‘ESL café’ online, with a host of other teaching opportunities. I got the second job through a friend who recommended me.

Was the visa application process easy or complicated? 

The visa process was quite easy for me. My company told me what to submit and where to go mostly. I just had to do a bit of research, that’s all.

How much did you budget for your big move to China? 

R8000 at most. My company took care of me once I landed in china.

Do you pay rent or have free housing? 

I have free housing. 

Did you move abroad alone?  if yes, how long did it take you to adjust to the new environment? 

Yes, I moved here alone. It took me a good 6-7 months to really settle in my city.

Which Apps, websites, social media pages helped you and continue to help you with your expat life? 

Wechat helped a lot, because that’s how I met most people. People invited me to a lot of expat groups on there, which helped with navigating around things.

What has been your highlight ever since you moved to China? 

I actually have a couple:

1. Performing with my students at our year end showcase. 
2. Hosting my first ever solo dance workshop in my city. 
3. Throwing an African Night party at our local bar in Zhongshan. Which was a huge success! 
4. Doing a ‘North of China’ dance tour over National Holiday this year. Where I hosted one class in Shanghai and 2 in Zhangjianang.

What are the advantages and disadvantages about living in China? 

Advantage:

• Access to future forward technology, in terms travel & e-commerce. 
• The high levels of safety, with crime rate being very low. 
• Being closer to beautiful Asian travel destinations, which makes it easier for you to travel to those places.

Disadvantages:

• The language barrier. With English not being spoken by many people here.
• Cultural differences which make it hard for one to connect with citizens.
• The deep underlying racism towards black people, by some Chinese nationals.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having multiple jobs? 

Advantages:

• Keeping busy in my “free time”.
• Meeting different types of people in both sides of my jobs. 
• Traveling and seeing other cities while working. 

  Disadvantage:

• My one job (dance teacher) tends to suffer because of my main job. Mainly because sometimes I work over weekends, which means I can’t travel for workshops most of the time.

Do you speak Chinese and do you think it's important to speak the local language?(Please add your thoughts on local customs and whether it's important for expats to respect/observe them). 

I speak enough Chinese to get by haha. I think it’s important to speak the language local here. Simply because it’s the medium of communication here and its good way of meeting people. 

In terms of observing and respecting local customs. I think it’s important for expats to learn about local customs and experience them once in a while. But also, expats should not forget who they are and never denounce their own customs.

What do you miss the most about South Africa and what do you do to feel better when you miss home? 

Mostly, I miss my family and friends. The food and vibe back home as well. Normally I just play music from back home just for nostalgia or I call my parents & friends.

What do you do for fun in Zhongshan  and how many cities have you visited in China so far? 

I go out with friends or play some sports with people I know here. Or I host some events for the expats and locals.

Cities I’ve been to: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Zhanjiangang & Shanghai.

What are your future plans? 

Firtsly,I want to establish myself as a reputable choreographer/dancer in China. Spreading my culture & movement as I go. I think this will really help with establishing myself as an international brand. Secondly, I really want to continue doing some sort of charity work while I’m here. I want this to really be a foundation for my lifelong dream of working with UNICEF in the future. Thirdly, when I go back home. I want to start a dance foundation or open a dance school. Mainly for kids who grow up in impoverished communities and poverty stricken households. I feel like South Africa has a lot of rough talent, which we need to spread to the world.

What tips or advice would you give to someone who would like to work and live abroad, especially in China?

Firstly, you need to be absolutely sure of your move abroad and what awaits (loneliness, confusion etc.). Secondly, do your research about the country you’re moving to. Thirdly, buy all essential items that you won’t possibly find here. And lastly, be psychologically, physically & emotionally prepared to live thousands of kilometres away from home. Without being able to rely on anyone, but yourself.

Where can people reach out to you if they are interested in your workshops? 

They can reach out to me on the following social media platforms:

• Instagram: @_unlimitedkay_
• Twitter: @unlimitedkay 
• Facebook: Kutlwano Molefe
• Wechat (for the people in China): Unlimitedkay
• My YouTube Channel for more videos: The People's Dancer.