In the quiet village of Phamong in Qwa-Qwa, nestled in the Eastern Free State, a young girl was growing up watching her mother sew clothes and cook for the community on weekends. Her name was Dineo Motaung. She was the youngest of six, raised by a bus driver father and a tailor mother whose kindness left a deep imprint on her. Today, that little girl has grown into a woman of action, an entrepreneur, mentor, law student, and founder of three ventures rooted in service, purpose, and empowerment.
“I was born at Manapo Hospital,” Dineo begins. “Growing up in this humble community, I learned the values of hard work, resilience, and community, all of which have played a pivotal role in shaping my entrepreneurial path.” These foundational values never left her. They were part of the blueprint that would eventually shape her business ethos.
“Though both my parents have passed on, their legacies continue to inspire me. My siblings, who now work in various industries and have their own families, have also played important roles in shaping who I am today,” added Dineo.
Dineo’s educational journey started with commercial subjects in high school, where she also fell in love with debate and leadership. “My involvement in debate activities nurtured my interest in communication and leadership,” she says. This passion followed her to Bloemfontein, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Language Practice. While studying, she joined the Student Representative Council and tutored international students. “That experience made me realize I loved helping others grow,” she recalls.
But Dineo wasn’t done yet. She’s currently pursuing an LLB Law degree, even as she runs three ventures: Villa Hospitality Services, Mother Justice Coaching, and Villa International School. Each is a direct reflection of a different chapter in her story.
A Wedding That Sparked a Business
It all began with her wedding. “As I began seeking quotes from various wedding companies for decorations, I quickly realized that the prices were extraordinarily high for something that would only last a couple of days,” she says. “My husband, always pragmatic, suggested that instead of spending that amount of money for temporary décor, we could invest in the equipment ourselves.” It was a simple, practical suggestion, but it sparked something greater.
Dineo had trained in hospitality, interned as a hotel manager, and worked as an Event Specialist in Texas, USA. With that background and her husband’s support, she founded Villa Hospitality Services, headquartered in Botswana. “Our company specializes in event planning, coordination, corporate events, and, most notably, weddings.” The company started small but grew quickly, offering event planning, weddings, and corporate coordination. “We now employ two full-time staff and several part-timers,” she says.
However, success brought challenges. “We overbooked and couldn’t meet demand. It hurt our reputation,” Dineo admits. “We paused, listened to our clients, and rebranded.” It was a tough but necessary lesson in setting boundaries. “Quality over quantity,” she adds. “It’s essential to set boundaries and ensure that the services provided match both the clients’ needs and the company’s capacity.”
A Brush with Death, A New Mission
In 2021, while heavily pregnant and battling COVID-19, Dineo was admitted to the NICU. “I was staring death in the face. I kept asking: If I die today, what legacy will I leave behind?” she says. That moment changed everything.
She survived and so did her baby. In the aftermath, Mother Justice Coaching was born. “I began noticing that people, both strangers and close friends, would confide in me about their relationship problems. I enjoyed listening and offering guidance, but I also saw it as an opportunity to pursue coaching as a profession,” she says. Dineo enrolled in a fully paid coaching program and became an NLP practitioner. Today, her online practice provides relationship coaching and mentorship, especially for young women.
“Through Mother Justice, I aim to help others navigate the complexities of relationships and provide mentorship, especially to young girls in Grade 12 or those who are a couple of years post-high school and looking to return to college.”
The journey hasn’t been easy. “We received multiple inquiries from individuals seeking guidance, but many of them couldn’t afford our services,” she says. “To resolve this, we introduced a new approach: we began offering free 15-minute discovery calls and a 60-minute free discovery session. This not only gave potential clients a taste of what we could offer, but it also provided an opportunity to build a relationship and trust before committing to a paid coaching session.” It was a powerful reminder that sometimes, giving first opens the door to sustainable growth.
Turning Land into Legacy
Among her most personal projects is Villa International School, a nonprofit built on land gifted by her husband. “It was my dream,” she says, “a space where children and adults could learn.” The school offers seasonal programs for toddlers and a one-year hospitality training course for adults. “We are currently running a fundraising campaign to expand our initiatives and make an even greater impact on the community,” she shares.
This initiative isn’t just about education, it’s about empowerment. “We want to prepare people for the workforce and give them a sense of purpose,” Dineo says.
Building People, Not Just Businesses
One of Dineo’s proudest achievements is the transformation she’s seen in her staff. “One of the most fulfilling accomplishments at Villa Hospitality Services has been the ability to transform lives by providing employment opportunities and fostering skill development.” “When we first started hiring, some of our staff had little to no experience in the event planning industry,” she says. “Now, they’re skilled event planners.” For her, entrepreneurship is about more than profit. It’s about uplifting others.
The same goes for her coaching. “Seeing clients move from brokenness to confidence, from confusion to clarity, it’s magical,” she says. “They leave with better relationships, not just with others but with themselves.”
Still Climbing, Still Learning
Dineo stays on top of trends through research, networking, and continuous learning. “For Villa Hospitality, I invested in land and standard equipment instead of chasing every new trend,” she says. It was a long-term strategy to keep costs down and service quality up.
For Mother Justice, she joins weekly coaching practice sessions and training programs. “You have to evolve,” she says. “This field keeps changing.”
And yet, what hasn’t changed is her drive to serve. Whether she’s helping a couple rebuild trust, training an adult in hospitality, or coordinating a wedding, Dineo leads with purpose.
“I’m still growing,” she says. “Still learning. But every day, I try to build something that outlives me.”
Upcoming Initiatives
“One such opportunity that we are particularly excited about is the upcoming public lecture being organized by Villa Hospitality Services in collaboration with BA-ISAGO University and Empirica Actuaries.” Set to take place on 12 April 2026 at the BA-ISAGO Convention Centre in Botswana, this event promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking experience. Villa Hospitality Services will handle the event planning, execution, catering, and coordination, ensuring every detail is flawlessly managed. “Our involvement encompasses a wide range of services, designed to ensure that attendees experience a seamless, professional, and memorable event.”
Another project making a meaningful impact is the Mother Justice Mentorship Program, which empowers grade 12 girls who aspire to study law. “The mentorship program for the 2025 intake is currently open, with applications closing on 31 March 2025.” This initiative provides mentorship, guidance, and resources to help participants navigate their journey into the legal profession. It’s a step forward in bridging the gender gap in law by fostering young female talent and promoting a more inclusive legal field.
Dineo’s Blueprint for Starting Strong
To those who want to start their own journey, Dineo offers this heartfelt advice: “Start small, but start. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. I started Villa Hospitality Services with 200 plastic chairs and outsourcing the tent. It grew because I was consistent.”
She also emphasizes self-awareness. “Know your values. Not every client is your client. Say no when you need to, and protect your peace.”
And above all, she says, “Build relationships. Your network will carry you when things get tough. People buy from people they trust.”
