Bongani Ostrich was born at Bothitong Village in Joe Morolong Local Municipality on 5 March 1994, the third son of Mme Lydia Ostrich. He started school at Moraladi Primary School at Batlharos, before he moved on to Gamohana Middle School. Bongani continued his studies at Galaletsang High School, but could not finish his studies due to his ill-behaviour. 

NB: The following sentiments were expressed by Mme Lydia Ostrich (Bongani's mother).

From Galaletsang High School he went to do his Grade 11 at Remmogo High School where he passed with flying colours.  However the school could not allow him to do his Matric there because he was very ill-disciplined and all of the teachers had enough of his attitude.

His mother then took him to Dibotswa High School at Dithakong and he was accepted but with conditions that he will behave and will not cause any trouble at school. Early that year, Bongani attempted to cause trouble and he also tried to bunk his classes but all of this could not happen as he was closely watched at school. He passed his Matric very good in 2014 and qualified to attend any university in South Africa.

At home Bongani was very rude, not listening to his parents, smoking drugs and other illegal substances. Mrs Ostrich tried to take him to counselling but she could not succeed as Bongani was not interested.

As a single parent, Mme Lydia Ostrich, said she nearly gave up on her son and she almost disowned him until he was identified by the Department of Social Development through the Youth Service Centre (Kopanang) based at Dithakong to attend the District Youth Camp that took place last year September 2017 at Middlepos.

The purpose of the Youth Centre is to render youth development services and programmes for young people around Dithakong and other surrounding areas. The Leadership Youth Camp, funded by the Department of Social Development, provides life skills activities to young people, encourage young people to take charge of their lives, to empower them with necessary skills, to build them into a better people and Leaders of tomorrow, as well as to give them a platform to express their challenges as young people and develop the solutions for their own challenges.

Bongani's mother said she started to notice some changes in his behaviour after his return to from the District Camp.  Bongani also attended the Provincial and National Youth Camps, which were organized by the Department of Social Development at Kimberley for two weeks in December 2017.

Thereafter Bongani started to take his life serious and opt for a career in South African Defence Force (SADF). Bongani is now a Soldier and is based at Durban.  He is one of the best performing soldiers in the camp and he is part of the troops that are sent on peace-keeping missions to neighbouring countries. Bongani is now a matured young man who is taking care of his family back home as he sends remittances every month.

Mme Ostrich concluded by saying, “from the bottom of my heart, I will like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Department of Social Development for making a positive impact in my child’s life and continue with the good work that you are doing in changing people’s lives for the better.”