The Youth Employment Service (YES) and its partners have changed the lives and careers of 156,000 young South Africans through job creation. Meet 35 of the top YES game-changers.
To celebrate the determination, courage and creativity of South Africa’s youth, Daily Maverick is proud to partner with the Youth Employment Service (YES) for its inaugural YES Top 35 Under 35 Awards.
ABOUT
The initiative aims to recognise the excellence and successes of young South Africans who have been through the Youth Employment Service (YES) youth employment programme, and showcase their stories in the hope that you will be as inspired as we are by their determination, courage and creativity.
YES is the largest 12-month, full-time youth employment programme in the South African economy, with a post-programme employment rate of about 45%. It has already injected R8.4-billion into the economy through youth salaries alone, by partnering with some of South Africa’s top corporates.
THE AWARDS
Applications were opened to YES Alumni who had completed the full 12 months of the YES programme on or before 31 December this year, were either employed or running their own business, and were 34 years or younger, or turning 35 after the application date.
Out of the 3,500 applications, 150 top alumni were chosen from the initial applicants, based on some basic criteria, after which they were asked to film a short video telling their stories.
The YES management committee chose the top 70 based on these videos and their written applications. Thereafter, the YES exco team, along with the Daily Maverick team, selected the top 35 based on an extensive rubric and judging criteria.
The awards programme seeks not only to highlight excellent and successful YES Alumni, but will also provide career development and mentoring opportunities to the successful candidates for one year.
THE TOP 35
The Top 35 are a testament to the talent, potential and drive of young South Africans, all of which they have in spades. With a variety of skills and educational qualifications, they have taken the opportunity the YES programme presented and run with it, some upskilling themselves into jobs of the future, and others starting their own businesses.
These are their stories – stories of hope, of dreams fulfilled, of what South Africa’s future could look like if we give our young people a chance.
The YES Top 35 Under 35 proudly feature in this special Daily Maverick DM168 supplement.
DM168 is available at selected Exclusive Books, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Spar, Checkers and airport stores countrywide.
– Saskia Falken, head of marketing at Daily Maverick.
Meet the YES Top 35 Under 35
A letter from Ravi Naidoo, YES CEO
Change-makers show what South Africa’s future could look like if we give young people a chance
A letter from Ravi Naidoo, YES CEO
As South Africa’s largest 12-month, full-time employment programme spanning both the public and private sectors, the Youth Employment Service (YES) is in the business of unlocking the economic potential of excluded youth. We propel talented young people who, due to no fault of their own, would not have had the opportunity to break into the market, and ensure they contribute to the vibrancy of South Africa’s economy.
Having collaborated with more than 1,770 leading businesses to create more than 156,000 youth jobs to date, with a further 3,000 to 4,000 every month, we are beginning to see our vision take shape. Our efforts have resulted in a significant multiplier effect, where one job can create 10 more.
Fifteen percent of YES Youth are engaged in entrepreneurial activities, which is double the national average of 7%.
And because many YES jobs are in sunrise industries, our young people are becoming skilled professionals after the programme and helping to position South Africa as a leader in digital, technology and other key sectors. We’re not just providing jobs, we’re creating opportunities for young people to become skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and change-makers who will take our nation forward.
This is why we decided to run the YES Top 35 Under 35 competition: we saw our YES Youth were going on to make waves in their fields, and because, behind the numbers, there are real people with incredible stories that could reinforce just how crucial youth employment programmes like YES are for families, communities, companies and the country.
When we announced the competition, however, we could not have expected the response we got. We received more than 3,500 applications in two weeks from YES Alumni. Having to select just 1% of these as the final Top 35 was a task the YES team took seriously.
After a stringent selection process, which involved all aspects of the team, we are honoured to share the Top 35 Under 35 with you. These 35 young people, who span roles from entrepreneurs and content creators, to business analysts, founders of nonprofit organisations and more, are a testament to the talent, potential and drive of South African youth. With a variety of skills and educational qualifications, they have taken the opportunity and run with it, gaining work experience in jobs of the future and many starting their own businesses.
These are their stories – stories of hope, of dreams pursued – and they are the stories of the 156,000 YES Youth and counting. These 35 game-changers symbolise what our future could look like if we give our young people (seven million of whom are unemployed) a chance.
We hope you will be as inspired as we are by their grit, courage and creativity. They are the future of change.
Investing in the youth today
Investing in the youth today paves the way for a new generation of leaders who’ll shine tomorrow
By Leanne Emery-Hunter, COO of the Youth Employment Service (YES)
Every morning, a symphony of success stories drives me to my desk – narratives of hope, resilience and the transformative power of opportunity. Given the youth unemployment figures in South Africa, you might find that hard to believe, but I have the privilege of witnessing first-hand how our work at YES is helping to close this gap.
In a country grappling with millions unable to find work, countless young people face a future marked by uncertainty. But we’re witnessing a different story unfold. Every day, we see inspiring examples of young individuals who, with the right opportunities, are transforming their lives and contributing meaningfully to society and their communities.
A very personal story for me – one I tell often – is about Asanda Nqoko, a Top 35 alumnus who started at YES as an IT intern in our tech department. He came to me, saying he had an interest in marketing, and started helping with some work on our website. Later he told me he had a passion for photography and asked if he could take some pictures for our Spring Day event.
When we saw the pictures, we were blown away – we knew he was going to be a star. Three years later he has worked for the likes of Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, and he’s travelling the world. When we hire him for gigs, he often sends one of his team members, because he’s just so busy.
But his is more than just a success story – because it really changed the way we operate. We levelled up the way we looked at our photography opportunities, for instance, because he came in with more talent than we knew what to do with – and it showed us in a very practical way how fresh talent in a business can really make a difference and an impact.
And what’s truly amazing to me is that he’s not some sort of outlier. We encounter these stories every day. There’s Gcina Twala, another Top 35 alumna, who made her start as part of the Youth Content Collective (YCC) and is now a junior brand manager for one of the top B2B advertising agencies in the country. She also feeds 500 people per week in Alexandra through her own nonprofit organisation.
Beyond the current Top 35 group there are more inspiring youth still coming out of the programme. There’s Moshe Matabologa, who joined the YES programme with a big car brand on the tech side of the business. He came to the team and said: “There’s an HR problem I think I can solve.”
He was sent to the UK for some training, and he’s now implementing a new workflow system globally.
There’s Kgomotso Seku at Nedbank, who was the first person in her family to get a degree (in maths). Today, having been through the YES programme, she’s a data analyst and has bought her mother a house.
Many companies are reluctant to hire young people, because they don’t have any experience. But another big car brand and YES client, for instance, has told us that using YES changed its entire hiring policy. The company realised that young people are great at selling cars, because they’re prepared to find ways to do it differently – including after church on a Sunday.
We all started somewhere, and it took time before the value we brought to the organisation exceeded the time and energy it took to upskill us. It pays to bear that in mind.
But it’s also about taking the long view. Our government of national unity has the potential to start creating an uptick in economic activity and growth, but we will be wholly unprepared to take advantage of the opportunities that it presents if we don’t find and nurture young people now who can lead us on this journey.
These young people are our future leaders, and we need to start finding them and empowering them now.
We live in an age of immediate information, where everything’s at your fingertips, and sometimes it can be difficult to envision the long game. Investing in young people today is not going to mean the change happens tomorrow. Like compound interest, it’s a long game – we’re likely only going to reap the real benefits in 10 to 15 years.
But the time to turn the wheel is now so that the ship takes a new course over the long term. By investing in and empowering our youth today, we can create a brighter future for South Africa, where young people are not only gainfully employed, but also become the leaders and innovators who drive the country’s economic and social progress in the years to come. DM
Playlist
YES to the Top 35 Under 35 brilliant in business
Alluta Goniwe: Business development manager
Humbulani Moeketsi’s journey from media intern to the founder of Mbono Media House is a testament to his passion for storytelling and communication.
Fresh out of college, Moeketsi entered the media industry with enthusiasm.
He started as an intern at a local television station, where he learnt the ins and outs of production.
His entrepreneurial ambitions eventually led him to take the leap and found his own media start-up, Mbono Media House.
However, it was when he joined Ctrack Fleet Management Solutions’ YES programme that Moeketsi’s life underwent a remarkable transformation.
Professionally, the programme gave him access to invaluable resources such as mentorship. Personally, it boosted his confidence and resilience. His company expanded through strategic partnerships, diversified offerings and thought leadership opportunities.
Mbono Media House in Johannesburg is a growing business solutions provider, radio station, television and news site company.
As a young business owner, Moeketsi had to navigate many challenges. These included establishing credibility, managing finances, understanding legal requirements and balancing work-life demands.
He overcame these obstacles by prioritising quality, careful financial planning, seeking expert advice and practising self-care while staying resilient and proactive.
The YES programme equipped him with the skills and support needed to manage these while emphasising the benefits of collaboration, innovation and resilience in building a successful business.
The job opportunities created by Mbono Media House have brought stability, skills development and a sense of purpose to the lives of Moeketsi’s employees. They gain financial security, opportunities for growth and a supportive work environment.
Andrew Makamedi: Contract and commerce manager
Andrew Makamedi’s journey from a law student at the University of Johannesburg to a contract and commerce manager at a Chinese multinational smartphone producer reflects his resilience and determination to achieve his goals.
After studying law, he graduated in 2019. His initial legal experience came from working at the University of Johannesburg law clinic. But his first significant corporate exposure was through the MTN YES programme, which opened doors to the professional world of telecommunications.
It was here that Makamedi learnt about the advancements being made in technology and the role that he could play to provide all Africans with a better-connected life. He met amazing people while at MTN who helped pave the way for him to develop as a person.
The programme also gave Makamedi an invaluable opportunity to gain practical legal experience. Following his time in the YES programme, he joined the MTN global graduate programme, which takes on top graduates from the continent. While doing that, Makamedi was seconded to a law firm, which helped him develop his legal analysing skills as well as gain legal knowledge.
As a contract and commerce manager, his responsibilities encompass leading the contract drafting process, promoting the fulfilment of contracts, analysing and defining contract risk, and ensuring contract quality in transactions within southern Africa. His job is to create contracts that are beneficial for all parties.
Makamedi has faced the pressures of navigating the corporate world while working with personal expectations. The YES programme showed him the importance of managing expectations and maintaining a high level of emotional intelligence. It also taught him the dynamics of working in diverse teams, while emphasising the need to adapt to different personalities, management styles and cultures to thrive.
His side-hustle is an events company called For The City, which Makamedi created to provide event curation, management consultations, artist management, sound hire and event compliance. This entrepreneurial venture showcases his versatility and commitment to diverse interests.
Asanda Nqoko: Film and photography business owner
Asanda Nqoko’s journey from a struggling freelance photographer to a successful business owner is a story of resilience and transformation following the pandemic.
Like so many others from his rural community in KwaZulu-Natal, he dreamt of moving to Johannesburg to fulfil his dreams. But Covid-19 brought his freelance photography career to a halt, forcing him to return home as he could no longer afford rent, food or basic necessities.
Everything changed when Nqoko joined the YES programme, which provided him with the skills to run his business and treat everyone equally, regardless of their beliefs or disabilities.
Today, he runs 39Pictures, a media company specialising in video, film and photography. His success has allowed him to work with big brands such as Beyoncé’s athleisure clothing line Ivy Park and well-known artists including Kendrick Lamar, as well as to travel extensively while providing for his family.
Nqoko’s entrepreneurial spirit was influenced by his grandmother, who sold fruit and shells to tourists to pay school fees and buy food. After Nqoko lost his parents at the age of six, his grandmother became the breadwinner and motivated him to become who he is today. His success has enabled him to buy a house and employ other young people, giving them opportunities he never had. Nqoko often talks at universities to inspire future photographers.
Running a business comes with its challenges – struggling financially, losing clients and having limited resources have been significant obstacles. But he has overcome these by learning about the business sector, understanding proper pricing and ensuring profitability. Keeping his clients happy has become a top priority, given how important a strong client base is to a sustainable business.
The impact of YES on Nqoko’s life and business has been profound. He and his employees can support their families, buy clothes and travel to places they never thought possible.
Basani Moahi: Developer and manager of business solutions in insurance
Basani Moahi’s journey from a struggling student to a successful Business Analyst at Standard Bank Insurance Brokers reflects her determination to overcome the obstacles life throws at her.
After graduating from Unisa with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and chemistry, she worked for a year before joining the YES programme. This opportunity marked a significant turning point in her life.
At the time, she did not have a smartphone, relying on a basic phone capable of only calls and SMSes. The YES programme became a valuable tool for her that opened up a world of new possibilities.
Transitioning from earning minimum wage on the streets to a living wage in a corporate environment at Standard Bank allowed Moahi to support her family and pursue her goals.
Her journey with the YES programme was filled with learning new skills. One of these was automation, which was new to the insurance sector in 2021.
Moahi has been recognised many times for her innovative contributions to the bank’s processes and customer experiences, winning awards such as the Most Solutions Implemented in Production in 2021 and 2022, and the Most Innovative Candidate in 2022 and 2023.
In 2023, she hosted master classes on process automation for Standard Bank, inspiring four candidates to develop their own solutions. In 2024, she was nominated as one of the top 10 achievers by Standard Bank Insurance Brokers.
As a Business Analyst, she analyses business processes to identify automation opportunities using tools such as robotics and Power Automate, aiming to enhance stakeholder and customer experiences. Being a woman in a technology field that is male-dominated, she is often underestimated. But she’s proving the naysayers wrong.
Ebernezer Chauke: Data quality officer
Ebernezer Chauke’s journey from unemployment to a key role in middle management at Youth@WORK reflects the transformative power of the YES programme.
Before joining the programme, Chauke was unemployed and lacked a platform to showcase his skills and apply his knowledge to real-life workplace problems. YES not only provided him with a platform but also gave him a motivational boost, enhancing both his personal and professional self-view.
Through his SAS Institute-sponsored YES programme, he honed his skills as a business analyst and climbed the ranks at YES host partner Youth@WORK. His journey started when he was appointed in a pivotal role in shaping the company’s current customer relationship management system. This experience allowed him to oversee both in-house and remote teams tasked with monitoring active YES Youth placements across South Africa.
Chauke’s role as a data quality officer requires him to ensure that data ingested in the organisation is accurately stored and shared across departments.
Together with his team, he provides proper training to users within the data space and ensures that security measures are in place to prevent unauthorised access. He manages provincial teams essential in ensuring that YES Youth placed across various host sites by Youth@WORK receive quality work experiences.
Throughout his career, Chauke has refined his emotional intelligence, patience, resilience and ability to work under pressure. His journey at Youth@WORK reflects a commitment to continuous learning and a passion for driving organisational success.
He acknowledges that miscommunication and misunderstandings are inevitable in the workplace, but has learnt to listen to understand rather than to respond.
Having a support system at work has been crucial for Chauke, providing him with the confidence to face challenges head-on.
The impact of the YES programme on Chauke’s life and career has been profound, offering him the opportunity to apply his skills, grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to his organisation.
Goitseone Lecogo: HR team leader
During her final year of studies, Goitseone Lecogo attended a work-readiness course where she was advised to start volunteering as a way to prepare for a career. She volunteered at her local community centre, where she learnt skills such as workplace etiquette and punctuality. These skills proved invaluable as she navigated her early career.
After her volunteering experience, the centre’s director informed her of a job opening at Youth@WORK through the Canon South Africa-sponsored YES programme and encouraged her to apply. After a series of interviews, Lecogo was selected as one of the top three candidates.
In February 2020, Lecogo began her journey with the YES programme, marking a significant turning point in her life. The programme enabled her to become an independent woman who could support herself and her family. She transitioned into a leadership role, where she needed to be accountable and responsible for her team members and to think strategically.
As an HR team leader at Youth@WORK, Lecogo works with partners and host sites on recruitment and onboarding. Her role involves ensuring that partners understand the expectations and can provide quality work experiences for the youth. She also leads the recruitment administration, participates in mock interviews and prepares the youth for actual interviews.
Throughout her career, Lecogo has faced the challenge of being heard as a young professional. Although her work speaks for itself, gaining recognition for her opinions and ideas has been crucial. Learning to work with minimal supervision during her time as a YES Youth instilled trust from her managers, allowing her to take on responsibilities and complete tasks independently.
Her career path reflects the importance of volunteering, continuous learning and the opportunities provided by the YES programme. Her story highlights how structured support and the right opportunities can lead to significant personal and professional growth, transforming a young volunteer into a confident and capable HR team leader.
Gcina Twala: Business development project coordinator
Before joining the YES programme, Gcina Twala faced numerous challenges, balancing the anticipation of parenthood, pursuing a broadcast journalism degree and coping with unemployment. Despite the support from her family, the lack of financial independence and overwhelming pressure weighed heavily on her.
The opportunity to join a content creation programme – the Youth Content Collective – through the Ford-sponsored YES programme was a turning point. It provided her with a platform to pursue her passion for media and build a career, and it enabled her to manage a team alongside her husband while expanding her skills and knowledge in media and content creation.
YES empowered Twala with essential skills. It paved the way for a career in media. After completing the programme, she embarked on a multifaceted career path. Initially, she continued to lead her philanthropic organisation in Alexandra with her husband, using the skills gained from the programme to enhance their impact. At the same time, she secured a position as a junior brand manager for one of the top B2B advertising agencies in the country.
Despite being young, Twala’s professional journey has been marked by significant achievements.
A notable milestone was completing the content creation programme. This resulted in her honing her skills in graphic design, videography and photography, as well as social media management.
Now, as a business development project coordinator, she plays a key role in driving the growth and success of the company. Her responsibilities include identifying new business opportunities, establishing partnerships and nurturing client relationships. She also conducts market research, analyses industry trends and develops tailored strategies to capitalise on emerging opportunities.
Working in street pole advertising has provided Twala with extensive first-hand experience in the media industry.
This role has also broadened her understanding of media production and distribution, further honing her ability to create visually compelling content tailored to specific audiences.
Fikile Mbambo: Head of programmes
Fikile Mbambo is dedicated to community service and professional growth, and she always dreamt of working in an environment that allows her to give back to the community. This has been realised through the opportunities provided by the CoCre8 Technology Solutions-sponsored YES programme. (The holding company is FS Infrastructure Holdings.)
Since joining the programme through YES implementation partner Youth@WORK, Mbambo has grown massively as an individual. The YES Youth modules equipped her with essential skills such as financial literacy, effective communication and professional conduct within a community. These skills have not only improved her daily life but have also changed her perspective on life.
Professionally, the skills that she gained exceeded her expectations. She began her journey with the Imbeleko Foundation as a facilitator in 2022. Within two years, her competence and dedication earned her promotions to operations manager and, ultimately, the head of programmes. In this role she provides leadership, guidance and support to her team, ensuring effective implementation of the foundation’s programmes.
She has excelled in her roles by using the skills and knowledge gained from the YES programme. Today, her responsibilities entail overseeing all programmes offered by the foundation. She also works closely with stakeholders, including parents, partnering schools, learners and community representatives.
In 2022, she attended a capacity-building workshop that brought together leaders from various non-governmental and nonprofit organisations.
Mbambo supervises two YES Youth who recently joined the foundation. This role has provided her with valuable leadership experience, allowing her to oversee a team, make strategic decisions and drive the company’s mission forward.
She has faced many challenges as a young professional. These include balancing multiple responsibilities, impact measurement and managing people. At times, she has felt overwhelmed by the need to wear different hats and juggle various tasks. To overcome these challenges, she applied the tips learnt from the YES modules, which helped her manage her responsibilities more effectively.
Humbulani Moeketsi: Founder of a media house
Humbulani Moeketsi’s journey from media intern to the founder of Mbono Media House is a testament to his passion for storytelling and communication.
Fresh out of college, Moeketsi entered the media industry with enthusiasm.
He started as an intern at a local television station, where he learnt the ins and outs of production.
His entrepreneurial ambitions eventually led him to take the leap and found his own media start-up, Mbono Media House.
However, it was when he joined Ctrack Fleet Management Solutions’ YES programme that Moeketsi’s life underwent a remarkable transformation.
Professionally, the programme gave him access to invaluable resources such as mentorship. Personally, it boosted his confidence and resilience. His company expanded through strategic partnerships, diversified offerings and thought leadership opportunities.
Mbono Media House in Johannesburg is a growing business solutions provider, radio station, television and news site company.
As a young business owner, Moeketsi had to navigate many challenges. These included establishing credibility, managing finances, understanding legal requirements and balancing work-life demands.
He overcame these obstacles by prioritising quality, careful financial planning, seeking expert advice and practising self-care while staying resilient and proactive.
The YES programme equipped him with the skills and support needed to manage these while emphasising the benefits of collaboration, innovation and resilience in building a successful business.
The job opportunities created by Mbono Media House have brought stability, skills development and a sense of purpose to the lives of Moeketsi’s employees. They gain financial security, opportunities for growth and a supportive work environment.
Karabo Mtsweni: Process engineer
Karabo Mtsweni’s path into the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) began with a curious mind and a seventh-grade technology project. Trying to build a stadium without any engineering or architectural knowledge sparked her interest in understanding intricate connections. This curiosity fuelled her passion for STEM, further encouraged by a high school excursion to a science centre in Johannesburg.
In 2022, she graduated with a BEng Tech degree, ready to tackle the minerals and manufacturing industry.
Her journey with the YES programme began when she joined Adient PPC as a quality assurance intern.
Since completing the YES programme, Mtsweni has joined the engineering team as a process engineer. She has been involved in exciting new projects and jig designs, contributing significantly to process optimisation and cost reduction.
One of her notable achievements was optimising the grease application process on an assembly line, which improved product quality and reduced costs.
Mtsweni supports and optimises plant performance and customer requirements through effective production, engineering and distribution of resources and projects.
This exposure has given her a broad perspective on the automotive industry and the numerous opportunities it offers.
Being part of the YES programme prepared Mtsweni for the professional world. Regular check-ins and one-on-one meetings with her training officer helped her to navigate a number of challenges.
Mtsweni’s story underscores the importance of continuous learning, resilience and the opportunities provided by structured support systems, such as those offered by YES, in achieving success in the STEM and manufacturing industries.
Kgothatso Kgafela: Finance administrator
Kgothatso Kgafela is a great example of how a financial management student can become an award-winning professional thanks to having access to the right resources.
While studying at the Central Johannesburg TVET College, Kgafela initially secured an internship before the onset of Covid-19. Unfortunately, the outbreak of the pandemic resulted in his contract being terminated. Seeking a new opportunity, he applied to the YES programme and got a job at Saint-Gobain Africa.
The YES programme marked a significant turning point in Kgafela’s life, giving him financial stability and support through its innovative e-learning modules.
Kgafela, who is in his dream job in management accounting at Saint-Gobain Africa, has embraced every moment of his new role. His exceptional performance has earned him two prestigious awards from the CFO and CEO. Moreover, the company has fully funded his pursuit of a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants qualification to further enable him to grow in his career.
Kgafela acknowledges that the challenges were initially overwhelming at times, but YES gave him the tools to seek help from his team and gain a new perspective on life.
YES has played a vital role in his development, teaching him how to cope with work stress and excel as a team player.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Kgafela is part of an a cappella group called Gwijo Avenue. The group, now registered as a company, has seen significant growth in their fan base, earning income from gigs and their YouTube channel.
Kgafela’s story highlights how the YES programme can transform a person’s life by providing them with the will to continuously learn and be a team player. His journey from a student facing unemployment to a confident, award-winning professional exemplifies how structured support and opportunities can lead to remarkable growth.
Kgaugelo Ngomane: Founder of a media company
Kgaugelo Ngomane’s journey to success began in high school, where he was trained in photography by Wild Shots Outreach.
During a gap year after completing high school, he was involved in several part-time jobs while volunteering at a local school.
However, he wanted to find alternative ways of gaining new skills while being exposed to different career paths.
Ngomane turned to the YES programme, sponsored by the SAS Institute and hosted by YES implementation partner Conservation South Africa.
The immersive learning experience provided by the programme gave him more clarity on the direction he wanted to take and had a massive impact on both his professional and personal development.
After completing the YES programme, he went on to win the Young Environmental Photographer of the Year award in the international Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management’s photography competition in 2019. Academically, he read for a bachelor’s degree in motion picture from Afda, specialising in cinematography, data management and colour grading. Using the skills he gained from YES, he founded his media consultation and production company, ColorDrop Productions.
As a young business owner, Ngomane faced several challenges in getting the company up and running. His persistence, adaptability and commitment to his vision enabled him to overcome them and build a thriving media house. Ngomane now lives, works and exhibits in Hong Kong, travelling between South Africa and China for his business.
By fostering an environment in which people can pursue their passions, Ngomane has empowered his employees and created a strong sense of family in the business.
His journey from a gap-year student to the founder of a successful media company highlights the transformative power of YES. Now, through ColorDrop Productions, he continues to inspire and empower those around him.
Kgothatso Mahlaku: Marketing coordinator
Kgothatso Mahlaku joined the YES programme early in 2021 during the pandemic recovery period. This provided the struggling entrepreneur with the means to become a thriving professional.
The YES programme gave him the unique opportunity to connect with talented peers, gain valuable knowledge and skills, and secure funding for his business, First Visuals Productions.
Before YES, Mahlaku faced challenges running his photo and video production company, but the programme allowed him to take his business to the next level.
It enabled him to buy more equipment, hire part-time staff for gigs, and provide mentoring and training. He also gained in-service training at a marketing and events agency.
This experience, combined with his marketing studies, allowed Mahlaku to delve into sales and business development, enhancing his skill set.
In 2023, he secured a permanent position at a cloud solutions provider, starting as a consultant and quickly being promoted to marketing coordinator within 10 months.
Mahlaku is also pursuing a BCom degree in project management, balancing full-time employment, part-time business ownership and his studies. His role allows him to engage in all aspects of his creative passions.
His side-hustle, First Visuals Productions, continues to thrive.
He works on events such as birthday celebrations, corporate events, NGO giveaways and modelling portfolios.
The YES programme equipped Mahlaku with essential business skills and highlighted the competitive nature of both the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds.
His journey showcases the impact of structured support and opportunities in achieving professional growth and personal fulfilment.
Luthabile Mbotshelwa: Media entrepreneur
Luthabile Mbotshelwa has shown how important it is to be adaptable and determined when it comes to an individual’s professional journey. He has come a long way – from studying engineering to founding a multimedia marketing and advertising company.
After matriculating from Greenpoint Secondary School in East London in 2018, Mbotshelwa pursued electrical engineering at the Port Elizabeth TVET College. In 2022, he applied for the YES programme and worked at Isuzu. The programme gave him practical experience in his field of study.
The modules also helped him to crystallise his career aspirations. This led him to save enough money to refinance his business, LPH South Africa, a multimedia marketing and advertising company specialising in brand advertising and digital marketing. Today, Mbotshelwa is focused on growing his business, portfolio and qualifications while also serving as a radio presenter on Ekse Community Radio.
LPH South Africa was born out of Mbotshelwa’s realisation that opportunities for voice-over artists were limited. He learnt to produce quality advertisements and soon started the business. The brand aims to be versatile and unconventional in its approach to marketing and advertising.
Mbotshelwa faced several challenges in his entrepreneurial journey. One major hurdle was the scepticism of potential clients about working with young individuals. He discovered that building a deep connection with clients and demonstrating the passion his company has for their business helped to overcome this barrier.
The YES programme taught Mbotshelwa the importance of stepping out of his comfort zone and embracing continuous learning. This mindset shift, coupled with a positive and productive outlook, has been the cornerstone of his success. He is proud to lead a dedicated team that believes in the vision and mission of LPH South Africa.
Mbotshelwa’s story illustrates the transformative power of the YES programme to equip learners with the ability to adapt to new opportunities.
Lawrence Mphepo: Operations manager
The YES programme was a critically important stepping stone in helping Lawrence Mphepo become the man he is today.
Studying for a BCom in business and marketing, Mphepo faced financial challenges that prevented him from finishing his education. To make ends meet, he took on promotional jobs until his partner introduced him to the YES programme. This would prove to be a pivotal moment that gave him a foothold in the corporate world.
The YES programme provided Mphepo with invaluable skills and experience, teaching him how to engage with diverse people and instilling a sense of pride and belonging. It also enabled him to help his family financially and gave him the confidence to pursue a professional career.
In 2021, Mphepo joined a brand activation and experiential marketing company as a promoter supervisor for the East Rand region. The following year, he moved to a business and engineering solutions organisation as an operations controller on a contract. Seven months later, he signed a permanent contract and, within eight months, was promoted to operations manager, a position he holds today.
As an operations manager, he is responsible for maintaining good relationships between clients and the company and ensuring that employees at client sites follow government regulations. His role also involves working with the business to expand its recruitment drives.
The YES programme taught Mphepo essential communication skills, but the most significant lesson was emotional intelligence in the workplace. This skill has been crucial in his line of work, where he interacts with various people daily.
The transformation of Mphepo shows the positive impact the YES programme can have in providing opportunities for young professionals to develop their skills and succeed in their careers.
His story highlights the importance of resilience, continuous learning and the support of structured programmes in achieving professional and personal growth.
Madibaneng Sekonya: Video and media content creator
Madibaneng Sekonya graduated from City Varsity in 2019 with a diploma in film and television production. Initially finding it difficult to secure a job as a film director, Sekonya worked as a freelance videographer.
In 2020, he re-registered his business, Authentic Media South Africa, and began focusing on short-format content and music videos. Despite building a name for himself, it was difficult to ensure financial stability.
The turning point came in 2021 when Sekonya joined the YES programme.
This opportunity introduced him to funding prospects and larger projects, allowing him to work with some of South Africa’s biggest brands and influencers. He transitioned from freelance videography to collaborating with notable South African musical artists and renowned international and national brands.
In 2023, Sekonya received the Tilt Rockstar of the Year award.
Sekonya’s business, Authentic Media, is based in Johannesburg. Today, it produces videos in multiple genres, including music videos, corporate videos, training videos, advertisements and content for social media and television.
Despite facing a challenging period in 2020, Sekonya took control of his fate, using his savings to buy essential equipment and revive his business.
By 2022, rising sales and cash flow, and the skills he gained from YES enabled him to get funding for Authentic from the National Youth Development Agency. His portfolio includes YES testimonials, CEO testimonial videos and corporate social responsibility projects in Soweto, aiding youth businesses in marketing their products.
Though the film industry in South Africa faces challenges, Sekonya has pivoted to focus on producing short-format content for social media.
He hopes for a future boost in the industry, with more youth projects and productions being funded.
The YES programme gave Sekonya the insights he needed into the creative industry and its business aspects.
Moipone Masha: Policy and strategy evaluator
Before joining the YES programme, Moipone Masha faced months of unemployment after tutoring part time at the University of Johannesburg. The programme became a key turning point for her, providing invaluable skills that made her highly employable.
After completing the YES programme, Masha was offered a position at Letsema Consulting as a business analyst. This opportunity was followed by another role at a government department. In her current position, Masha focuses on stakeholder engagement processes involving small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and other organisations.
Masha’s primary responsibility is to conduct thorough research on factors that have an impact on the entry and growth of SMMEs. She actively contributes to formulating and evaluating policies and strategies aligned with the localisation framework and other initiatives aimed at improving market access for SMMEs.
By collaborating with different business units in the department and various private sector players, Masha supports initiatives that encourage the inclusion of SMME-manufactured products in the offerings of local retailers and wholesalers.
Drawing on lessons learned at Letsema, Masha proactively approached her line managers and engaged in conversations that ensured her inclusion in work promoting her growth.
Her experience at the YES programme closely mirrored the real work environment, preparing her to understand and integrate into the organisations she has worked for.
Beyond her professional career, Masha is again a private tutor for university and high school students.
She teaches various subjects, from economics and business studies to language and maths literacy, showing her dedication to education and empowerment.
Her journey highlights the transformative impact of the YES programme, demonstrating the importance of professional development, proactive engagement and continuous learning in achieving career success.
Molemo Mashigo: Digital business owner
Molemo Mashigo’s relationship with the YES programme began in January 2020 when she attended a workshop that taught students how to conduct themselves professionally as sports coaches.
Many people underestimate the influence a coach has on children’s lives. Coaches help to instil morals and values, and build social skills in youngsters.
Through the workshop, Mashigo began a truly transformative journey. During the YES programme she took various modules, leading to significant personal and professional growth.
She began to see her actions with more purpose, understanding the dynamics of a community and the importance of every individual’s role. Being an injury-prone soccer player, Mashigo faced a critical moment of “what next?”
Despite her love for the game, she had to find a new way to stay connected to it. She shifted her focus to media and launched a company, Clued Up Media.
The most significant challenge was funding.
With limited resources, she found equipment to be highly expensive. Clued Up Media began as a sports show on Instagram, appreciating women in sports. Today, it has evolved into a digital business that specialises in graphics, posters, flyers, logo design, photo and video editing, event coverage, photography and videos. Now, with more than four years of industry experience, she brings creativity and innovation to every project, delivering innovative solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of her clients.
Approaching small and medium-sized enterprises, Mashigo offers professional packages that include custom logos and marketing strategies to increase sales. This approach, informed by pointers from the YES modules, has been instrumental in the company’s growth.
Her personal growth reflects the transformative impact of the YES programme. There is a lot of emphasis on personal development, community engagement and professional conduct.
Mashigo’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation and the power of structured support in achieving success.
Nyiko Nkuna: Business owner
Nyiko Nkuna began his career in the sports health and wellness environment after completing his tertiary education. At the same time, he also built a reputation for himself in environmental health and safety.
His dedication to enhancing his experience and skills in health and wellness has led him to own a successful business and brand today.
As a YES programme alumnus, sponsored by Nedbank and hosted by YES implementation partner ORT SA, Nkuna has achieved several milestones.
He has served as a youth ambassador and helped to develop the careers of his peers. He has also received recommendations from highly recognised individuals and has been named one of the top 15 most innovative individuals in South Africa by an international company.
Additionally, he was recognised as one of the top 100 Bright Young Minds on the African continent. Personally, Nkuna is supporting young people in starting their journeys towards independence.
His business, The Cargo Waste Trolley, addresses environmental health and wellness issues and sports health and wellness, both in real time and digitally.
The core benefit of his service is to ensure access to programmes and services that create education and awareness. These services teach young people how to develop digital and real-time services for their communities and surrounding businesses.
Nkuna’s determination to start his own business stems from his desire to build a legacy and foundation for the next generation in his family.
The YES programme has been instrumental in realising this passion.
As a young business owner, Nkuna has faced challenges, particularly in accessing finance. The YES programme prepared him to understand the importance of patience and good management skills in various aspects of business.
His story highlights the impact of the YES programme in empowering young people and fostering entrepreneurship, providing essential skills and support to build successful businesses and contribute positively to their communities.
Noxolo Twala: HR and payroll manager
Noxolo Twala’s story is one of perseverance and hard work. After a year of being unemployed and giving birth during this time, Twala’s life changed when she joined the YES programme at Sasol’s Natref Refinery in Randvaal, Gauteng.
Living with her aunt, a street vendor, presented many challenges, especially because of the lack of available transport to Sasolburg. Twala resorted to hitchhiking and walking to work every day.
During her time at Natref, Twala worked as an HR intern, rotating between recruitment and learning. This led her to a graduate programme in payroll and HR, where she was responsible for the payroll of 100 employees.
Her dedication and skills then earned her a position as an outsource payroll account manager and, eventually, an HR and payroll manager at a fintech payment platform organisation, where she now manages payroll for 500 employees.
In her current role, Twala ensures the payroll is run accurately and efficiently every month, leading various subsections in the company. She also oversees recruitment and helps where necessary. Her outstanding performance has earned her two Employee of the Quarter awards and client recognition for her exceptional customer service.
Twala has learnt the importance of perseverance and exceeding expectations. Despite facing challenges, she has consistently demonstrated her capabilities and dedication. Her awards and recognition reflect her experience and passion for HR and payroll.
Twala’s professional journey has also taught her valuable lessons in dealing with employees and clients, emphasising the importance of understanding and humility, as well as effective communication. She continues to develop herself personally and professionally by studying different courses related to her roles.
Twala is also a partner at an emerging payroll consultant company that provides outsourced services to various corporates.
Her story highlights how persevering through difficult times and being dedicated to professional and personal growth can result in great things. Thanks to YES giving her an enabling environment, Twala is going from strength to strength.
Phakitso Mohale: Business analyst
Before joining the Microsoft-sponsored YES programme, Phakitso Mohale was volunteering at a local high school, helping pupils with English reading and writing. She was also studying part-time at Unisa towards a marketing qualification.
However, the YES programme, hosted by Edunova, marked a significant shift in Mohale’s life. It has enabled her to support her family financially and has reduced her anxiety through stress management modules.
Professionally, Mohale gained extensive experience in technology and combined this knowledge with her marketing studies. This blend of skills built her confidence, especially in learning about software development.
Since completing the YES programme, Mohale’s career path has been marked by educational achievements and professional development. She completed her marketing degree and, to enhance her technical skills, earned a certificate in systems support, understanding IT infrastructure and support.
Mohale is pursuing an honours degree in marketing and is learning about strategic marketing and research methodologies. Today, she combines her marketing knowledge and technology background to create a meaningful career in business analysis.
Now working at a top South African bank, Mohale has led a cyber-awareness CSI project at her former school, teaching coding and robotics to pupils and fostering a love for technology.
As a business analyst, she helps to bridge the gap between business needs and technology solutions. Even though limited work experience initially posed a challenge, she overcame this by embracing continuous learning, taking on new challenges and committing to personal growth. The YES programme provided practical exposure to a professional environment, helping her to understand workplace dynamics and the importance of teamwork.
Mentorship and guidance during the YES programme allowed Mohale to develop essential skills such as communication, problem-solving and adaptability. Furthermore, the programme’s structured approach, with its clear goals and expectations, helped her to build discipline and time management skills, setting her up for success in her career.
Phathutshedzo Ramakhanya: Data scientist
Phathutshedzo Ramakhanya’s passion for numbers led her to major in mathematics and statistics at Unisa. Before her tertiary studies, she offered free maths lessons to pupils in her local community.
While taking part in Telesure Investment Holdings’ YES programme, Ramakhanya discovered the field of data science. Today, she is a data scientist at one of South Africa’s largest banks. The programme played an important role in developing her and seeing her grow from a junior to an intermediate position. She now aspires to senior and leadership roles.
At the bank, Ramakhanya has gained valuable insights into customer service in the corporate sector. Her work includes developing models to measure customer assistance response times and preferred communication platforms, and analysing fraud reporting and handling. These models inform critical decisions and help the bank to optimise its service offerings.
She works with customer information, fostering a deep understanding of the importance of customer treatment and service quality. Ramakhanya’s contributions have benefited the bank and enabled her to support her family financially.
YES has equipped her with skills essential for working in agile environments. She has learnt to navigate the ever-changing tech landscape, collaborate effectively in teams and resolve issues. The programme emphasised the importance of growth, encouraging her to embrace new challenges and continuously seek improvement.
She believes the secret to success is never hesitating to ask for help and always maintaining a growth mindset. Ramakhanya shows how it is possible through initiatives like YES to start a career and prepare for the rigours of the corporate world.
Quinzee Letsoalo: Team supervisor
Quinzee Letsoalo has a bachelor of laws (LLB) degree from the University of the Free State. But, by his own admission, his career and personal growth took a significant turn when he joined YES through MultiChoice. He believes it gave him valuable work experience and skills development opportunities that have been instrumental in shaping his professional journey.
Through the programme, Letsoalo was exposed to real-world work environments, honed job-specific skills and expanded his professional network. This enhanced his employability and opened doors to diverse career opportunities.
The programme also boosted his confidence and gave him a sense of independence. Through YES, he made significant contributions to community projects. This gave him a keen sense of fulfilment and purpose. Of course, the programme was key in providing him with invaluable lessons in time management, teamwork and adaptability.
After he completed the YES programme, Letsoalo got a position at a waste solutions organisation as a supervisor, where he honed his leadership and management skills while overseeing waste management operations.
YES gave him essential workplace skills. These included communication, teamwork, time management and problem-solving. The practical work experience gave him a fresh understanding of workplace dynamics, expectations and professional norms.
Building relationships with mentors, supervisors and peers helped him to expand his professional network. Overall, YES played a pivotal role in preparing Letsoalo for the realities of working life. It gave him a platform to build on his experiences, have confidence in navigating business challenges, and identify opportunities to thrive.
Ridha Moosa: Data analyst
Ridha Moosa wanted to be a doctor, but found his true calling in technology. Thanks to the skills and experiences gained through the Sand Technologies YES programme, he grew personally and professionally.
Over the years he has submitted research papers, owned and operated businesses, served on the board of a company that secured funding, and spoken at the largest artificial intelligence (AI) expo in Africa. In the past three years, he has excelled as a junior data scientist and in managerial roles, honing his skills in database design, pipeline scripting and application development.
As a product manager at a health tech company, Moosa helped to enhance and deploy medical practice software. He managed development life cycles and contributed to building reporting tools and dashboards for monitoring support tickets.
Now a data analyst at IQ Business, Moosa develops data solutions that source, extract and analyse data at scale. He also manages stakeholders, consults globally and helps to develop tech skills among professionals. His work ensures that data solutions are accessible, cost-effective and compliant.
He has actively participated in UX/UI design and research, designed wireframes and presented proposals for financial supplier management for a large private hospital group. He also trains users in navigating and integrating new software.
Outside his primary roles, Moosa is passionate about teaching future tech enthusiasts and creating content. He also runs a consulting company that helps businesses to enter the AI space.
His story shows how YES can equip a person with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the tech industry. His journey demonstrates the value of continuous learning, adaptability and a commitment to using technology to make a positive impact.
Savanna Sibutha: Project manager
Before joining YES, Savanna Sibutha struggled to make ends meet. Her Digiata sponsored-YES programme, hosted by the nonprofit organisation Stretch Education SA (previously Yoga4Alex), was a significant financial relief. As a tutor during the programme, Sibutha had a passion for helping children, especially those who could not afford extra lessons, to learn English.
Beyond financial improvement, the programme expanded her worldview. Through focus groups, seminars, YES modules and surveys, she discovered numerous opportunities for career and social development.
On completing the YES programme, Sibutha was offered a position at her host organisation. Initially working as a supervisor, she obtained a qualification in project management and became a project manager.
She has since qualified as a yoga instructor and recently completed a supervisory management course. She attributes these achievements to the opportunities provided through YES, which facilitated her growth.
At Stretch Education SA, Sibutha oversees various projects, including teaching yoga in high schools, English in primary schools, running afternoon programmes at its centre, IT work, and skills development programmes for YES Youth. The YES Youth leave the programme with recognised qualifications, equipping them for future employment or entrepreneurship.
The YES app played a crucial role in preparing Sibutha for her professional life, teaching her how to dress appropriately, manage time, communicate effectively, and more. She also became computer literate.
In addition to her primary role at Stretch Education SA, Sibutha tutors English, maths, science and wellness in her community, and gives private yoga classes.
Her story highlights the transformative power of the YES programme in providing young professionals with the tools and confidence needed to succeed.
Shannon Munnick: B-BBEE compliance adviser
Shannon Munnick is a proud coloured woman who was raised by a dedicated single mother.
Her mother ensured she had the best opportunities, including private schooling and a bachelor of laws (LLB) degree. Committed to making her mom proud, Munnick chose the less-conventional path of legal compliance instead of becoming an admitted attorney.
Her first significant work experience came through YES, when she was sponsored by and placed at EconoServices, a B-BBEE consulting firm, from 2019 to 2020.
This laid the foundation for her successful career in B-BBEE compliance.
Today, she is a qualified and experienced senior B-BBEE adviser at BEE123, a software-driven B-BBEE advisory firm. Her journey began as a junior B-BBEE consultant on the YES programme, which moulded her personally and professionally.
She gained foundational knowledge and developed essential skills, such as professional and personal confidence, phone etiquette, effective time management, accountability, leadership, ethical behaviour, emotional intelligence, competence, empathy and compassion.
Munnick joined YES in the final year of her law degree. Within six months she went from junior to senior B-BBEE consultant. In her current role, she advises more than 130 companies, some of which are listed on the JSE, on their B-BBEE compliance.
Her job ensures continuous learning and development while exposing her to the profound impact of B-BBEE on individuals and the economy. It also highlights the challenges and abuses in the system, motivating her to address and combat these issues.
A full-circle moment for Munnick was being asked to train the YES team on the B-BBEE codes.
Through YES, she became economically active, allowing her to support her mother after she was retrenched during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sibonganjalo Botha: Learning coordinator
Sibonganjalo Botha’s educational journey at Wits University, where she earned an undergraduate degree in industrial psychology and industrial sociology, laid a strong foundation for her future career. She achieved an honours degree in industrial psychology, graduating cum laude.
With no formal work experience before joining the YES programme, Botha was fortunate to secure a job through YES right after graduating. The YES programme was transformative, shaping her professional journey. Despite her limited work experience, Botha immersed herself in multinational corporations, gaining invaluable insights and opportunities that would otherwise have remained out of reach.
Her career began as a human resources administrator in the YES programme. The year after that she took on the role of workday implementation administrator. In that same year, she was recognised for her exceptional performance and contributions by being offered a permanent contract as a training and development coordinator at one of the biggest fast-moving consumer goods companies in the country.
The programme’s structured initiatives empowered her to navigate her role independently. Most importantly, the programme helped Botha uncover her passion for HR, enabling her to envision and plan her career trajectory far more effectively.
Today, she spearheads the development and implementation of impactful learning initiatives to foster the professional growth of employees. An important part of her preparation in this regard stems from the invaluable mentorship she received through the YES programme.
The YES programme prepared Botha for the challenges and benefits of working, providing her with lifelong resources – mentors and a network she can always rely on. Her story highlights the significant impact of YES in shaping young professionals’ careers.
Sindisiwe Zuma: Teacher and tutoring centre founder
Before joining the YES programme, Sindisiwe Zuma faced significant financial challenges that made it difficult to complete her degree. She worked as a hotel cleaner and store cashier, but found these jobs exhausting and unfulfilling. Joining the Toyota-sponsored YES programme through implementation partner Youth@WORK marked a turning point in her life, allowing her to register at university and continue her studies.
With the income from YES, Zuma was able to buy necessary items, contribute to household bills and gain experience in her dream career of teaching. After completing the YES programme, she was hired as an intern at the school where she had trained.
Zuma’s dedication paid off, as she completed her degree and graduated as a teacher. She worked for five years as an intern at the same school, gaining invaluable classroom experience.
Recognising a need in her community for additional educational support, she founded Fundisisa Tutoring Centre.
The tutoring centre addresses the challenges of overcrowded schools, a lack of resources and parents who are either illiterate or work long hours. It offers extra lessons in maths, English and reading for learners from grades 1 to 9.
The YES programme was instrumental in Zuma’s journey, giving her the opportunity to work in a school and gain hands-on experience. She developed essential customer service and communication skills, enabling her to effectively interact with parents and advertise her business.
Zuma’s tutoring centre now employs two part-time staff members, providing them with extra income and important on-the-job experience. Her story is one of dedication and highlights how the YES programme transforms lives by offering financial stability, practical experience and the skills needed to pursue and achieve professional goals.
Somila Skelem: Restaurant manager
Somila Skelem faced financial challenges while studying at her local TVET College in the Eastern Cape, which threatened to stop her from completing her diploma.
However, applying to the Famous Brands YES programme marked a significant turning point in Skelem’s life. The programme not only provided financial stability, but also drastically changed her world view and overall personality.
Joining the YES programme opened Skelem up to the professional world, instilling in her a newfound confidence and a desire for self-improvement.
The experience pushed her to believe in herself and recognise the opportunities available beyond her initial expectations.
During her time in the YES programme, Skelem was promoted to supervisor at Mugg & Bean, a role she embraced with enthusiasm. Upon completing the programme, she continued to excel, eventually becoming a manager.
This transition into management has been groundbreaking for her. It has broadened her mind to new ideas and altered her perspectives on individuals and leadership.
One of the biggest obstacles Skelem faced was coming out of her shell. Through the proper training and mentorship provided by Famous Brands and YES, she was able to overcome this challenge. The programme equipped her with the skills to speak up confidently, know when to listen and effectively navigate the professional world, which was initially unfamiliar to her.
The programme’s structured approach and supportive environment helped Skelem develop essential skills in communication, leadership and professional conduct. These skills have been an important part of her journey from being a student who faced financial difficulties to a successful manager at Mugg & Bean.
Her story highlights the profound impact of the YES programme in transforming lives and opening doors to new opportunities.
Thato Mokwebo: Co-founder of a soup kitchen
Thato Mokwebo’s journey before engaging with the YES programme was marked by a strong focus on philanthropic initiatives and a budding career in film production. Alongside his partner, Mokwebo established Ntsika Ye Sizwesethu, a soup kitchen that provides essential nourishment to learners and underprivileged shack residents in Alexandra township.
Mokwebo’s introduction to the YES programme came through his pursuit of opportunities in content generation at the Alex hub of YES. Drawn to the programme’s dedication to empowering youth in the Alexandra community, he was headhunted for a suitable role in the YES Drone Academy.
In March 2022, Mokwebo embarked on his journey with YES. During his tenure, he relied on his skills and determination to make significant contributions to the programme. He acquired experience in the drone industry, accumulating 300 flight hours while working for a prominent drone company.
In addition to his achievements in the drone industry, Mokwebo successfully secured funding and support from the Industrial Development Corporation and a multinational beverage company for an innovative aeroponics farming project. With the backing of these entities, Mokwebo and his team have acquired the necessary resources to start the construction of aeroponics pods that can be used at his soup kitchen.
Through these initiatives, Ntsika Ye Sizwesethu continues to feed children daily and aims to introduce more sustainable nutritional value to the community.
Mokwebo’s journey with YES highlights how the programme can provide opportunities for those looking to grow personally and professionally. By combining his passion for philanthropy with advanced technological skills, Mokwebo has made contributions to his community that can easily extend beyond Alexandra township in the future.
Thobani May: Business owner
Before joining the YES programme, Thobani May was a budding entrepreneur with a vision for his charcoal production business, Eco Char. However, his operations were at a very low level, and he needed support to kick-start his venture.
May’s YES programme, sponsored by Ford and hosted by YES implementation partner Conservation South Africa, brought significant positive changes to his life, both personally and professionally. It equipped him with the confidence, knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in business. The programme provided him with valuable information and tools that he continues to rely on to this day.
One of May’s most notable achievements was selling his first 20 tons of charcoal and gaining recognition through radio stations and newspaper articles. Eco Char turns wattle trees, an invasive species, into charcoal. By doing this, May addresses environmental concerns such as soil erosion and the restoration of springs and grazing lands.
Eco Char not only combats the infestation of wattle trees, but also creates employment opportunities for 20 young people in May’s community. The business transforms a problematic invasive species into a sellable product, benefiting everyone involved. The YES programme showed May how to take his ideas to the next level and grow his start-up.
Even though sales initially presented a significant challenge for May, he made a name for the Eco Char brand by networking with more business-savvy individuals. Despite charcoal being a seasonal product, the right connections helped him to start generating continuous sales. The skills and professionalism he gained through the programme have been instrumental in his success.
The YES programme provided May with the resources and support needed to grow Eco Char into a successful business that not only addresses environmental issues, but also creates valuable job opportunities in his community.
Tshegofatso Sekwele: Head of department
After graduating, Tshegofatso Sekwele struggled to find employment, and so she turned to YES. This helped her to get her first employment opportunity, which turned out to be a life-changing experience.
As part of Kumba Iron Ore’s YES programme at Sishen Mine, where Sekwele worked, a logbook was created for all the participants. They rotated through different finance disciplines and presented their learnings to the management team. It was this experience that allowed Sekwele to understand the business side of things, improve her presentation skills and enhance her technical skills, all of which prepared her for her future roles.
Thanks to the programme, Sekwele could access the Anglo American graduate programme after her YES year. This opened up numerous opportunities, and she secured a position at Anglo American Platinum.
This was the catalyst that launched her career, she says. In just five years at Anglo American Platinum, she has grown through the ranks from an intern to becoming a department head at the plant in Rustenburg.
In her current role as head of department, Sekwele works with her team to support the preparation of financial forecasts, collaborate with management to identify cost-improvement opportunities and provide training and mentoring to staff.
She has two direct reports and faces daily challenges that help her grow both professionally and personally.
Over the years, Sekwele has faced several challenges. These include maintaining a work-life balance, dealing with imposter syndrome, navigating office politics and finding ways to grow professionally.
She has overcome these challenges through mentorship and by building a strong professional network.
Her transition into the corporate world shows the transformative power of the YES programme in action. It is designed to provide young professionals with the opportunities and support needed to succeed.
Vuyiswa Gaba: Finance professional
Vuyiswa Gaba’s career journey took a transformative turn when she joined YES. She had previously only worked in retail, but was eager to pursue a career aligned with her studies in financial accounting.
She was about to complete her BCom at the University of Cape Town (UCT) when she received a call to join AP Moller Maersk’s YES programme in the finance space.
This opportunity allowed her to demonstrate her capabilities to potential employers.
After her graduation from UCT, she was hired by AP Moller Maersk. Starting as an assistant financial analyst, she was kept on after the programme on a fixed-term contract before becoming a permanent employee in August 2022.
Now a finance business partner, Gaba continues to grow and learn. Her journey through different roles has helped her to establish a name for herself as a well-versed professional. She also manages the monthly town hall preparations for the managing director, which is outside her primary finance role.
Gaba has received recognition for her contributions at Maersk. She won a Spot Award, a cash prize for solving problems and helping with forecasting while meeting deadlines. She has also been acknowledged for her participation in the Strategies 4 Success programme, designed for young women in the company seeking growth. Her achievements were highlighted in a Youth Day post on LinkedIn and on the Maersk website.
In her current role, Gaba specialises in analysing reports and data to prepare consolidated information for relevant stakeholders. Through this, she has developed a passion for management accounting. Despite being the youngest in her team and initially feeling intimidated, she overcame these challenges with guidance from her seniors. One senior manager’s advice to embrace failure as part of learning helped her to grow personally and professionally.
The experiences and challenges Gaba faced during her time with YES were instrumental in her development. Her portfolio changed every few months, giving her a comprehensive understanding of finance and the roles of financial analysts.
Through perseverance and support, Gaba has successfully transitioned from retail to a thriving career in finance.
Warren Mkhize: Business owner
Warren Mkhiz’s journey through the Nedbank YES programme began in his final year of studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2018. The prospect of finding work was daunting. By his own account, YES has had a massive impact on him, both personally and professionally.
Through YES, he developed interpersonal skills, learned to navigate different personalities in the workplace, and improved his teamwork and conflict-resolution abilities.
The confidence gained from YES inspired Mkhize to start his own business, Mycopro, which cultivates, produces and sells oyster mushrooms in 200g punnets.
Mycopro also offers training for those interested in mushroom farming and provides farm extension services to help other mushroom farmers facing challenges.
The entrepreneurial spark ignited by YES led Mkhize to research successful businesses. Discovering that mushroom farming was among the top viable options, he invested R5,800 from his YES salary to start Mycopro, and another R2,000 to buy a second-hand computer for managing his business.
He has supplied oyster mushrooms to commercial businesses and institutions. He has trained teams at the Durban University of Technology Enactus and at the Innobiz Durban University of Technology Centre of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
His products are sold at Quarry Superspar, Parklane Superspar and Inksi Market Agent. Recently, he started producing his own seed to save costs and improve efficiency.
The most significant challenge Mkhize faced was sustaining his business, particularly as a self-funded entrepreneur who did not qualify for loans because he did not have credit. To overcome this, he learned how and where to sell his products, targeting high-end markets to maximise profit.
He diversified his offerings by selling the materials used to produce mushrooms and even ventured into value-added products such as dried mushrooms for spice, and using offcuts as animal feed.
Mkhize’s journey from student to business owner highlights the transformative power of strategic support and determination.
Wendy Mhlongo: Marketing leader
Before she joined the YES programme, Wendy Mhlongo worked as a teacher assistant. She was shy and had a lot of self-doubt. In the Nedbank-sponsored YES programme, she transitioned to a marketing intern position at Love Howick, the host for the programme.
Here, she has supported various marketing activities. Thanks to her dedication and personal growth, she was recognised as one of the top three participants who were absorbed by Love Howick after the completion of the programme. She was appointed as an entry-level marketing coordinator.
This resulted in her taking on more responsibilities that included managing email campaigns, organising events and assisting with marketing analytics and reporting.
She was promoted to marketing specialist, where she was able to focus on specific areas such as digital and content marketing. She then became a marketing supervisor. In this position, she oversees the entire marketing function in her department, providing leadership, direction and strategic guidance to the marketing team.
She is responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies and ensuring the team achieves its goals. Furthermore, she manages all social media platforms, creates newsletters and undertakes a range of other managerial functions.
Her achievements are underscored by her commitment to continuous learning thanks to the foundation that YES provided.
She completed a certificate course in fundamental marketing.
YES has played a pivotal role in Mhlongo’s development. It has given her the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the professional world. Her journey from a shy teacher assistant to a confident marketing leader highlights the programme’s impact on shaping and moulding young professionals for success. DM
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