YES Top 35 Under 35 class of 2024. PHOTO: Supplied 
Today’s workplaces look nothing like the industries of a decade ago as factors like climate change, digital innovation and artificial intelligence reshape the job market. YES has always been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to tackling youth unemployment in South Africa and the programme has adapted, placing youth in key sectors to meet evolving demands. This is reflected by the YES alumni who are excelling in these sectors and developing skills for future-fit careers. Last year’s Top 35 Under 35 exemplify what it means to enter these evolving spaces boldly and unapologetically. Today, they’re still demonstrating the exceptional leadership that earned them the title of Top 35 Under 35 alum.
Here’s what leadership looks like in the digital economy
Several winners have placed themselves at the forefront of the digital revolution. Basani Moahi is leveraging AI and automation in financial services, streamlining how insurance claims are processed. Phathutshedzo Autilia Ramakhanya, now a Data Analyst at a multinational brewing company, is pairing advanced data science with youth development outreach (mentorship is a common thread among our 2024 cohort). Ridha Moosa has also used the Top 35 Under 35 Competition as a launchpad into thought leadership in the digital sphere. He’s shared his insights on a panel at a national Microsoft event, inspiring other young professionals to explore data-driven solutions.
Sustainable careers in sustainability
Sustainability is moving up the agenda across industry and government, and members of our 2024 cohort are meeting the demand, building careers and growing skills in the green economy. Thobani May continues to grow his business, Ecosys Char Pty Ltd, using sustainable charcoal alternatives to reimagine energy consumption. Warren Mkhize, a mushroom farmer and mycologist, has scaled production at Mycopro while training youth in sustainable agriculture. Quinzee Letsoalo has grown Flosam Waste Solutions to secure new contracts and prove that even industrial waste can be a site of opportunity.
Telling stories of innovation and entrepreneurship
The Top 35 also demonstrate the economic muscle of the creative industry. Without these young leaders, stories like theirs would never be told. Madibaneng Levy Sekonya has doubled revenue at Authentic Media South Africa, launched short film platforms, and built partnerships with major brands like Nando’s. Kgaugelo Neville Ngomane is exporting African storytelling to the world with ColourDrop Media and his international wildlife photography enterprise. Asanda Nqoko runs a media company that takes him across Europe and the Middle East, showing that South African creativity holds global currency.
From YES Youth to YES leaders
One of the many qualities that sets our Top 35 Under 35 alumni apart is their outstanding leadership. These YES alumni went from programme participants to managers, employers, partners, and mentors. Alluta Goniwe is an inspiring example of a true full-circle moment. Once a YES youth herself, she now works at YES in Business Development. Every day Goniwe experiences the mechanisms behind the initiative that changed her life. Goitseone Lecogo is another example of going from YES Youth to youth employment catalyst managing key partnerships, and ensuring corporate collaborations create meaningful jobs from young South Africans.
Lessons learned
Across dozens of alumni reflections, one consistent thread emerges: success in new sectors requires resilience, adaptability, and a deep sense of purpose.
Whether it is the insistence that “purpose is the real profit,” as Thobani May puts it, or the reminder from Moahi that young leaders must “evolve with the times, expand yourself with knowledge and always try out new things,” the advice converges on one point. The workplaces of the future are evolving, but so are our youth. A year later, it’s clear that our inaugural Top 35 under 35 alumni continue to show what’s possible when opportunity meets excellence
These are just a few updates from our 2024 Top 35 Under 35 Alumni. See the full list of alumni and their achievements below.
Andrew Makamedi: Southern African Contract and Commerce Manager at a leading telecommunications and technology company
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Andrew has stepped up to a regional contracts leadership role and advanced fintech entrepreneurial ventures, using the platform to forge partnerships and amplify impact.
Ebernezer Chauke: Lead Analyst: Alumni Strategy & Youth Engagements at a prominent youth employment initiative
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Ebernezer has transitioned from operations into a national strategy role, leading an alumni engagement pilot to track outcomes at scale and unlock more opportunities for youth.
Fikile Mbambo: Head of Programmes at a social impact initiative
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Fikile has expanded their portfolio to lead a larger team and broader programmes, modelling adaptive leadership.
Gcina Twala: Project Co‑Ordinator at a prominent marketing and insights firm
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Gcina has been nominated for a national Woman in Community award and grown partnerships that sustain community impact.
Humbulani Moeketsi: Entrepreneur at a creative media venture
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Humbulani has secured growth funding and mentored three YES candidates in their business.
Karabo Chantell Mtsweni: Process Engineer at a leading automotive components and energy‑storage manufacturer
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Karabo has amplified influence through mentoring and continuous learning across large operations.
Kgothatso Kgafela: Financial Administrator at a leading building‑materials company
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Kgothatso has won a 12‑month mine contract via a side venture, creating four jobs, and released a debut EP
Kgothatso Mahlaku: Marketing Coordinator at a prominent cloud distribution provider
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Kgothatso has built powerful networks and is working toward a project management specialisation.
Lawrence Mphepo: Operations Manager at a leading workforce solutions provider
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Lawrence has completed an Advanced Management Course and earned recognition for operational leadership.
Luthabile Mbotshelwa: Entrepreneur at a creative production venture
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Luthabile has voiced a national advert for a youth employment initiative, unlocking new creative opportunities.
Moipone Masha: Consultant at a prominent management consulting firm
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Moipone has shifted to private‑sector advisory and deepened grassroots impact through a Grade 3 literacy programme.
Molemo Mashigo: Entrepreneur at a creative media studio
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Molemo has been selected for the Seeds for Africa Consolidate Programme for high‑level mentorship.
Noxolo Twala: Payroll Specialist at a prominent insurer
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Noxolo has accelerated career growth from HR and payroll management into specialist roles.
Nyiko Gift Nkuna: Entrepreneur at a circular‑economy and waste‑solutions venture
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Nyiko has expanded community reach and client pipelines through new programmes and skills development.
Phakitso Mohale: Quality Assurance Tester at a leading financial‑services group
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Phakitso has helped testing teams hit key targets while advancing youth cyber‑safety education in Soweto.
Savanna Sibutha: Director at a social‑impact education initiative
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Savanna has stepped into organisational leadership, directing literacy and mental‑health projects across multiple regions.
Shannon Munnick: Transformation leader at a fast‑growing multinational device manufacturer
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Shannon has driven a transformation within organisations and now leads internal change.
Sibonganjalo Sibusiso Botha: Learning Coordinator at a leading consumer‑goods company
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Sibonganjalo has built a podcast surpassing 100,000 subscribers and launched a foundation providing school shoes to learners.
Sindisiwe Naledi Zuma: Entrepreneur at an education and tutoring venture
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Sindisiwe has sustained and grown a community tutoring centre, helping students master crucial subjects like maths and English.
Somila Skelem: Manager at a prominent restaurant chain
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Somila has earned an online teaching certificate, begun a teaching role, and is pursuing an AI certification.
Thato Mokwebo: Entrepreneur at a community development venture
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Thato has secured partnerships and national media exposure, scaled food‑security work, and begun the path toward an MBA.
Tshegofatso Sekwele: Commercial Advisor at a leading platinum producer
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Tshegofatso has opened new collaboration channels and broadened mentorship influence across the value chain.
Vuyiswa Gaba: Finance Business Partner at a leading global logistics and shipping company
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Vuyiswa has stepped into leadership and widened her work in advocacy and empowerment. She has also co‑hosted a national webinar on financial literacy and workplace empowerment for young professionals.
Wendy Mandisa Mhlongo: Marketing and Administration leader at a social‑impact NGO
Since being named a Top 35 Under 35 alum Wendy has transitioned to a new role as Office Administrator and PA to the Director at a global NGO. She continues to align work with a purpose-driven mission, extending organisational reach and impact. DM