Meet the Top 35 Under 35.

When the job market shut down during COVID, Sibusiso Radebe refused to give up. Fresh from an IT qualification, he volunteered at Duduza Primary School, helping with COVID Standard Operating Procedures, basic administration, and integrating technology into classrooms. It was not the career he had pictured, but Radebe was grateful for the opportunity to learn and serve his community.

He unlocked opportunity through the YES programme, funded by Nedbank and hosted by Duduza Primary School as an IT administrator and a PYEI supervisor. Through the school, he completed work-readiness and business modules, along with certifications from organisations such as the NYDA, Black Umbrellas, and Excel Grow. This structured learning and mentorship gave him the financial stability and confidence to turn his ideas into action. He currently works at MNS Attorneys as a data analyst, specialising in data-driven solutions. .

Radebe is also a natural leader. In 2014, he founded and continues to chair Ikusasa Lethu Youth Development. This initiative raises funds for school uniforms, runs clean-up projects, and provides skills development opportunities for young people in Duduza. He later launched a small digital marketing side business, offering logo design, branding, and promotional materials to local traders.

That venture evolved into PresiDA. This is a full-service branding and digital marketing company helping township-based businesses compete through signage, branded clothing, corporate gifting, and campaign design. “Every business deserves a chance to be seen,” he says. .

Since completing his YES programme, Radebe has served as a deputy presiding officer for the IEC during the 2024 national elections in Gauteng and worked on a data-analysis project at MNS Attorneys. These experiences have sharpened his professionalism and analytical skills. .

At 27, he is creating jobs through PresiDA, mentoring peers, and proving that local entrepreneurship can drive national growth. “YES taught me resilience. It showed me that with persistence, small beginnings can grow into something transformative.” .

When the non-profit where Vanecce Abrahams worked as an IT Manager shut down, the timing could not have been worse. She had spent three years building a career she loved, providing for her mother and siblings, and securing her future. Overnight, she was unemployed and facing the weight of being her family’s breadwinner. “It was one of the darkest months of my life,” she recalls.

The YES programme, sponsored by SAS Institute and hosted by youth@WORK, renewed her hope. She joined as a data quality officer, managing provincial teams and ensuring thousands of young people received a quality work experience. From there, she went on to manage the Verification team, safeguarding the integrity of cohort data. The work was demanding, but it gave her the stability she had been praying for.

That initial stability has grown into a sustainable career. Today, Vanecce serves as an operations coordinator at YES implementation partner organisation youth@WORK, overseeing workflows, compliance, and team performance. Her commitment was recognised with a fully funded Project Management course, an investment in her potential. “It was proof they saw me as an asset,” she says.

Her role lets her support her family, reduce youth unemployment, and mentor others in building their own careers. At the same time, she runs a weekend side hustle selling food with her family, a venture that keeps extra income flowing and reminds her of the value of resourcefulness.

As a young woman thriving in operations and data management, Vanecce is breaking barriers in a field still dominated by men, proving that precision and empathy drive impact.

At 32, Vanecce has managed to purchase her first property, a milestone she never imagined possible at her lowest point. “YES gave me a second chance,” she says. “It helped me rebuild my career, and it reminded me that resilience is one of my strongest skills.”

For 30-year-old Zanenhlanhla Nothemba Sithole, finance is not only about numbers. It’s about accessibility. As an investment analyst in energy and infrastructure, she blends valuation skills with a passion for inclusion, helping shape an investment space that reflects South Africa’s diversity.

Her path to private equity was far from linear. After matriculating in 2013, she began studying Business Science at the University of Cape Town but had to pause her studies for financial reasons. She turned to writing and the fashion industry as a studio assistant before resuming her degree at Wits, where she completed a BCom in Economics and Management in 2019. The pandemic made graduate jobs scarce, but instead of waiting, she co-founded Loris Consulting to support black-owned small businesses, her first experience combining finance and social purpose.

In 2022, she joined investment advisory and asset management firm RisCura Holdings through the YES programme as a business development administrator. The experience offered mentorship, structure, and exposure to the inner workings of finance. In 2023, she transitioned to an investment analyst energy & Infrastructure at a boutique advisory firm, known for its senior-driven expertise in Africa’s energy and infrastructure sectors, where she honed skills in valuation, credit analysis, and due diligence while researching unlisted assets and emerging-market investments.

Zanenhlanhla conceptualised and hosted RisCura’s first Women in Private Equity event to highlight the barriers facing women in finance. She also helped design a valuation exercise for schoolgirls as part of the CFA Society South Africa Day of the Girl initiative. “Seeing them calculate a company’s worth for the first time was proof that finance can be demystified,” she says.

That same commitment to equity runs through her side venture, Inclusive Sustainability Practice (ISP), a social-innovation enterprise that partners with foundations and local communities to co-design low-cost, practical solutions for development challenges.

“YES taught me that opportunity is multiplied when you bring others with you,” she says.

For Robyn Forbay, writing has always been a way to make sense of the world. At the University of Cape Town, she paired Politics & Governance with Media & Writing, graduating with distinction. Her academic excellence earned her a spot on the Dean’s List, an invitation to the Golden Key Honour Society, and the UCT Plus Gold Award for community service.

While still an undergraduate, she interned at Be-cause Integrated Communications and joined Her Campus, the student publication, later becoming Editor-in-Chief and Chairperson. That role sharpened her editorial instincts and was her first experience of leading a team. She also explored her entrepreneurial side by founding Hey Batter Batter, a bespoke cake business that broke even in its first year.

The YES programme, sponsored by Nestle and hosted by Inyosi Empowerment and Worker Bee, accelerated her career trajectory. At Inyosi Empowerment, she established an in-house PR function from scratch. Within six months, she had secured more than R500,000 worth of media coverage and positioned Inyosi’s solar financing venture in the market. “YES gave me the confidence to trust my ideas in a corporate space,” she says.

Today, at just 24, Forbay works as a Junior Consultant at Global Think Group. Her role matches her growing expertise as she contributes to high-profile communications projects across energy, finance, real estate, and cybersecurity. This includes the strategic repositioning of a PIF-backed giga project in Saudi Arabia, a project that Forbay is particularly proud of.

Forbay represents a new generation of strategic communicators who blend academic rigour with creative storytelling to amplify purpose-driven brands and voices.

“I have learnt that taking up space matters,” she says. “Whether it is in a newsroom, a boardroom, or a community project, your voice has value. Use it.”

Samkele Xaba’s story with the Imbeleko, Dr Seni Myeni Foundation started more than a decade ago when she joined as a boarding school scholarship beneficiary. Back then, she was on the receiving end of support. Today, at just 25, she is the one shaping strategy and raising resources as head of development. Her journey is proof of how far opportunity can carry a determined young woman.

After matriculating in 2017, Samkele pursued a BCom in Finance and Economics at UKZN, completing her studies despite the disruption caused by COVID. Instead of slowing down, she volunteered at Imbeleko, giving back to the same community that had shaped her. Through the YES programme, sponsored by Nedbank and hosted by the Imbeleko, Dr Seni Myeni Foundation, she gained her first formal workplace experience. The experience gave her skills in administration, fundraising, and communication, as well as the financial independence to register for her Honours in Finance in 2022.

Her growth has been steady and deliberate. She now balances her role at Imbeleko with postgraduate study, completing her Honours in 2023 and currently pursuing an MPhil in Development Finance at Stellenbosch University. Along the way, she was selected for the prestigious Traversing Liminality Fellowship founded by Dr Lulu Gwagwa, joining a group of young black women redefining what is possible.

At Imbeleko, Samkele oversees fundraising, stakeholder engagement, proposal writing, and financial planning. She leads a team of interns and volunteers while also running social media campaigns that amplify the organisation’s reach.

By transforming from a scholarship recipient to the person designing programmes that empower others, Samkele is reshaping how opportunity is paid forward. “YES was my bridge into professional life,” she says. “It gave me the confidence to lead, and now I use that to open doors for others.”

32-year-old Sibusiso Keswa’s toughest years came just before his big break. After his family was evicted, he carried the weight of depression and rejection in his search for work. COVID deepened the struggle, but he refused to give up hope. “I told myself I had to find a way to keep going,” he recalls.

Joining the YES programme, sponsored by The Foschini Retail Group (TFG), was the beginning of a new chapter. A placement at Markham Southgate as a fashion consultant became his lifeline, giving him skills, structure, and renewed confidence. “It was the moment I realised I still had something to offer,” he says.

From there, his life took a sharp turn. He secured a home for his family, easing a burden that had weighed on him for years. A bursary opened the door to study Radio Production, a long-held dream. He directed a science show, shot his first film, and found a passion for storytelling.

He launched LaVeeDaLoka Entertainment, managing artists and producing content for up-and-coming creatives. His love for fashion and style led him to launch Thrift Phoenix. “With the little money I saved and the support of my family, I bought my first clothing bail. That was the start,” he says.

These ventures are more than a means to an end. Thrift Phoenix helps families find affordable clothes, while LaVeeDaLoka gives young performers a platform rarely found in their communities.

Looking back, Keswa admits the hardest part was starting with almost nothing. He began with no capital, little business knowledge, and no safety net. Yet those challenges taught him what he needed to succeed.

Today, Keswa is part of a new generation using art and enterprise to rewrite the story of township youth employment. “YES unlocked my potential. It made me believe I could build something lasting for others.”

When Nomawethu Ntsangani enrolled at the University of the Free State, she was interested in understanding what makes people tick. She majored in Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology and later completed an Honours in Criminology. “I want to understand why people decide the way they do, and how systems can meet them with empathy and clarity,” she says. What she did not know then was how her studies would lead to a successful career in customer experience (CX).

Her professional break came in 2018 through the YES programme, sponsored and hosted by MTN Group. Placed in the Consumer division as a Customer Experience and Operations Graduate, Nomawethu worked with teams across 18 countries. The job was daunting, but it gave her a crash course in how diverse customers think, decide, and interact. “YES was the spark. It made me realise this was a space where I could grow,” says Nomawethu.

“That foundation led her to a role at a leading South African telecommunications company, where she specialized in Customer Experience (CX) and Continuous Improvement. She later advanced to a CX role at one of the country’s top financial institutions focused on asset-based financing. In these positions, she identifies pain points in the customer journey, improves processes, and ensures feedback translates into action. Working closely with cross-functional teams, she bridges product and operations to keep the customer’s voice at the center. ‘If you make one interaction easier, you’ve already made a difference,’ she says.”

Nomawethu stands out as a future changemaker because she blends social science insights with data-driven CX, translating human behaviour into better products and services at scale. By bringing the customer’s voice into boardrooms, she is helping South African tech brands compete on user experience rather than just price.

She credits YES with giving her the resilience to face challenges and the confidence to step into leadership roles.

When her electrical engineering qualification failed to open doors, Mualusi Fortunate had to improvise. She made a living selling chips and fried fish before taking shifts at McDonald’s to keep going. “It was survival,” she says. “But I knew I wanted more than that.”

That “more” came when she enrolled at UNISA for a Diploma in Law. Soon after, she joined the YES programme, sponsored and hosted by Aon South Africa, where she gained practical experience in legal and compliance. The work felt structured, challenging, and full of possibility. “YES was the bridge,” she says. “It gave me a real start.”

From that placement came a four-month contract, and then a permanent role. Today, at 30, Mualusi works as a business operations technical, risk, and compliance administrator. As an integral team member, her role involves approving insurers, checking regulatory documents, and tracking customer complaints. She also prepares reports, supports audits, and mentors graduates, inspiring them with her own journey from uncertainty to success.

Along the way, she has turned education into her engine for growth. With her employer’s backing, she earned a Compliance Management Certificate from UCT, passed her RE5 with distinction, and completed a BCom Law degree. Each achievement gave her new confidence and expanded the skills she brings to her team. “I wanted to prove that resilience and persistence can take you further than circumstances ever will,” she says.

She never abandoned entrepreneurship and still has side hustles. Today, she sells luxury fragrances online, sharpening her entrepreneurial skills while diversifying her income. It is a reminder that growth is not only about climbing the corporate ladder but also about creating opportunities outside it.

Looking back, she credits YES for setting everything in motion. “It gave me my first chance to prove myself, and I’ve been building ever since.”

Sinoxolo Moyomuhle Nene got her start in science. After completing her BSc in Applied Mathematics and Physics, followed by a master’s in physics at UKZN, she thought she would stay in academia. But the YES programme redirected her path and revealed a passion for technology she hadn’t yet explored.

“I loved solving problems, but I did not know how that would translate into a career,” she recalls. Her problem-solving was put to the test with an ABSA-sponsored YES placement at Domino Business. The role upped her confidence and showed how data could be as creative as it is technical. .

This insight primed her for a role as a junior data analyst, where she mastered tools like Power BI and SQL. These platforms helped her translate data into dashboards and reports that made complex insights easier to action. .

The work opened doors into the tech industry, showing her how data analysis informs decisions that shape businesses. Keen to expand her skills, she began learning C# and .NET, programming languages and frameworks used to build modern, scalable business applications. .

Now at 29, Sinoxolo works as a junior developer at a small research and product company, where she develops and maintains backend applications, works with SQL Server databases, and collaborates with senior developers on integration projects. Being the only black woman on her team has been challenging, but she now sees her unique perspective as an asset. “Representation matters. My journey shows other young women that they belong here, too,” she says.

Outside the office, she channels her creativity into her faith. She runs a blog, Tales of Grace, and created the Loved Beyond Measure journal to help people connect with God through journaling and reflection. Like her career, Nene’s side project is a tangible representation of resilience, purpose, and persistence. .

When unemployment stretched past a year, Thulisile Makosazana Ntetha admits she was close to giving up. “It was one of the darkest months of my life,” she recalls. With bills piling up, she turned to security training, earning her PSIRA Grade C and firearm competency. It was a stopgap, not a dream, until the YES programme, sponsored by Johnson Matthey and hosted by UAV Industries, changed her trajectory.

Through the programme, Thulisile was introduced to the world of drone technology. What began as a placement quickly grew into a passion. She trained rigorously, earned her pilot qualifications, and built a spotless flying record. Those skills set her apart in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry, where precision is vital. .

Her outstanding performance caught management's eye. Recognised for her dedication, Thulisile was promoted to Security Manager at UAV Industries, overseeing security policy, risk assessments, and compliance. She has since upgraded her PSIRA registration to Grade A and added a Security Management Certificate to her credentials. .

She liaises with regulators and law enforcement, ensures site security, and trains staff in UAS protocols. It is a far cry from the uncertainty she once faced. “YES gave me the tools and the confidence to rebuild. I went from barely holding on to being entrusted with protecting people, assets, and communities.” .

As a woman leading in aviation security, Thulisile is breaking barriers in a field still largely dominated by men, proving that courage and dedication can redefine leadership. .

At 35, Thuisile sees her career not just as personal progress but as part of a bigger movement, promoting responsible UAV use in surveillance, search and rescue, and infrastructure safety. “It is about showing that with resilience and opportunity, you can rise higher than you ever imagined.” .

At 24, Seja Makgato already knows what it means to wrestle with setbacks and still find a way forward. After matric, she enrolled in business school, but financial constraints forced him to abandon her degree. Seja felt like giving up. Instead, she pivoted to chase every professional opportunity she could. She finally landed on one that opened the door to cloud computing and IT support.

Troubleshooting networks, managing systems, and experimenting with cloud solutions sparked her curiosity and built her confidence. Soon, she was not just learning but leading. Seja began facilitating sessions for other learners, guiding them through technical concepts and teaching them how to troubleshoot issues. Seja’s performance stood out, and a string of best performer awards recognised her skill and drive.

Through the YES programme, sponsored and hosted by BlueSky Digital Solutions, her world expanded further. Her experience gave her professional grounding, financial stability, and a network of mentors who pushed her to grow. More than just boosting her technical toolkit, she built resilience and the self-belief to aim higher.

Today, as an ICT trainer at Titan Centre of Excellence, she designs and delivers training on everything from cloud computing and IT support to cybersecurity basics. She breaks down complex topics into lessons that learners can grasp, mentors them through hands-on exercises, and helps bridge the digital divide for people who struggle to break into the tech sector.

Most recently she got a role as an AWS cloud operations and support engineer at a B2B company specialising in building insight-led, automated decision and credit services . For Seja, her career growth has also led to personal transformation. “I know what it feels like to doubt yourself,” she says. “Now I can stand in front of learners and show them they belong in tech too.”

From laboratory tech to crochet hooks, 27-year-old Senamile Mzobe has built a career that balances scientific precision with creative entrepreneurship.

Mzobe completed her matric at James Nxumalo Agricultural High School before earning a BSc in Genetics and Microbiology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her first major turning point came when she joined the YES programme as a Technical Services Lab Intern sponsored and hosted by global chemical company Scott Bader. “The programme gave me structure, confidence, and practical skills,” she says. “It bridged the gap between my studies and the workplace.”

She also broadened her technical expertise through software development certifications, including earning the Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate, which deepened her understanding of cloud-based solutions and the digital systems used in modern laboratories.

After YES, she transitioned into her current role as a Laboratory Analyst at a leading South African steel company. Here, she tests products across the Metal Coating Line, Cold Roll Mill, and Colour Coating Line, ensuring that every coil meets international durability and safety standards. Her work helps safeguard the quality of steel that supports homes, schools, and renewable-energy infrastructure across Africa.

The shift from university labs to heavy-industry testing was challenging. “I had to learn fast, and in a male-dominated environment, I felt I had to prove my worth every day,” she says. But with mentorship and persistence, Mzobe not only adapted but also excelled, earning her team's respect for her precision and reliability.

Outside the lab, she channels her creativity into Mamalu Crochet, a small business she runs through TikTok and other platforms. Through her handmade beanies, scarves, and décor, she connects with a growing community that values craftsmanship and care.

When jobs were scarce, Nthabeleng Khasebe made a plan. She sewed clothes and home goods, put together gift baskets, and set up picnics for paying customers. It was not glamorous, but it paid the bills and gave her a purpose. “I liked seeing people enjoy what I made with my hands,” she says.

Her break came when she joined the YES programme, sponsored by Motus Corporation and hosted at Kia The Glen. She started out as a lead catcher, learning admin, finance basics, and customer engagement. It was fast-paced, and she often doubted her ability to keep up. But she pushed through. “I discovered strengths I did not know I had. YES made me believe I could do more,” says Nthabeleng. .

Nthabeleng was quickly recognised for her outstanding performance. She won both Employee of the Month and Employee of the Quarter. Her consistency contributed to Kia The Glen winning Dealer of the Year in 2023. She later moved to Kia Vereeniging, where her continued excellence helped the dealership secure the same title in 2024. These achievements proved that the long hours were worth it. .

27-year-old Nthabeleng now works as a sales executive with the same grit and determination that started her career in sales. Her approach is simple. She believes in active listening to find the best solution for each client. She’s also not afraid to try unconventional tools. For example, TikTok has become part of her sales kit, helping her connect with buyers in a relaxed, informal way. “It is not about pushing cars, but about making sure families drive away with something reliable,” she says. .

Along with her thriving career, Nthabeleng still finds joy in her side hustles. She continues to sew garments, make custom baskets, and provide décor services when time allows. For Khasebe, both her creative work and her sales career have the same foundation: treating people with care and giving them something worth their money and their trust. .

At 29, Nakie Timothy Djedje has already travelled a path from retail floors to robotics labs and classrooms full of eager learners. He started out working at H&M, where he built sales experience. After this, he followed his passion and sought out opportunities in IT and computer science.

His opportunity came through the YES programme, sponsored by Rina Tech South Africa and hosted at I Learn to Live – Ngifundela Ukuphila, a non-profit that empowers youth in rural communities through digital literacy, life skills, and entrepreneurship training. Starting as a facilitator, Nakie discovered his love for teaching. The role deepened his knowledge in robotics and coding and showed him how disciplined, innovative leadership drives success. Watching his CEO run the organisation inspired him to create something of his own.

Today, Nakie is both an independent robotics instructor and the founder of Lumin Academy, an education venture employing around 15 teachers and tutors. The academy focuses on STEM and commercial subjects, including robotics programming. It offers after-school programmes, workshops, and holiday camps, as well as school partnerships that bring hands-on STEM learning directly to learners.

The results speak for themselves. Students who once gave up on maths or sciences are going from level 1/2 to Level 6/7. “Our culture is to teach learners to teach,” says Nakie. “When a student explains a concept to someone else, that is when they know they have mastered it.”

Running a growing academy brings challenges, from managing staff and resources to securing consistent funding. But he draws strength from his own journey. Once an introvert, he leads teams, builds networks, and wins the trust of parents and schools. For him, success is measured in confidence and lives changed. “Giving students belief in themselves, and employing graduates who were once unemployed, is what makes the struggle worth it,” he says.

Nompumelelo Roselinah Phangela reflects on her journey with a grin. “It was admin work, nothing fancy,” she says. “I did not even think of it as a career, just a way to help out.” She was a volunteer at a school, doing small tasks such as filing, typing, and answering parents' questions. None of it came with a salary, but it kept her busy.

That experience mattered more than she realised. When she joined the YES programme, sponsored by ATC South Africa Wireless Infrastructure and hosted by Click Learning, she had the skills she needed to step into something bigger. The placement took her from an administrative volunteer to running a computer lab and gave her a sense of responsibility.

At first, Nompumelelo a found it overwhelming, keeping the lab in order, helping learners who did not always understand the technology, and making sure teachers could rely on her. But she found her rhythm. “I started to enjoy it, even the small things like fixing cables or explaining the same thing ten times. It made me patient,” she says.

Her hard work did not go unnoticed. She was given the Facilitator’s Choice Award and later the Best Fixed Lab Award. To her, those certificates were proof that the late nights, the extra effort, and the willingness to try again when things went wrong were worth it.

Now at 27, she is still working in the lab. She manages the space, supports teachers, mentors student volunteers, and makes sure the environment feels safe and welcoming. Looking back, she sees YES as the starting point that changed her life forever. “It gave me the confidence to see myself in a role I never imagined. It showed me I belong here.”

By helping young learners navigate technology with patience and empathy, Phangela is growing the next generation’s digital confidence.

When jobs were scarce, Matsatsi Magdeline Mpholoane kept going. She worked as a warehouse assistant while running a small business on the side make ends meet. Her real turning point came when she joined the YES programme, sponsored and hosted by Digiata Technology Services. The structured training gave her direction, confidence, and the means to invest in her future.

Inside the warehouse, she gained hands-on experience in logistics, including inventory control, load coordination, and ensuring the smooth flow of goods. By the end of her YES placement, she was promoted to Warehouse Supervisor, overseeing daily operations and guiding her team. “YES gave me the chance to prove that I could take on responsibility and deliver,” she says. “It taught me that leadership is earned through consistency.”

She used her YES stipend to grow her business. What started as a small hustle selling achaar on the streets became a steady enterprise selling spices and packaging to other achaar businesses. She supported other vendors by providing access to quality products and packaging solutions. Over time, this grew into a network of customers who trusted her consistency. .

Now at 29, Matsatsi balances her full-time warehouse role with entrepreneurship. She credits YES with giving her the soft skills, like teamwork, problem-solving, and financial literacy, that she uses in both spaces. “Managing a team in the warehouse is not that different from managing a business. You need discipline, communication, and patience,” she explains.

For her, success is not just about personal progress but about helping others trade, supporting small businesses, and showing that growth is possible when you use every opportunity. “YES opened the first door,” she says. “I am building the rest step by step.”