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 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.”

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.

Matshepo Cheryl Thambekwayo never set out to be an entrepreneur. She trained as a nurse and began her career at Tambo Memorial Hospital. Although she valued the routine and cared deeply for her patients, she clocked off her shifts feeling restless. In her free time, she turned to books on developing a positive mindset and financial independence. Those lessons planted a seed for the next stage of her career journey.

Her first venture was Frooty Pops, a side business selling organic fruit popsicles. The venture taught her the fundamentals of branding, customer service, and building a product from scratch. Later, through the YES programme, sponsored by Shoprite Group and hosted at OUTsurance, Matshepo gained her first formal corporate experience as a field agent. The role sharpened her communication and finance skills, giving her the confidence to start planning her next venture.

That venture became ‘Thing Or Two’, a media and music business built to help digital creators find affordable, copyright-free music. Royalty-free tracks are difficult to access or expensive to license. Matshepo saw the gap and filled it, composing original tracks, building a YouTube following, and opening an Etsy store for digital downloads. Her work soon attracted influencers like Ndzalama Masindi and Nokwazi “Kwazeybear” Ntombela, and her first AI-generated album reached global streaming platforms.

The YES experience helped her formalise the business and think sustainably. “I learned to plan, build relationships, and persist when funding or equipment was scarce,” she says. Today, Thing Or Two is growing steadily, with multiple revenue streams and a new affiliate programme to enable creators and marketers to earn commission by promoting her tracks.

Thambekwayo has blended empathy from healthcare, structure from corporate sales, and creativity from entrepreneurship into a single purpose: helping others build. “YES gave me the confidence to see myself as a business owner. Now I want to make sure creators have the tools to build without limits.”

For Modipadi Mamokiritle Mokgohloa, performance was never just about the spotlight. It was about telling stories that matter. After earning a BA in Live Performance from AFDA, she completed her honours Cum Laude and a master’s in fine arts. Along the way, she learned that writing, producing, and leading teams gave her just as much joy as acting.

Her breakthrough came when she joined the YES programme, sponsored by MultiChoice and hosted by POPArt Studios, working as a researcher and partnerships coordinator. The role helped her grow into an accomplished producer as she built relationships, secured partners, and took projects from pitch to platform. “YES taught me to turn creative sparks into structured plans that actually get made,” she says. .

Modipadi’s creative work has travelled widely. She co-wrote and produced Whistleblowers, which toured the Hilton Arts Festival, National Arts Festival, and Cradle of Creativity before heading to the Netherland and earning a Silver Standard Bank Ovation Award and a Naledi nomination. Her student film Shumba won AFDA’s Best Student Film (2022) and Best Student Film at the 17th SAFTAs (2023).

At just 25, she led acting at Blaze Talent, representing a diverse roster and guiding performers through auditions, contracts, and career decisions. She also chairs Verity Productions NPO, where she oversees tours, fundraising, and the development of new works. Alongside performing, she supports her family’s lodge business, sharpening her commercial acumen. Most recently, she stepped into academia as a senior research lecturer at AFDA, South Africa’s leading private institution for film, television, performance, and creative arts.

Her journey hasn’t been without obstacles. She’s been underestimated because of her age, but she has learned to let her work speak first. “Every production, client, and show is proof that young people can lead,” she says. .

By building pipelines for performers and partnerships for productions, Modipadi turns talent into opportunity, carving out space for new voices to be seen and heard.

28-year-old Mohloiwana Jecqueline Nakana’s career journey began with a diploma in Management, majoring in Human Resources and Management Practices. But like many young graduates, finding a permanent role proved harder than expected.

Instead of waiting for an opportunity to find her, she registered her own transport company, taking on online deliveries and later expanding into e-hailing. “The hustle was real,” she says, “but it wasn’t the stability I was looking for.” Temporary contracts kept her going, but she longed for her breakthrough.

That breakthrough arrived in 2023 when she joined the YES programme, funded by Pizza Hut. Nakana joined Youth@WORK- LeadHERship cohort as a data quality assistant, her first structured role. “YES gave me confidence and skills, but more than that, it gave me purpose,” she says.

Within a year, she was promoted to provincial HR officer, overseeing HR operations across the province. She supports recruitment, ensures data accuracy, and guides young people through their own YES placements. “One of the most fulfilling parts of my role is seeing youth come in unsure and eventually leave with direction. I’ve been there, so I know what that transformation feels like.”

Her promotion came with challenges. Imposter syndrome crept in, and balancing her personal life with professional responsibility tested her. Mentorship and time management helped her navigate both. “I realised growth means stepping into uncomfortable spaces and proving to yourself that you belong,” she says.

Beyond the office, Mohloiwana runs a fumigation side business, selling cockroach-control products. She has built a loyal network of clients who trust her products to keep their homes pest-free, a small but meaningful way of improving daily life in her community.

Looking back, Mohloiwana credits YES with changing her trajectory: “It gave me the confidence to lead and the chance to open doors for others. That’s a legacy I want to keep building.”

Mothabiseni Tafane’s leadership journey began long before her first official management role. A graduate in Business Management and Economics, she started as a university tutor, helping students grasp the fundamentals of business. “I was supposed to be the one teaching,” she laughs, “but I think I learned as much from the students as they did from me.” That experience taught her patience, preparation, and the joy of seeing someone succeed because of her guidance.

After that, she worked as an educator assistant, a role she credits with developing her discipline. She planned lessons, helped teachers, and learnt to juggle schedules when nothing went according to plan. “It was humbling,” she admits, “but it taught me that supporting others is a form of leadership too.”

Her most significant breakthrough came through the YES programme sponsored by Sygnia Asset Management and hosted by Jumpstart Foundation. She started in a support role and rose through the ranks to become a supervisor. She went from leading a team of ten to managing over twenty young people while coordinating programme data and school relationships. Recognised for her integrity and advocacy, Mothabiseni was elected Chairperson of the Transformation Committee, where she championed fair treatment for semi-skilled employees.

Now at 29, Mothabiseni spends her days managing programme data, working with principals and coordinators, and mentoring interns who remind her of herself when her career first kicked off. She admits the path has not been easy. It was filled with self-doubt, office politics, and the weight of responsibility. But each challenge became part of her growth.

“YES did not just give me a job,” she says. “It gave me the courage to lead. And leadership, I have learnt, is about lifting others until they see their own strength.”

Mathapelo Karabo Pheko’s first experience of working life was far removed from her current role. She spent her days at a small non-profit, helping victims of crime and abuse, putting together awareness campaigns and listening to people who needed to talk. “It was not paid work, but it mattered,” says Mathapelo.

When the YES programme came along, it felt like a door had finally opened. For the first time, she had a payslip, colleagues, and the chance to see herself in a professional setting. “It gave me stability, but more than that, it gave me belief,” she recalls. .

She was in a Nedbank-sponsored YES programme and worked as a human resources administration, not long after, stepped into recoveries. Today, at just 27, she manages four external debt collectors, tracks student loans and overdrafts, compiling reports for senior managers. The work is high-pressure, but she enjoys the challenge. “Recoveries done right help people settle debts in a fair way. That is important for them and for the system,” she explains. .

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Performance reviews highlight her teamwork and leadership. She has mentored new hires, guiding them through challenges and reminding them that she also felt uncertain when she first started her job. .

The role has taught her patience and improved her people skills. Personality clashes once left her doubting herself but learning to listen and adapt made all the difference. Now, Mathapelo is expanding her knowledge through an Honours in Industrial Sociology, a decision inspired by her interest in workplace culture and the human side of performance. “The more I learn about people, the better I can lead them,” she says. She also takes on transcription jobs that build focus and discipline while adding extra income. .

“YES gave me the first step. The rest has been about proving, mostly to myself, that I can keep climbing.” .

CIMA finance graduate Matlou Isabel Mokoena never imagined she would be steering financial decisions so early in her career. From finance and administration trainee to Plant Controller, she has risen to challenges others might shy away from.

She joined the YES programme, sponsored and hosted by Saint Gobain Construction Products SA, where she started as a Junior Cost and Management accountant. It became the bridge between financial theory and practice, testing her skills in a factory environment where every decision has immediate consequences for production and cost .

When the Brakpan plant was left without a controller, Matlou stepped in as Acting Plant Controller. Managing key financial processes under pressure, she earned Saint-Gobain’s Finance Recognition Award for her leadership and precision. Later, she took on the same responsibility in KwaZulu-Natal, helping a newly acquired division strengthen governance, improve compliance, and integrate successfully into the wider business.

Now at 32, Matlou serves as a Finance Controller, ensuring Saint-Gobain’s operations meet the highest standards of financial reporting, governance, and tax compliance. Her role helps build an ethical and transparent business environment, one that supports long-term growth, job creation, and a stable local economy. She also mentors new YES candidates, guiding them through the same learning curve she once faced. “It is about making the transition easier for others,” she says.

Her drive extends beyond the corporate world. Matlou runs a side business selling Moringa powder, partnering with a young entrepreneur who operates an SABS-approved farm. Through this venture, she diversifies her income while supporting local enterprise and community health.

For Matlou, every role, from boardroom to factory floor, is a chance to prove that finance can be both practical and empowering. “YES opened the door,” she says, “but it is what you do once you are inside that matters.”

26-year-old Khensani Mnisi’s journey has stretched across law, real estate, conservation, content creation, and entrepreneurship. She first studied an LLB degree at UNISA, but financial pressures meant she never finished. Instead, she threw herself into work, starting in real estate before moving into artist management, youth leadership, and media roles.

The turning point came when she joined the YES programme, sponsored by the Sanlam. She was placed at the Conservation South Africa Dinkwanyane Water Smart Project. “YES taught me discipline and confidence. It gave me the tools to see leadership as something within reach,” she says. It was in this role that she gained structured work experience, mastering skills like document verification, payroll processing, reporting, and operations management. Her love for conservation took off with one opportunity, and continued to grow when she met her mentor, the founder of the Boledi Mafogo Foundation.

Since then, her achievements have reflected her ambition to make a difference. She served as Chairperson of a local youth network, helped grow the Boledi Mafogo Foundation as Marketing Manager, and amplified conservation work through the Kruger to Canyons Man and the Biosphere (MaB)Youth Network. She was also recognised as part of the Khetha Gamechangers initiative, spotlighting youth-led conservation.

Alongside this, Khensani and her mother co-founded Lehlabile Peanut Butter, an organic brand sourcing from local farmers in the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere. Now three years old, the business employs one person full-time, providing stable income and proving how even a small venture can change lives.

Today, Khensani balances multiple roles as a champion of conservation. She subcontracts for the South Africa Youth Biodiversity Network (SAYBN), serves as a Back-End Safari Consultant for BHS Safari Company, and continues to grow her business. “I want my work to show young people that you can start small, but you can still shape something bigger than yourself,” she says.

Whether she’s running logistics for safari clients or producing digital campaigns, her focus is to build opportunities that empower others.

For Lebo Engelina Monama, clothing is not just about fabric or trends. Garments are symbols of memory, resilience, and identity. At just 23, Lebo turned a long-term project that began in her matric year into Isiphithiphithi Wears Fashion House. What started as a creative project has now grown into a movement of fashion, photography, and mentorship.

Raised in Benoni, Lebo is a third-generation seamstress on her mother’s side but the first in her family to turn her craft into a business. Inspired by her late father’s entrepreneurial grit, she began with four printed caps and now supplies uniforms to four schools, designs streetwear, and captures client stories through her photography.

Her career was accelerated through the YES programme, sponsored by Pizza Hut. Selected from more than 600 applicants, she joined the Youth Content Collective (YCC) -LeadHERship cohort as a photographer and content creator. Her stipend eased financial strain while she completed her Clothing Production diploma, freeing her to focus on studies and invest in her first sewing machine and photography equipment.

For Lebo, mentorship is just as important as business. She launched 25 Art Peace, an initiative to help young people build character and creativity. This earned her various accolades, including Best Mentee (2018) and Best Mentor (2019) at national youth camps. Her exceptional leadership also saw her give an address at the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation.

Lebo’s next milestone is a fashion show at Constitution Hill to showcase her collection rooted in culture and resilience. Through this, she’s created more than 10 temporary jobs to provide experience that she hopes will launch careers.

Lebo has continuously reinvested her profits in her business, leaned on social media to grow her reach, and pushed through financial strain to keep building. For her, fashion is not about status or style. It’s about telling stories that help others heal and thrive.

For Mangkgateng Mary Seshibe, impact has never been something abstract. It is tangible, visible, and deeply personal. Sometimes it’s a locally sourced gift box from her business, Eden Events. Other times, it is providing a pack of sanitary pads for a girl who doesn’t have access to sanitary products. In her eyes, both are about dignity.

Manghgateng’s career kicked off when she joined the YES programme, sponsored and hosted by the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). She joined as an alumni aata analyst, and gained technical grounding in R, Python, and Power BI. She used these tools to measure how GIBS graduates’ lives changed after completing their studies. The role sharpened her analytical ability, grew her confidence, and connected her with mentors who recognised her potential. Mostly recently she works as an Economics intern at a Strategic Management Services company.

Before joining YES, Mangkgateng spent six years at the Gauteng Department of Education as a quality assurer, ensuring the accuracy of matric exam marking. She also completed three qualifications in Economics from Tshwane University of Technology and is now pursuing a Master of Commerce in Economics at Wits. Her academic discipline and data skills became the foundation for the social impact work that now defines her.

Entrepreneurship has always been her second language. Eden Events, which she founded in 2016, employs young people and sources handmade products from local artisans, turning community craftsmanship into economic opportunity. Pads-R-Us, the NGO she established, supplies sanitary products to schools, fighting period poverty, and helping girls stay in class with dignity.

In 2019, Mangkgateng was named one of South Africa’s Top 100 Shining Stars in Education, recognition that cemented her as a leader and changemaker. “I measure success by impact,” she says. “If someone’s life is better because of what I have built, then I know I am on the right path.”

When Elsie Masemola put her BCom Accounting degree on hold after just one semester, she felt like her future was slipping away. Money was tight, and studying full-time was not an option. She knew she had to find another way forward.

Joining the YES programme was the chance she needed. In 2019, Elsie was sponsored by Baker McKenzie South Africa and placed at Transcend as a technical analyst. She embraced her new role and entered the world of boardrooms and strategy sessions, eager to learn. At first, Elsie was overwhelmed, but she leaned on mentors, asked questions, and slowly found her footing. Her role helped her emerge from her shell. Where she had once avoided speaking up, she found herself running webinars and speaking with confidence to senior clients.

Elsie excelled in her work experience and found equal value in the work readiness modules offered through the YES programme. She learned how to manage her own money, budget, and carefully save toward her goals. Within a few years, she realised a dream she never thought was possible and bought her first property.

After completing the YES programme, Elsie’s career took off. She was absorbed as a junior consultant, later promoted to consultant, and then advanced into a senior role — all within just three years. Alongside her corporate growth, she also launched her own e-hailing business, steadily building multiple income streams and long-term stability.

Today, 27-year-old Elsie is a Senior Consultant at Transcend, where she runs her own department and mentors junior staff. A respected leader, she has helped her team achieve 93% of its annual revenue target and spends her days developing B-BBEE strategies for multinational and JSE-listed companies. Drawing inspiration from her own journey, Elsie now pays it forward by leading work-readiness programmes for young graduates. Earlier this year, she even hosted her first youth networking event to spark conversations and solutions around unemployment.

Despite all her milestones, Elsie has never forgotten where she started. “YES gave me the push I needed. It showed me I had more to offer than I realised. Now I want to pass that on to the next young person who feels stuck.”

Bonga Terry Chemba’s first YES stipend was not just a salary. It was the seed capital that kicked off his entrepreneurial journey. Every Rand went into materials and marketing to help his clothing brand, Material 501, grow into the thriving business it is today.

Bonga admits that when he started, he knew little about running a business beyond his passion for fashion. Joining the YES programme in 2023, sponsored by a major player in South Africa’s educational publishing sector and hosted by APJ Technologies, changed that. Working as a clerk administrator gave him structure, discipline, and the confidence to manage operations. YES’s financial literacy modules taught him to track every cent, while on-the-job training in inventory and customer engagement shaped how he runs Material 501 today. “Those lessons turned an idea into a functioning business,” he says. .

Today, Material 501 produces quality apparel that caters to diverse tastes, with Bonga steering both design and strategy. The venture has given him financial independence, created local jobs, and integrated suppliers from his own community into its operations. “It is not just about selling clothes,” he says. “For me, it’s also about building something that shows young people around me that entrepreneurship is possible.” .

For his employees, the business is more than just a paycheque. Bonga trains them in customer service, stock management, and production processes, equipping them with skills they can one day use to start their own ventures. .

At 26, Bonga is still expanding his vision. He sees Material 501 as an engine for economic growth and a launchpad for young careers. He’s proof that with the right start, a young entrepreneur can turn a stipend into a business that uplifts an entire community. .

Chantel Nontokozo Hlongwane’s career path hasn’t been as straightforward as she imagined. After high school she set out to study Biomedicine with the dream of becoming a doctor. But the further she went, the more fascinated she became with the power of data. She pivoted from medicine to IT, and when she started her first software and analytics courses, she discovered a space where she could build, solve, and innovate.

While completing her IT qualification, she gained practical experience as a freelance web developer and data analyst, balancing studies and work. Her discipline paid off. She went on to win first place at the AI Indaba Hackathon for Generative AI, a turning point that confirmed her talent for using data to solve real-world problems. .

When Hlongwane joined the YES programme, sponsored by BMW Group South Africa, she began as a data analyst at BMW Plant Rosslyn, contributing to digitalisation and process improvements. She later moved into Technical Planning as a graduate trainee, supporting planning operations and coordinating maintenance projects. Today, she works as a Business Intelligence Developer at Sage, where she transforms data into actionable insights to drive smarter decisions. .

Hlongwane champions inclusion in her field as a part of the Lean In Circle for Women working at BMW Group South Africa. This network offers support and encouragement as she navigates the challenges of working in a manufacturing environment “Sometimes you have to be the only woman in the room and you need to be sure to make your mark,” she says. .

Now 23, she is clear on her path: hone her skills to become a leader in AI, digital transformation, and business intelligence. “YES gave me the confidence to walk into corporate and hold my own. Every dataset tells a story. My job is to make sure it is heard.” .

At just 22, Crowley Paulus Kunene has already explored more careers than many people twice his age. His curiosity found direction through the YES programme, sponsored and hosted by Bidfood, where he joined as a sales cadet. The experience gave him structure, exposure to corporate strategy, and the mentorship that would shape his future ventures. He credits his late mentor, Shaun Naidoo, with helping him believe in his leadership potential.

Before joining YES, Crowley had already experimented across industries and skillsets, from fashion and design to social media and blockchain. His entrepreneurial spark found its first home in CouchBuild, an experience company he founded in Maboneng. The business curates immersive events, creative spaces, and cultural initiatives. It inspired his next venture, The Market, a lively platform where artists, designers, and small businesses showcase their work. For Crowley, these ventures are about building communities where creativity and commerce meet. .

Fashion became another outlet for his storytelling. Through his design label, Imagine Crowley, he creates bold statement capes that challenge convention and celebrate self-expression. “Fashion should say something about who you are,” he says. .

Crowley’s digital career has been just as transformative. As a social media specialist he’s helped launch viral campaigns and is accelerating his career in the fast-paced world of tech. The discipline and business acumen he gained through YES have helped him thrive. .

Today, through his podcast Curious Crowley, he continues to blur the lines between culture, business, and technology. “YES gave me confidence,” he says. “Everything I build today is about creating platforms that give others the courage to dream too.” .

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.

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, 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. .

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.”

From dropping out of university to shaping digital content for global brands, 30-year-old Guy Luyanda Maluleke used his experience gained through YES to launch a career in marketing and media. After dropping out of Industrial Engineering at the University of Johannesburg, he was desperate for direction.

In 2019, Maluleke joined the YES programme as a digital content producer and copywriter at Telesure Investment Holdings (TIH). Before this, Maluleke’s first stint was at a retail outlet, a job he loathed but took to support his family. YES gave him a role that reflected his interests, setting him on a path he was passionate about. This step, along with starting his podcast Tech Meets Creativity kicked off his career in content creation.

“It felt like the universe was giving me one last opportunity to do something meaningful with my life,” says Guy. His YES stipend gave him the freedom to focus and sharpen and hone his skills. He assisted in campaigns for leading insurance brands, including Budget, Auto & General, 1st for Women, and Dialdirect. This, says Maluleke, was the type of hard work that felt truly rewarding.

From there, Guy moved to Moody and Smith Digital, South Africa’s top real estate marketing agency. He started as a copywriter and, within two years, became a digital content manager. Guy calls this role a crash course in leadership and responsibility as he managed 20 junior creatives.

Today, Guy is a SaaS content specialist at CommVersion, a UK-based company with a global reach. Reporting to the head of demand generation, he creates and distributes content across multiple teams, from HR to sales.

He continues to freelance and runs his podcast, which inspires young people by showcasing voices in tech and the arts. Public speaking was once a weakness, but practice turned it into a strength. Teamwork and self-management, honed through YES, remain the foundation of his career. “The programme showed me that background doesn’t matter. Determination does.”

Before joining the YES programme, Jenine Scott was unemployed and uncertain about what to do next. After completing matric, she spent months sending out applications. When the opportunity to work as a teacher assistant arose, she grabbed it, eager to gain experience. “It felt small at first,” she says, “but it taught me about pace, people, and responsibility.”

YES opened the door to a different world. Jenine secured a position in the finance department at Bain & Company South Africa, where she was sponsored and hosted; and learned how numbers tell a story, how details shape decisions, and how structure drives accountability. Her exceptional performance earned her an extended contract. With a steady income, she secured her own place and started planning for long-term financial goals, including property investment. “Stability gave me room to think bigger,” she says.

Jenine’s growing confidence pushed her to start Dignity in Flow, a non-profit that supports girls in Kliptown with resources for menstrual health, hygiene, and self-development. The organisation runs monthly workshops on self-love, leadership, and financial literacy, while also providing sanitary pads and essentials to reduce school absenteeism. Open “girl talks” create safe spaces to break stigma and teach body confidence.

Dignity in Flow is still in its early stages and is supported by a small team of youth volunteers gaining experience in event planning and leadership. Jenine has already secured international partnerships and she recently met with the Western Cape Minister of Finance to explore ways to scale the programme’s impact.

By day, she works in finance; after hours, she builds a movement. Jenine often speaks about how her two worlds connect; budgeting for pads mirrors cash-flow planning, and community workshops run with the same precision as a month-end close. “Finance gave me tools. YES gave me my start, and Dignity in Flow gives me purpose.”