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Gaining valuable insights and opportunities that would otherwise have remained out of reach

Gaining valuable insights and opportunities that would otherwise have remained out of reach
Business owner Thobani May. (Photo: Supplied)
The Youth Employment Service is delighted to announce the inaugural YES Top 35 Under 35 Awards, proudly presented by Daily Maverick.

Sibonganjalo Botha: Learning coordinator


Sibonganjalo Botha’s educational journey at Wits University, where she earned an undergraduate degree in industrial psychology and industrial sociology, laid a strong foundation for her future career. She achieved an honours degree in industrial psychology, graduating cum laude.

With no formal work experience before joining the YES programme, Botha was fortunate to secure a job through YES right after graduating. The YES programme was transformative, shaping her professional journey. Despite her limited work experience, Botha immersed herself in multinational corporations, gaining invaluable insights and opportunities that would otherwise have remained out of reach.

Read more: Explore the complete “35 Under 35” hub on Daily Maverick

Her career began as a human resources administrator in the YES programme. The year after that she took on the role of workday implementation administrator. In that same year, she was recognised for her exceptional performance and contributions by being offered a permanent contract as a training and development coordinator at one of the biggest fast-moving consumer goods companies in the country.

The programme’s structured initiatives empowered her to navigate her role independently. Most importantly, the programme helped Botha uncover her passion for HR, enabling her to envision and plan her career trajectory far more effectively.

Today, she spearheads the development and implementation of impactful learning initiatives to foster the professional growth of employees. An important part of her preparation in this regard stems from the invaluable mentorship she received through the YES programme.

The YES programme prepared Botha for the challenges and benefits of working, providing her with lifelong resources – mentors and a network she can always rely on. Her story highlights the significant impact of YES in shaping young professionals’ careers. 

Co-founder of a soup kitchen, Thato Mokwebo. (Photo: Supplied)


Thato Mokwebo: Co-founder of a soup kitchen


Thato Mokwebo’s journey before engaging with the YES programme was marked by a strong focus on philanthropic initiatives and a budding career in film production. Alongside his partner, Mokwebo established Ntsika Ye Sizwesethu, a soup kitchen that provides essential nourishment to learners and underprivileged shack residents in Alexandra township.

Mokwebo’s introduction to the YES programme came through his pursuit of opportunities in content generation at the Alex hub of YES. Drawn to the programme’s dedication to empowering youth in the Alexandra community, he was headhunted for a suitable role in the YES Drone Academy.

In March 2022, Mokwebo embarked on his journey with YES. During his tenure, he relied on his skills and determination to make significant contributions to the programme. He acquired experience in the drone industry, accumulating 300 flight hours while working for a prominent drone company.

Read more: Explore the complete “35 Under 35” hub on Daily Maverick

In addition to his achievements in the drone industry, Mokwebo successfully secured funding and support from the Industrial Development Corporation and a multinational beverage company for an innovative aeroponics farming project. With the backing of these entities, Mokwebo and his team have acquired the necessary resources to start the construction of aeroponics pods that can be used at his soup kitchen.

Through these initiatives, Ntsika Ye Sizwesethu continues to feed children daily and aims to introduce more sustainable nutritional value to the community.

Mokwebo’s journey with YES highlights how the programme can provide opportunities for those looking to grow personally and professionally. By combining his passion for philanthropy with advanced technological skills, Mokwebo has made contributions to his community that can easily extend beyond Alexandra township in the future. 

Restaurant manager Somila Skelem. (Photo: Supplied)


Somila Skelem: Restaurant manager


Somila Skelem faced financial challenges while studying at her local TVET College in the Eastern Cape, which threatened to stop her from completing her diploma.

However, applying to the Famous Brands YES programme marked a significant turning point in Skelem’s life. The programme not only provided financial stability, but also drastically changed her world view and overall personality.

Joining the YES programme opened Skelem up to the professional world, instilling in her a newfound confidence and a desire for self-improvement.

The experience pushed her to believe in herself and recognise the opportunities available beyond her initial expectations.

During her time in the YES programme, Skelem was promoted to supervisor at Mugg & Bean, a role she embraced with enthusiasm. Upon completing the programme, she continued to excel, eventually becoming a manager.

Read more: Explore the complete “35 Under 35” hub on Daily Maverick

This transition into management has been groundbreaking for her. It has broadened her mind to new ideas and altered her perspectives on individuals and leadership.

One of the biggest obstacles Skelem faced was coming out of her shell. Through the proper training and mentorship provided by Famous Brands and YES, she was able to overcome this challenge. The programme equipped her with the skills to speak up confidently, know when to listen and effectively navigate the professional world, which was initially unfamiliar to her.

The programme’s structured approach and supportive environment helped Skelem develop essential skills in communication, leadership and professional conduct. These skills have been an important part of her journey from being a student who faced financial difficulties to a successful manager at Mugg & Bean.

Her story highlights the profound impact of the YES programme in transforming lives and opening doors to new opportunities. 

Teacher and tutoring centre founder Sindisiwe Zuma. (Photo: Supplied)


Sindisiwe Zuma: Teacher and tutoring centre founder


Before joining the YES programme, Sindisiwe Zuma faced significant financial challenges that made it difficult to complete her degree. She worked as a hotel cleaner and store cashier, but found these jobs exhausting and unfulfilling. Joining the Toyota-sponsored YES programme through implementation partner Youth@WORK marked a turning point in her life, allowing her to register at university and continue her studies.

With the income from YES, Zuma was able to buy necessary items, contribute to household bills and gain experience in her dream career of teaching. After completing the YES programme, she was hired as an intern at the school where she had trained.

Zuma’s dedication paid off, as she completed her degree and graduated as a teacher. She worked for five years as an intern at the same school, gaining invaluable classroom experience.

Read more: Explore the complete “35 Under 35” hub on Daily Maverick

Recognising a need in her community for additional educational support, she founded Fundisisa Tutoring Centre.

The tutoring centre addresses the challenges of overcrowded schools, a lack of resources and parents who are either illiterate or work long hours. It offers extra lessons in maths, English and reading for learners from grades 1 to 9.

The YES programme was instrumental in Zuma’s journey, giving her the opportunity to work in a school and gain hands-on experience. She developed essential customer service and communication skills, enabling her to effectively interact with parents and advertise her business.

Zuma’s tutoring centre now employs two part-time staff members, providing them with extra income and important on-the-job experience. Her story is one of dedication and highlights how the YES programme transforms lives by offering financial stability, practical experience and the skills needed to pursue and achieve professional goals. 

Business owner Thobani May. (Photo: Supplied)


Thobani May: Business owner


Before joining the YES programme, Thobani May was a budding entrepreneur with a vision for his charcoal production business, Eco Char. However, his operations were at a very low level, and he needed support to kick-start his venture.

May’s YES programme, sponsored by Ford and hosted by YES implementation partner Conservation South Africa, brought significant positive changes to his life, both personally and professionally. It equipped him with the confidence, knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in business. The programme provided him with valuable information and tools that he continues to rely on to this day.

Read more: Explore the complete “35 Under 35” hub on Daily Maverick

One of May’s most notable achievements was selling his first 20 tons of charcoal and gaining recognition through radio stations and newspaper articles. Eco Char turns wattle trees, an invasive species, into charcoal. By doing this, May addresses environmental concerns such as soil erosion and the restoration of springs and grazing lands.

Eco Char not only combats the infestation of wattle trees, but also creates employment opportunities for 20 young people in May’s community. The business transforms a problematic invasive species into a sellable product, benefiting everyone involved. The YES programme showed May how to take his ideas to the next level and grow his start-up.

Even though sales initially presented a significant challenge for May, he made a name for the Eco Char brand by networking with more business-savvy individuals. Despite charcoal being a seasonal product, the right connections helped him to start generating continuous sales. The skills and professionalism he gained through the programme have been instrumental in his success.

The YES programme provided May with the resources and support needed to grow Eco Char into a successful business that not only addresses environmental issues, but also creates valuable job opportunities in his community. DM

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