Bachelor of Architectural Studies – University of the Witwatersrand
(2 Distinctions)
Born in Gauteng, Grace’s love of design blends science, art, and philosophy. She sees architecture as a powerful tool to shape society with intention.
Current Architecture Intern at Luxury Frontiers
Shaun Maunatlala
Adopt-a-School Beneficiary | Supported by Victor Industries
Trade Certificate in Aircraft Engineering – Mega Aero Training Academy
(4 Distinctions)
Born in Limpopo and raised in Johannesburg, Shaun dreams of becoming a CEO in the aviation industry, fuelled by curiosity and discovery.
Currently awaiting SAFAIR contract
Sara Mathavha
Supported by CRET
Postgraduate Certificate in Education – University of Limpopo
(1 Distinction)
From Gogogo village, Limpopo, Sara believes education transforms lives and is committed to empowering learners in disadvantaged communities.
Teacher Assistant at Department of Education.
Matshidiso Papo
Supported by Victor Industries
BCom Economics and Risk Management – North-West University
(3 Distinctions)
Born in Johannesburg, Gauteng, and driven to become an actuary, Matshidiso’s long-term vision is to launch her own firm to help others achieve financial freedom.
Current Fraud Risk Management Learnership at Standard Bank.
Lesedi Mashele
Supported by Victor Industries
Advanced Diploma in Accountancy – University of Johannesburg
(2 Distinctions)
From Magoro village in Limpopo, Lesedi aspires to specialise in forensic accounting and tax to ensure financial integrity.
Current Student Assistant at University of Johannesburg.
Lulama Makaringe
Supported by Timken
BEng Mechanical Engineering – University of Pretoria
(2 Distinctions)
Motivated by her mother’s resilience, Lulama from Sasolburg, Free State, aims to innovate in aeronautical engineering and contribute meaningful solutions.
Current Engineer in Training at Howden Africa.
Makhalemele Makhokolotso
Supported by CRET
Advanced Diploma in Animal Science – Tshwane University of Technology
(2 Distinctions)
Raised by her grandparents in QwaQwa, Free State, after losing both parents, Makhalemele’s purpose is to advance animal science with determination.
Currently seeking employment
Mukhathutsheli Ndou
Supported by CRET
BSc in Computer Science – University of the Witwatersrand
(4 Distinctions)
From a large Limpopo family, Mukhathutsheli’s dream is to forge a successful tech career that secures a brighter future for his family.
Currently studying postgraduate. Intern at IBM.
Ncamazana Mahlangu
Supported by CRET Alumni Fund
Advanced Diploma in Architecture – University of Johannesburg
(2 Distinctions)
From Diepsloot, Gauteng Ncamazana aims to become a world-renowned architect, using design to empower underdeveloped communities.
Currently studying postgraduate
Nicole Mlaudzi
Supported by Phembani
BA in Speech-Language Pathology – University of Pretoria
Raised by her single mother and aunt in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, Nicole was inspired by a childhood friend with Down Syndrome. She is committed to increasing representation in speech therapy.
Current Community Service Therapist at Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital.
Nina Kruger
Supported by CRET
Bachelor of Law – Stellenbosch University
(3 Distinctions)
Raised in a close-knit Cape Town family, Nina combines academic excellence and compassion in her mission to use law to uplift others.
Current Candidate Attorney at Everingham Incorporated
Ntokozo Dlamini
Supported by CRET
Bachelor of Commerce – University of the Witwatersrand
From uMzimkhulu to Johannesburg, Ntokozo’s passion for business and family support fuel his accounting and entrepreneurial goals.
Currently seeking employment.
Paul Rangongo
Supported by Phembani
Bachelor of Accounting – University of the Free State
(3 Distinctions)
From Alexandra, Gauteng, Paul overcame crime and hardship to prioritise education, aiming to become a distinguished Chartered Accountant who gives back.
Currently studying postgraduate.
Pelela Mpotulo
Supported by CRET
Bachelor of Commerce – Rhodes University
(1 Distinction)
From Makhanda, Eastern Cape, Pelela made the leap from township schooling to the prestigious Diocesan School for Girls. She now pursues Chartered Accountancy with determination.
Current Student Supervisor at Victoria Girls High School.
Sakhe Mxhonywa
Supported by Phembani
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery – University of the Free State
Originally from Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal, Sakhe grew up in a single-parent home with five siblings. He is dedicated to treating both physical ailments and emotional scars in rural hospitals.
Current Intern Doctor at Department of Health (Port Shepstone).
Seele Mokoena
Supported by CRET
Bachelor of Computer Information Systems – University of the Free State
(1 Distinction)
After losing both parents, Seele worked for neighbours in Zadela village, Sasolburg, Free State, in exchange for essentials. Despite immense hardship, his love for technology drives him to create new opportunities.
Currently studying postgraduate.
Siyamthanda Rondo
Supported by Phembani
Bachelor of Human Resource Management – University of Johannesburg
(5 Distinctions)
Growing up in a small backroom shack in Kliptown, Soweto, Siyamthanda discovered her passion for people and business. She aims to empower others through her HR career.
Current Admin Clerk at Simanyene Group.
Yashmika Ponusamy
Supported by Grindrod
Bachelor of Commerce – University of KwaZulu-Natal
From Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal, Yashmika’s working-class upbringing and Indian-Hindu roots taught her resilience. Motivated by the memory of a lost friend, she is determined to succeed in marketing or creative leadership.
Current Supply Chain Intern at Rainbow Chickens.
Sthabile Ngcongo
Supported by Grindrod
BTech in Electrical Engineering – Durban University of Technology
(1 Distinction)
From Ixopo to Umlazi in KwaZulu-Natal, Sthabile grew up in an RDP house with her family of six. She is passionate about promoting smart energy and renewable solutions to create jobs and drive change.
Currently on a Learnership with Redefine Properties.
Lebogang Matlalane
Supported by CRET
BA in Law – University of Johannesburg
Lebogang’s upbringing by her grandmother, and her mother’s experiences as a domestic worker in Gauteng, fuel her drive to open a pro bono law firm serving marginalised communities.
Currently studying postgraduate
Khauhelo Nakedi
Supported by CRET
Advanced Diploma in Transportation Management – University of Johannesburg
(1 Distinction)
Raised by grandparents on a pension, in Gauteng, Khauhelo’s determination and passion for the transport sector reflect his commitment to overcoming challenges and connecting communities.
Currently seeking employment
Heinrich Verheem
Supported by CRET
BCom Chartered Accountancy – North-West University
(3 Distinctions)
Growing up in a Christian household in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, Heinrich learned the values of respect and compassion. His love of problem-solving inspires his pursuit of a Chartered Accountancy career.
Currently studying postgraduate.
Kamogelo Mmola
Supported by Grindrod
BCom Honours in Economics – University of Johannesburg
(5 Distinction)
From Rietvallei, west of Johannesburg, Kamogelo faced adversity after losing her mother, but her grandparents’ support and her passion for economics inspire her to drive change and create a brighter future.
Currently seeking employment
Thatohatsi Koloba
Supported by CRET
BCom Financial Accounting – University of Cape Town
(1 Distinctions)
Raised in Jagersfontein, Free State, by her mother and grandmother, Thatohatsi’s quiet determination fuels her goal of becoming a Chartered Accountant and building her own firm.
Currently studying postgraduate.
Boikanyo Mahlangu
Adopt-a-School Beneficiary | Supported by CRET
BSc Mathematics, Investments & Corporate Finance – University of the Witwatersrand
(5 Distinction)
From New Eersterus, Gauteng, Boikanyo is a proud product of public schools. Driven by her motto, “Death shall not find me where poverty left me,” she is determined to rise above her circumstances and become one of South Africa’s leading actuaries.
Currently studying postgraduate.
Anthony Sibambo
Adopt-a-School Beneficiary | Supported by Merafe Resources
BSc Chemistry and Applied Chemistry – University of the Witwatersrand
(1 Distinctions)
Raised by a devoted single mother in Rietvallei, west of Johannesburg, Anthony overcame instability and frequent moves. His strong work ethic and resilience now drive his passion for sustainable solutions in the petrochemical industry.
Currently studying further
Samkelo Mgodlo
Supported by Timken
BEng Mechanical Engineering – University of Pretoria
(1 Distinction)
From Protea Glen, Soweto, Samkelo dreams of making a positive impact as a mechanical engineer and giving back to his community.
Current Junior Mechanical Engineer at CKR Consulting Engineers.
Lebogang Mangoedi
Supported by CRET
BSc in Computer Science and Mathematics – University of the Witwatersrand
(3 Distinctions)
Raised in Gauteng in a family of 12 by his single mother, Lebogang dreams of becoming a software engineer at a leading global tech firm.
Currently studying postgraduate.
Amanda Mntungwa
Supported by Grindrod
Advanced Diploma in Taxation – Durban University of Technology
(1 Distinction)
After personal loss while growing up in KwaZulu-Natal, Amanda discovered her love of accounting. Determined and self-motivated, she is working toward becoming a CFO.