Publisher

In the heart of Soweto, Enos Mafokate stands as a symbol of hope and resilience for the youth in his community. 

As the founder of the Soweto Equestrian Centre, established in 2006, he has dedicated his life to sharing his passion for horses and creating opportunities for young people to thrive. 

The centre offers youths a chance to connect with horses while developing important life skills. 

In Kwa-Ndebele in Mpumalanga, beautician Precious Mabotja is making a mark with her business, Prexxy Beauty Academy and Spa. 

The 30-year-old entrepreneur, who founded her business in 2023, is not just providing beauty services; she is on a mission to empower individuals and fight poverty by offering valuable education and skills. 

The academy’s course range includes nail technology, waxing, massage and make-up.

After losing her job as a sales representative at a furniture store, Collien Khawula from the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal was forced to re-discover her passion for farming. 

Despite many challenges since then, it is a decision she has yet to regret. 

Khawula is the director of Tumies Enterprise, a mixed farm in Malangeni, in Umdoni Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. 

Anna Moriti from Sebokeng in Gauteng is an example of what it means to start again after suffering the plight of unemployment. 

In 2018, Moriti was left jobless after the company that she worked for closed down. Armed with a passion for designing clothes she soldiered on.

A category of students referred to as the missing middle, who previously could not qualify for financial aid provided by the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), can now apply for a student loan. 

This follows an announcement that the Department of Higher Education made in January this year regarding measures to support students who were previously not supported by the NSFAS bursary and funding policy. 

The department said government has set aside R3.8 billion to support ‘missing middle’ students through the NSFAS Loan Scheme. 

Bawinile Mokgonyana is quickly establishing herself as a standout talent in the rail industry.

Within just two years of starting as a Gautrain driver, she has earned a reputation as one of the top performers in operating Gauteng’s high-speed train system. 

As South Africa celebrates Transport Month this October, Vuk’uzenzele shines a light on Mokgonyana’s inspiring career journey. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a death knell to an event organising business in 2020, a couple from Umsunduzi in KwaZulu-Natal tapped on their passion for interior design.

Barely three years later, the husband and wife duo are reaping the rewards, creating much-needed employment along the way.

This is the story of Busisekile and Sibonga Shelembe, the directors of BDesigns Furniture in Merrivale.

Speaking to Vuk’uzenzele about their journey, Busisekile said this venture started in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown.