Young South African Achievers

Rising Stars Pioneering Their Own Future

By Raine St.Claire

In a dynamic showcase of talent, young South African achievers are forging unique paths to success. We pay special tribute to Natalie Musonda, the winner of the Top Empowerment: Young Achiever of the Year Award and Dr. Abongile Qamata, a distinguished clinician and recipient of the Top Empowerment Young Achiever of the Year Runner-up Award.

Their remarkable stories, along with those of five other trailblazers making waves paint, a vivid picture of resilience and innovation. Together, these individuals navigate challenges, break barriers, and contribute to a brighter future not only for South Africa but also beyond. Join us as we celebrate the diverse achievements and impactful journeys of these inspiring young leaders shaping the landscape of success and progress.

Winner of the Top Empowerment: Young Achiever of the Year Award 2023 - Natalie Musonda, Head of Sustainability & Diversity, Dimension Data

Natalie’s award-winning statement reflects glowing recommendations from both past and present experiences, emphasising her exceptional dedication, skills, and professionalism. These endorsements validate her capabilities, positioning her as more than qualified for this well-deserved award.

Her unwavering commitment seamlessly aligns with her role as a torchbearer for diversity and inclusion, perfectly harmonising with Dimension Data’s diversity policy. She actively instils a culture of inclusion and respect, strategically ensuring fair access to opportunities, promotions, and rewards for all employees.

Beyond her executive role, she embodies the company’s commitment to diversity as a strength, reflecting the belief in unlocking the power of individual uniqueness. Spearheading initiatives to cultivate an inclusive and fair environment, her commitment extends beyond personal efforts to build a leadership team that mirrors the diversity she passionately champions, permeating every aspect of the company and holding leaders accountable for driving diversity and inclusion—an indispensable role in shaping a progressive and empowered future.

This achievement not only undeniably endorses Natalie’s exemplary leadership but also signifies a symbiotic connection with Dimension Data’s vision for a diverse, inclusive, and thriving workplace. It solidifies her as a standout professional poised for success in any field.

Dr. Abongile Qamata, an esteemed clinician and truly deserving recipient of the Top Empowerment Young Achiever of the Year Runner-up Award, exemplifies this philosophy.

Her academic excellence led her to medicine, where she qualified as a medical doctor at the young age of 21. With 15 years of expertise, driven by a profound passion for health promotion and disease prevention, and a dedication to transforming healthcare and empowering individuals to take charge of their health, she transitioned into a pivotal role as a medical adviser at Afrocentric Group.

With seven years of clinical experience, she recognised the need for innovation in healthcare, leading her to spearhead the alternatives to hospitalisation strategy in the health policy and medical advisory unit. Believing in the power of diversification and refusing to confine herself to a single career path, Abongile’s shift to advisory responsibilities has broadened her perspective on managed care.

Emphasising the importance of patients with acute symptoms receiving care at home, she collaborates with organisations like Cure Medical, championing remote patient monitoring for real-time data assessment. Currently pursuing a master’s in public health and nutrition at the University of Stellenbosch, Abongile’s research focuses on noncommunicable diseases, exploring the impact of lifestyle and nutrition on the management of metabolic syndrome. Looking back, she would tell her younger self, “Girl, you have a lot going for you, so dare greatly.”

“Young women and girls, you have so much potential that you need to exploit. Hard work and potential need to come together, and when they do, they make magic”

Sanna Sebone: Entrepreneurial Fire Ignites QS’s Niche

Sanna, a qualified quantity surveyor, established Sebongi Construction in 2018, with her own funds and just 2 employees. Cracking the male-dominated South African construction sector was tough, but Sanna triumphantly carved her niche. She now employs 179 and this 34 year old’s 100% female-owned construction company is a force to be reckoned with in the Northern Cape.

Despite initial struggles, success followed with her first project in 2019 and a Covid-19 Health Facility in 2020 which in turn brought on serious industry competition. She found vital support from Anglo American Zimele’s programme with a structured nine-month mentorship on rigorous financial management, marketing and growth strategies.

The programme’s impact is evident in a remarkable 187% revenue growth. With notable projects, including the successful completion of a 100MW high-risk solar tower with zero serious injuries and zero fatalities, this dynamic young woman is charting a new course for women in construction.

Sharon Mashishi: Achieving career Success with an Altruistic Aim

Sharon, a formidable entrepreneur, who at just 27, owns two companies and employs over 60 people, is not someone to underestimate. In 2016, acting on her father’s advice, Sharon established Bahlaping Mash Trading & Projects, specialising in manufacturing and supplying cable trestles and poles to an Anglo American mine in Limpopo. Balancing studies and business posed challenges, with the absence of an accounting system, a limited budget, and no succession plan adding complexity to her journey.

Sharon overcame these challenges by collaborating with a technical partner to enhance her business skills, leading to business acumen mentorship through Anglo American Zimele. This journey culminated in her second company, Bahlaping Enginet, a successful joint venture with Enginet.

Sharon initiated an aviation programme at a primary school and provides aid to 2 high schools in her hometown and despite her success as a trailblazer for women in construction, remains committed to positively impacting her community by paying it forward.

Itumeleng Sekgota: Sustainability’s Champion Scientist

Shaping both her work and life pursuits, 35-year-old Sustainability Integration and Impact Specialist, Itumeleng is motivated by the real-world environmental implications.

Her commitment to sustainability dates back to 2017 when she was chosen for the Brightest Young Mind Africa programme, empowering young leaders to create a lasting impact across the continent. Initially a mine dewatering hydrogeologist, she gained recognition for her dedication in the UN Global Compact’s (UNGC) SDG Pioneer Competition in 2020. Co-founding Hydrogeologists Without Borders Africa in 2022, she established an NGO providing free specialised hydrogeological consulting services to Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.

Currently focusing on integrating environmental, social, and governance considerations into critical mining operations and decision-making, along with mentoring young professionals through the UNGC’s Young SDG Innovation Accelerator programme, Itumeleng envisions a South Africa where businesses prioritise sustainable practices aligned with the 2030 plan for a better environment.

Londeka Mahlanza-Langer: A catalyst for change in sustainable mining

Londeka, a 30-year-old Sustainability Performance & Reporting Specialist at Anglo American, is actively inspiring a new generation, especially young women, to pursue their dreams. She is a 2019 Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South African and devoted to reshaping the mining industry’s impact on communities and the environment.

She oversees the annual sustainability report and ensures the company’s carbon neutrality efforts directly benefit local communities and as an alumna of Anglo American’s Young SDG Innovator programme, she excels in her role, emphasising courageous leadership for sustainable business practices aligned with the UN’s SDGs.

Committed to breaking gender barriers in mining, she tirelessly works to encourage more women in mining, aiming to break down deep rooted barriers preventing their participation in decision-making through Anglo American’s WoMine (Women in Mining) network. At the Mining Indaba 2023’s Young Leaders Programme, Londeka advocated for showcasing diverse mining opportunities to attract young talent, connecting Africa’s resources with its youth capital, emphasising mining progress as crucial for socioeconomic development.

Professor Vukosi Marivate: South Africa’s Young Global Leader of 2023 Spearheading Advancements of African Data Science and AI

Vukosi, a dedicated data scientist and alumnus of Wits University, has been recognised by the World Economic Forum as South Africa’s sole Young Global Leader (YGL) in the Class of 2023. He holds the Absa chair of data science at the University of Pretoria, focusing on developing machine learning and artificial intelligence methods to extract insights from data. With a special emphasis on the intersection of machine learning and natural language processing, he works towards improving tools and data availability for local and lowresource languages.

As a co-founder of the Deep Learning Indaba, the largest machine learning and artificial intelligence workshop on the African continent, he strives to advance and strengthen the field of African machine learning through collaboration and insights from the community.

In addition to being part of the YGL Class of 2023, Vukosi has also been selected as a 2023 Aliko Dangote Fellow. This distinction places him among a group of nine African leaders passionate about addressing African issues, demonstrating resilience, innovation and determination.