“On 15 July 2025, VUT hosted The Mentorship Boardroom, featuring dynamic South African leaders sharing insights on entrepreneurship, career growth, and youth empowerment. The event included interactive discussions, mentorship opportunities, and introduced SA YOUTH, a free platform connecting unemployed youth to learning and earning pathways.”
21 July 2025 | Story By: Tshepang Mothibedi | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
4 minutes read time.
On 15 July 2025, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) hosted The Mentorship Boardroom at the VUT Quest Conference Centre. Centred on the theme Celebrating our youth, the event featured some of South Africa’s most dynamic leaders and entrepreneurs.
Programme Director Ms Mosidi Mokgele opened the session by introducing Ms Yolanda Cube, founder of the TVB Mentorship Boardroom and MTN Group Vice President for the Southern and East Africa region. Ms Cube extended a warm welcome to all guests and outlined the event’s purpose: to empower and inspire the youth. She explained that the Mentorship Boardroom is a platform designed to connect mentors and mentees through video sessions, enabling the development of future leaders. The platform is accessible to all individuals aged 18 and above. “There are so many people willing to give up their time to help-out. That is who we are,” she emphasised.
Mr Simon Mangcywatywa, a business executive and health strategy and policy advisor, was the first guest speaker. Originally from Sasol Zamdela, Mr Mangcywatywa shared a candid and moving account of his journey. He graduated as a doctor from the University of Cape Town but faced immense challenges as a student from an underprivileged background. Despite numerous setbacks and personal struggles, he completed his medical degree. However, he later realised that medicine was not his true calling and decided to follow his passion for business, a difficult decision, especially when communicating it to his mother. His message to the audience was clear and heartfelt: “I am you, and you are me. Always know who you are and go for what you want.”
Dr Mzamo Masito, CANVA Africa Lead, delivered a thought-provoking session with a strong focus on practical education. Rather than recounting his personal story, he broke down the principles behind brand growth and the importance of making deliberate choices early in life. He encouraged students to invest in personal development and self-awareness, underlining that branding begins with the self. “Never lose hope. Always remember, it works out in the long run. For some, it might be slower and for others, faster,” he advised.
Next was Dr Wongiwe Lududi, Senior Manager of Talent, Learning and Culture for CHEP in Sub-Saharan Africa. A proud Sharpeville native and Rhodes University graduate, Dr Lududi holds a
PhD and is deeply committed to supporting young professionals. She led an engaging Q&A session covering topics such as job hunting, workplace culture, CV writing, and corporate environments. “It is not about how you start, but how you finish that matters,” she said.
The programme continued with Dr Robert Manson, Founder and Managing Director of Alimama Spaces Investment and Alimama Capital. Dr Manson shared personal experiences and insights into the property and investment space. He was followed by Mr Johnathan Najoe, Manager of Events and Activation at Harambee, who introduced SA YOUTH, a free zero-rated online platform connecting unemployed youth with learning and earning opportunities across South Africa.
Before closing, guests participated in focused breakout sessions on topics such as finance, IT and engineering, marketing and entrepreneurship, and human resources. This format enabled more intimate engagement with the speakers and facilitated targeted learning and mentorship.
The event concluded with two final speakers. Ms Seaphi Dumasi, entrepreneur, author and VUT alumna, urged young people to act early, pursue their ambitions with courage, and positively influence their communities. She encouraged attendees to remain content, fruitful, and self-aware. Ms Vanessa Sofianos, Business Development Consultant at Remax SA, offered practical guidance on becoming a property agent and navigating the real estate industry.
As a light-hearted finale, a brief interactive quiz was held, with small gifts awarded to participants who answered correctly. Ms Cube formally closed the event by thanking all speakers, participants, and organisers for contributing to a successful and inspiring day of mentorship and empowerment.